The Paris Olympics stands for so much more than medals and these heartwarming moments are testaments to sports’ ability to bridge and unify
Team Philippines just matched its Tokyo 2020 outing of four medals, thanks to Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio. But medal or not, the Paris Olympics stands for so much more than just winning and these heartwarming moments are testaments to sports’ ability to bridge and unify.
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Huang Bokai comforts a disappointed EJ Obiena
Something that probably will go unnoticed as the world watches Mondo beat world records is Huang Bokai noticing EJ Obiena shellshocked and going out of his way to check up on him. A reminder that despite the tension between our countries, we can connect to as individuals.🇨🇳🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/18wKPAEVOq
— mainichimadapaka 🇵🇭 in 🇪🇸 (@RyanSumo) August 5, 2024
The world’s second-best pole vaulter vowed to make up for his 11th-place finish in Tokyo at this year’s Olympics. Unfortunately, Obiena fell short of the bronze medal after failing to clear the 5.95m.
“I apologize. I promised I’m gonna go back after Tokyo and do better. I did, but it didn’t change in my book. I still came up short. I’m really sorry. I apologize for it,” said Obiena following the competition.
The star athlete’s disappointment was clear even to those on the track, and netizens were quick to spot China’s Huang Bokai comfort the disheartened Obiena.
Tensions between the two countries continue to skyrocket with the ongoing territorial dispute but as many have pointed out, it’s heartwarming to see the two showcase sportsmanship regardless of it.
Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles bow to Rebeca Andrade
The most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time has shown grace in defeat and she showcased it following her runner-up finish at the women’s floor final. Together with her teammate and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles, the pair bowed to Brazilian winner Rebeca Andrade for an Olympic-defining moment.
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Britain’s Harry Hepworth congratulates Carlos Yulo
Carlos Yulo is undoubtedly the Philippines’ greatest Olympian (so far). And while some have begun to gloss over his Paris Olympics run with issues surrounding his personal life, Britain’s Harry Hepworth—silver medalist at the artistic gymnastics men’s vault final—was sure to give the 24-year-old his flowers.
An unlikely unification
There’s no 38th parallel in Paris and a selfie at the podium of the mixed table tennis doubles competition will be remembered for years to come. South Korean bronze medalists Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin were seen taking a selfie with China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, and North Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong.
The Olympic best friends meet again
Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim made headlines at Tokyo 2020 when the pair decided to share the high jump gold medal.
The two once again got together when Tamberi checked on Barshim after the latter experienced a calf injury in the men’s high jump qualification.
These two 🥹#Olympics pic.twitter.com/sMLSyIGlbK
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 7, 2024
Brazil’s Tamires Araujo Frossard carries Angola’s Albertina Kassoma
In another laudable moment of Olympic sportsmanship, Brazil’s Tamires Araujo Frossard was seen carrying Albertina Kassoma off the handball court after the Angolan captain had an apparent knee injury.
The two know each other well as they also play in the Romanian handball league, with Frossard in Gloria Bistrița and Kassoma in rival club Rapid București
“She said, ‘Thank you very much, my friend. Only you could lift me up. I was very hurt’,” said Frossard after the incident.
New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde, gracious in defeat, honors Britain’s Alex Yee
Athletes, for all their competitiveness, know when to give the winning competitor their flowers. Despite losing out on the gold medal, New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde was seen sitting with Britain’s Alex Yee as the two watched the ongoing race.
Silina Pha Aphay (left) of Team Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Injuries are common in sports and athletes know all too well the pain and frustration it imparts. On the first day of the women’s 100m event, Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s flag bearer Silina Pha Aphay rushed to South Sudan’s Lucia Moris after succumbing to an injury during the sprint.
An iconic medal bite
A little bit of confusion and an adorable example of how sporting events connect cultures made for one of the best Paris Olympics moments.
On the artistic gymnastics women’s balance beam podium, China’s Zhou Yaqin saw the gold and bronze medalists Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito biting their medals. The 18-year-old silver medalist eventually put up her medal to her lips to mimic her competitors—making for an iconic and undoubtedly wholesome photo.
READ: Why do athletes bite their Olympic medals?
Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon hugs Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying
There’s love and respect even between rivals and Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon was the embodiment of that when she hugged Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying after their women’s singles badminton group stage match.
Tai had previously announced that this year’s Paris Olympics would be her last. Unsurprisingly, Intanton, knowing she had just cut her final run short, had an emotional and bittersweet win.