The defining images of the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics came to a close on Sunday, leaving us with some amazing memories. Every Olympics gives us some truly iconic moments, but Paris in particular provided us with some of the best sports photography ever.

Standing in the air

Surfer Gabriel Medina captured the end of a surfing session at a moment so perfect it looked like it was photoshopped, giving us one of the most iconic photographs of all time.

Godzilla starts the game

Photo: Zhang Yuwei Pool/Getty Images

It was a turn of events that nobody expected. The French metal band Gojira, who performed at the opening ceremony, Mad MaxIt was an experience I will never forget.

Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez announces retirement

Photo: Sarah Steer/Getty Images

It’s a wrestling tradition to leave your shoes in the ring when you retire, and Cuba’s Mijain Lopez did just that in impressive style.

Australian breakdancing legend “Raygun”

Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Nobody captured the Internet’s attention more than Raegan, who danced at the end of the match like no one was watching — even when everyone was.

A game that respects the game

Photo credit: Elsa/Getty Images

When Rebecca Andrade won the gold medal in the women’s all-around gymnastics competition, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the U.S. team were ready to bow down to the new queen.

Snoop Horse

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg was the most entertaining fan at the game, and while there are dozens of photos, none compare to this one of Snoop in his riding gear in the equestrian arena.

Shakari’s mean face

Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

None were more painful than the look in Sha’Carey Richardson’s eyes at the end of the relay, which gave America the gold medal.

Steph vs Wenby

Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Stephen Curry’s three-pointer over Victor Wembanyama Space Jam.

The most iconic arena

Photo: Ian McNicol/Getty Images

The tournament had no venue quite like beach volleyball under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

History is made

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

St. Lucia’s Julianne Alfred made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100 meters, becoming the country’s first gold medalist.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikets takes the game by storm

For many, the memorable moment of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is the Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeci. His relaxed pose and simple style, in contrast to the other shooters, helped him calmly win the silver medal. Dikeci’s pose was so popular that it became the celebration move of other athletes in Paris, including:

French basketball players during the gold medal game:

Photo by Mustafa Çifç/Anadolu via Getty Images

Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis after setting a new world record:

Photo by Mustafa Çifç/Anadolu via Getty Images

Jamaica’s Roger Stoner, who won the gold medal in the shot put:

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Is your photo inspiring others?

Olympic photos.