The Olympics is an absolute emotional roller coaster to watch. But if the thrill of a close competition got you initially tuning in, it was the winners’ elated, emotional reactions that kept you glued to the screen, holding back tears (or was that just me?), and sprinting to their social media to learn every little detail about them.
Itching to relive those first-place highs over and over…and over!…again as the Games come to a close this weekend? You’re in luck: Here are the most thrilling gold-medal moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia, women’s 100-meter final
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Saint Lucia nabbed its first-ever Olympic medal—a gold, no less—via sprinter Julien Alfred in the women’s 100-meter final. Crossing the finish line in 10.72 seconds, Alfred outran the favorite to win, Sha’carri Richardson. In a post-race press conference, Alfred told reporters, “I definitely knew that Saint Lucians would be watching and hoping that they could get their first Olympic medal, and it came as a gold as well, so I’m sure they’re celebrating right now.” They certainly were: Saint Lucian residents—even travelers and airport workers in one viral TikTok—gathered across the country to watch her win.
Novak Djokovic, Serbia, men’s tennis singles
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