Top 10 Inspiring Olympic Stories
Written by: Jania Sanders
This year’s Olympics is one people will never forget. From Noah Lyles becoming the fastest man in the world to Simone Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, the Olympics has been nothing but thrilling and exciting. Each Olympian is incredibly inspirational and has a story to share. Let’s dive into the ten most inspiring Olympic stories from the 2024 Paris Games.
South Sudan’s “Bright Stars”
South Sudan’s “Bright Stars” are bright stars when it comes to the basketball court. The nation made its third appearance in this year’s Summer Olympics since its debut in 2016. With only their basketball federation coming into being in 2011, the South Sudanese team received their first Olympic victory with a score of 90-79 against Puerto Rico. Even though they suffered a loss to Serbia with a score of 96-85, the team made history. Luol Deng, South Sudan’s basketball federation president since 2019, states that “I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of the federation. I’m proud of South Sudan. I’m proud of our fans. I’m proud of the continent”. He emphasizes that he and the team helped them along the way. The Bright Stars are pioneers and trailblazers that have inspired Africa and its countries.
Photo Credits: Getty Images
2. Yaylagul Ramazanova
34-year-old Azerbaijan archer, Yaylagul Ramazanova, began her sporting career as a shooter. At one point, she ranked 185th in the world. In the 1/32 elimination round, she humbled Chinese archer An Qixuan, who is ranked 28th in the world. Shockingly, Ramazanova competed in the Olympics while six months pregnant. She is the second archer from Azerbaijan to make the Olympic cut after the 2016 Rio Games. In the competition, both archers gave their all and tied each other 5-5. Then, Ramazanova shot a 10 to Qixuan’s 9, resulting in a historic victory for Azerbaijan, herself and her unborn child. While training for the Olympics, the Azerbaijan archer didn’t feel uncomfortable about her pregnancy. She felt like she was fighting with her baby. It’s no doubt that she inspired so many people all over the world who left comments on social media such as “You are a champion!” and “Women can do anything!”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
3. Sha’Carri Richardson
The stylish, reigning world champion and American track and field runner, Sha’Carri Richardson, makes her Olympic debut and epic comeback three years after her suspension from the 2021 Tokyo Games for testing positive for Marijuana. In the first round of the women’s 100-meter sprint, Richardson won at 10.94 seconds. She became the first American woman to win gold in the event during finals on the same day as Gail Devers in 1996. Sha’Carri won 2nd place and was beaten by St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred by .15 seconds in the 100-meter sprint. This was the biggest margin in the women’s Olympic 100 in 16 years.
4. Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles, now the fastest man in the world, made history after winning the Olympic 100 final. Lyles is no stranger to the crowd. He became an Olympic gold medalist for the first time. The American runner competed in the Tokyo Games in the 200m and earned a bronze medal. Lyles overcame several hurdles in his life—He recently dealt with the loss of his high school track coach, Rashawn Jackson. In a social media post on X (fka Twitter), Lyles states, ““ I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you become. Why Not You!” In one of the most anticipated and exciting races, Lyles beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by .005 seconds with an official time of 9.784 seconds. The Olympic gold medalist has been open about his struggles with his mental health and has multiple therapists. With the support from his family and friends and millions of people all over the world, he is set to go to the semifinals and is scheduled for the men’s 200m final for Thursday August 9th.
5. Gabriel Medina
Surfer Gabriel Medina was captured in a breathtaking image by photographer Jerome Brouillet in Tahiti on July 29th, 2024. In the photo, he’s soaring into the air and appears like he’s standing on a Pacific Cloud while pointing to the sky. The surfboard mirrors his movements. Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina scored a perfect wave score of 10 but had to settle for 9.9 overall. Medina beat Kanoa Igarashi with a combined two-wave score of 17.40 out of 20, avenging his loss to the Japanese surfer in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Medina’s Olympic experience proves that, just like his Instagram caption and encouraging scripture states, ”I can do everything through Him who strengthens me”.
6. Arisa Trew
14-year-old Japanese-Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew became the nation’s youngest Olympic gold medalist. The teenager also became the first Australian woman to win an Olympic skateboarding gold medal. Trew started skating at the age of seven. In her final run, she began with a McTwist 540 followed by a body variable 540, earning a score of 93.18 and earning first place. Trew exclaims, “It’s super cool that I've won the gold medal- it’s been a dream, I’m so excited”. The legendary Tony Hawk congratulated the young star with a comment, “Glass ceilings are so 2023”. Her parents promised Trew a pet duck if she won. Arisa Trew told reporters, “Ducks are really cute and I really wanted a pet duck”.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
