The Olympics aren’t just about medals! Here are some heartwarming stories that show extraordinary athletes are just ordinary human beings.
A birth that gives strength
Frenchman Aurélien Quinion finished 9the in the 20km walk and broke his personal record. However, just a few hours before the race, he witnessed the birth of his daughter, Charlie, in the middle of the night. After a nap of only 30 minutes, he found himself on the starting line! It seems that the arrival of a baby has given Aurélien wings to walk faster than ever!
A surprise announcement…
American swimmer Ryan Murphy, bronze medalist in the 100m backstroke, experienced a magical moment at the end of his race. In the stands, his pregnant wife revealed to him that they were having a girl thanks to a sign that read: ” It’s a girl » (or “It’s a girl” in French). The least we can say is that it was a day full of emotions!
A selfie for peace
In the table tennis (ping pong) podium, South Korean bronze medalists Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin took a selfie with North Korean silver medalists Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong. Also pictured are gold medalists Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha of China. A beautiful image of camaraderie, despite the tensions between the two Koreas for several years.
The incredible size difference!
Victor Wembanyama and Matthew Strazel, two French basketball players, show how athletes at the Olympics really have different sizes, within the same sport. A great illustration of Olympic diversity! It’s proof that, even if we have a “big” challenge ahead of us, we all have our place on the court!
Dive into the hook…
British diver Tom Daley showed up in the stands with a surprising passion: crochet. His creations are being sold to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to his heart following the loss of his father to brain cancer.
These precious moments remind us that the Olympic Games are much more than sporting competitions. They are also a celebration of humanity, love, peace and solidarity.
By Mina Dromard
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