Why I Love the Olympics: Favourite Moments and Lessons from Paris 2024
I’ve always been a massive fan of the Olympics. There’s just something about watching the world’s best athletes come together that feels electric—every four years, the competition, the camaraderie, and the sheer passion on display are simply unmatched. Paris 2024 didn’t disappoint. It may have been my favourite one yet. From record-breaking performances to unexpected upsets, Paris 2024 delivered event after event, each with its own story—full of grit, surprises, and heart-stopping moments.
For me, the Olympics are more than just a sports event. It's a showcase of the human spirit. As someone who’s passionate about pushing boundaries, both physically and mentally, I find the Games to be a perfect mix of athletic excellence and life reflections. This year, a few moments really stood out—not just for the incredible displays of skill, but for what they represented about resilience, teamwork, and the importance of timing.
So, as I reflect on Paris 2024, here are some of my favourite highlights.
Simone Biles’ Comeback: The Power of Pause
Like many others, this was what I was most excited about. And Simone didn't disappoint, making a jaw-dropping comeback, winning a total of four medals, three of which gold. But what made her story truly inspiring wasn't just the medals and her status as the greatest of all time—it was the journey of resilience that led her there. While at the Tokyo Games, Biles took a step back from competition to focus on her mental health, reminding us all that sometimes, it’s okay to hit pause. It’s certainly a lesson I’ve had to learn myself. In a world that glorifies the grind, Biles showed us that taking a break isn’t giving up—it’s giving yourself the space to come back stronger.
On top of her incredible performances, her bow alongside Jordan Chiles to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade was a moment of pure sportsmanship. Perhaps my favourite moment in Paris, it underscored the idea that respecting and celebrating the achievements of others doesn’t diminish your own. In our professional lives, showing respect and acknowledging the brilliance of those around us only makes the whole team stronger. Truly incredible.
Mondo Duplantis Breaking His Own Record
Mondo Duplantis broke his own pole vault record at Paris 2024, proving that excellence isn’t a destination but a continuous journey. It’s easy to lose motivation at the top, but Duplantis reminds us that the only competition that matters is the one with yourself. His achievement teaches us to keep pushing our limits and to set new goals, even when we’re already at the top. Whether it’s refining a presentation or mastering a new skill, true growth lies in outdoing your own best efforts.
First Medals: Celebrating Every Win
Many people cheer exclusively for their own country. Maybe it’s because I’m not entirely sure what ‘my country’ is, but I cheer for everyone. Thea Lafond’s triple jump for Dominica, Julien Alfred’s 100m dash for Saint Lucia, and Letsile Tebogo’s gold for Botswana—each of these athletes made history by winning their country’s first Olympic medals. Their achievements celebrate perseverance and remind us of the importance of recognising every milestone, no matter how small. In our own lives, it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate every victory—whether it’s landing a new client, finally getting through your inbox, or even just making it through a tough day. Every win counts.
Tamirat Tola’s Marathon Masterclass: Always Be Ready
When an injury sidelined his teammate, Tamirat Tola stepped up to replace him in the marathon—and set a new Olympic record in the process. Tola’s performance exemplifies the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. You never know when you’ll be called upon to step into a new role or take on an unexpected challenge. Preparation isn’t just about being ready for the tasks you know about; it’s about being ready for the ones you don’t see coming (and excelling when they unexpectedly come).
Steph Curry’s Basketball Brilliance: Timing Is Everything
What a game! In the men’s basketball final, Steph Curry dazzled with a streak of 3-pointers that secured the victory for his team. What stood out to me was the timing—Curry stepped up when it mattered most. In professional settings, as in sports, timing is crucial. Whether it’s closing a deal, delivering a pitch, or simply stepping up for a colleague, knowing when to take your shot can make all the difference. Curry’s performance is a reminder that preparation meets opportunity, and when it does, you have to be ready to shine. And he certainly did!
Gabriel Medina’s Iconic Moment: Finding Your Light
I came back from a surfing trip just when the Olympics started, so naturally, after two whole surfing lessons, I was ready to judge the surfers from my couch with the expertise of a seasoned pro. Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina not only wowed the world with his performance but also left us with what might be one of the greatest Olympic photos of all time. Caught mid-action, the image captures the essence of what it means to have a shining moment—a moment where preparation, passion, and opportunity align perfectly. In our professional journeys, these moments are rare but precious. They remind us that when our time comes, we should embrace it fully, knowing that all the hard work has led to this point. As they say, hang it in the Louvre!
The 100m Sprint Final: The Thin Line Between Victory and Defeat
Well, to say this race was thrilling would be an understatement. The men’s 100m sprint final was one of the closest finishes in Olympic history, with just milliseconds separating the competitors. This race vividly illustrates how success often hinges on the smallest details. It’s the extra effort, the precise timing, the mental focus—that can make all the difference. As we strive for success in our careers and personal lives, we must remember that the little things often have the biggest impact and success is the culmination of many smaller elements.
Breaking Debut: The Courage to Pivot
Breaking (or breakdancing, as many of us know it) made its Olympic debut in Paris, and while it was a bold experiment, it taught us a valuable lesson—it’s okay to try something new, but it’s also okay to admit when it’s not quite working. This applies not just in sports. Sometimes, we need to pivot, reassess, and find a path that aligns better with our goals. It takes courage to try, and even more courage to change course when necessary. As the first and possibly last time breaking will be featured in the Olympics, it shows us that all things have their season—and knowing when to move on is just as important as knowing when to start.
Last Words: The Olympic Legacy
Paris 2024 was more than a showcase of world-class athleticism—it was a demonstration of what people can achieve when they come together to push their limits, adapt to the unexpected, and support each other along the way. The stories we witnessed go beyond the medals. They’re reflections of resilience, timing, and the courage to step back when needed.
These moments linger not because of the records set, but because they echo the challenges we all face in our own ways. Whether it’s knowing when to pause, how to prepare for the unknown, or when to take a leap, the Games show us that success is multifaceted. It’s not just about the finish line. It’s about the journey to get there, however winding it may be.
As we look ahead, perhaps we can carry forward these lessons—quietly applying them in our own lives, where the stakes may not be gold medals, but are no less meaningful.
