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Triumph, agony, ecstasy, joy, and enormous levels of tension are just some of the emotions immortalized by the talented team of photographers at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Using lightning-fast reflexes and the latest technology, they continue to capture the perfect moments when the athletes’ performances reach the apex of their glory.

From the peak of a high jump to the exact second a gymnast’s muscles strike the perfect angle. From feats of unparalleled coordination in synchronized swimming to the blinding speed of a bike race. Have a look at some of the most impressive showcases of human excellence captured at this year’s Games.

#1

Team USA’s Mclain Ward And His Horse, Ilex, Seem To Be Almost Flying In An Impressive Feat Of Human-To-Animal Coordination

Team USA’s Mclain Ward And His Horse, Ilex, Seem To Be Almost Flying In An Impressive Feat Of Human-To-Animal Coordination

The pair started training together in February 2024 and have many prosperous years of competition ahead. After their performance at the Olympics, McLain already confirmed their participation in the next edition of the games.

“Ilex was brilliant. He has many great days ahead in his future, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has brought us together. Most of all, I am forever grateful and thankful for the people around me who continue to be unwavering in their support and belief in chasing our dreams,” he wrote on his Instagram page.

“Tonight, my thoughts are on L.A. 28! The stage is set on our home soil to get the job done!”

Hewitt/Getty Report

Maggie Fulton
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gasp! The horse’s name says it all!

WindySwede
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even better if the name was McFly? 🚗

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Sarah Jones
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The horses should get medals too

Dawn Harris
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think it could be more beautiful 😍

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    #2

    Rebeca Andrade Became Brazil’s Most Decorated Athlete After Securing The Gold Medal With Astounding Precision

    Rebeca Andrade Became Brazil’s Most Decorated Athlete After Securing The Gold Medal With Astounding Precision

    With her victory and sixth medal (2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), Andrade has become the most decorated Brazilian Olympian, surpassing her compatriots Robert Scheidt (2 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze) and Torben Grael (2 silver and 2 bronze).

    Baker/Getty I Report

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I attempted that move, I'd end up stuck that way.

    Katchen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn’t win the gold medal for beam, though. She won it for floor.

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    #3

    Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli Holds A Ball In Her Neck As Her Body Reaches A Level Of Mid-Air Tension So That Her Head Seems All But Replaced By The Object

    Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli Holds A Ball In Her Neck As Her Body Reaches A Level Of Mid-Air Tension So That Her Head Seems All But Replaced By The Object

    Described as a “master storyteller on the floor,” the 20-year-old athlete from Marche made her debut in Paris.

    "Every exercise this year has its own story. It's really something emotional that gets to the heart of the spectators, and that, I think, is the most beautiful thing about rhythmic gymnastics. It is crucial that when I take the floor, I am able to convey all the emotions that one can feel," she said in an interview with Olympics.com.

    Naomi Baker/Getty Report

    Magazine
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whenever someone blabs about how "men's bodies are superior", I tell them to watch rhythmic gymnastic

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a man I've never felt men's bodies are superior. I'm very partial to the female body. That said, when it comes to brute strength, power, and speed, men's anatomy is superior to women's. It's literally why we have separate men's and women's sports. But women have other advantages such as flexibility.

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    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rhythmic gymnasts have an insane level of body flexibility

    Paul Donahue
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good thing for the play by play of this picture, I thought it was Mysterio in drag!

    ggus44
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That ball makes her look like Mysterio from Spider-man 😜

    #4

    Ukraine’s Taisiia Onofriichuk’s Legs Form A Perfect Arc As She Dazzled The Audience With Her Routine, Accompanied By Michael Jackson’s Thriller

    Ukraine’s Taisiia Onofriichuk’s Legs Form A Perfect Arc As She Dazzled The Audience With Her Routine, Accompanied By Michael Jackson’s Thriller

    At just 16 years of age, this Ukrainian athlete has already proven herself formidable, winning 17 medals since her debut representing her country in 2021.

    She is also the 2024 European hoop bronze medalist, the 2023 Junior World Clubs silver medalist, and the 2024 Ukrainian all-around champion.

    Naomi Baker/Getty Report

    Mama Penguin
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My muscles hurt just looking at this. That's amazing.

    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never mind my leg muscles! My pelvis hurts just looking at this!!! 😄 It's omg! Amazing!!!

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    Socks Thecate
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw this. Her routine was absolutely beautiful and perfect!

    Julie S
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just looking at this my eyes are watering.

    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I'm still struggling to even get close to an 180 degrees legs split :))).

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to think I',m in pretty good athletic shape, but my legs, pelvis, neck, and back ache just looking at this amazing photo.

    Marnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It can't be healthy to be that flexible in the hips/legs.

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    #5

    Ukrainian Star Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s Gold Medal-Winning Jump Was Perfectly Captured At The Apex Of Its Height

    Ukrainian Star Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s Gold Medal-Winning Jump Was Perfectly Captured At The Apex Of Its Height

    The Ukrainian star made her home country proud at a particularly difficult moment, delivering smiles when they were most needed.

    Mahuchikh’s athletic feats are not the only thing making headlines these days, as she recently announced her partnership with Vogue, combining her sports career with modeling.

    Cameron Spencer/Getty Report

    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So happy for her and for Ukraine.

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    #6

    The Vertigo-Inducing Speed Of New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston, Bryony Botha, Emily Shearman And Nicole Shields Was Perfectly Captured During The Women's Team Pursuit

    The Vertigo-Inducing Speed Of New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston, Bryony Botha, Emily Shearman And Nicole Shields Was Perfectly Captured During The Women's Team Pursuit

    This competition combines blazingly fast speeds of around 50 to 70 km/h with the need to maintain coordination with your team. It’s also taxing on the body due to the strength needed to maintain stability on the bike and the endurance required to reach the finish line.

    Alex Broadway/Getty Report

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How to satisfy your need for speed.

    Phoenix
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I feel the need... the need for speed." - Top Gun

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    Paige Mangan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone remember the ps game kinetica

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing photograph! It truly looks surreal.

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    #7

    Spain’s Women’s Synchronized Swimming Team Topped A Beautiful Routine With Colorful Suits That Made Them Look Like Mermaids

    Spain’s Women’s Synchronized Swimming Team Topped A Beautiful Routine With Colorful Suits That Made Them Look Like Mermaids

    Demanding a tremendous level of acrobatic and aerobic skill, the sport is a blend of ballet and swimming.

    These swimmers train for years to coordinate their movements and strike beautiful poses underwater, all while delivering enchanting, theatrical performances that make it all seem effortless.

    Meyer/Getty Report

    CaliPanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such an incredibly difficult sport. So graceful in their athleticism.

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never understand why people still make fun of it. The amount of athleticism required is amazing. It requires incredible strength, coordination, gymnastics skills, swimming technique, and freediving skills. Just because the athletes are dressed in gorgeous costumes doesn't mean that the sport isn't insanely difficult. Many of these women can hold their breath for three to four minutes.

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    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's called artistic swimming these days, not synchronised.

    Katchen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My uncle did synchronized swimming when he was in college. “Where else am I going to see women in their bathing suits in the winter?”

    #8

    The Impressive Coordination Of Great Britain’s Thomas Daley And Noah Williams Awarded Them The Silver Medal In The Men’s 10m Platform Final

    The Impressive Coordination Of Great Britain’s Thomas Daley And Noah Williams Awarded Them The Silver Medal In The Men’s 10m Platform Final

    The tried-and-tested duo had already claimed the silver medal at the 2024 World Aquatic Championships. Daley is also an Olympic veteran, having earned the bronze medal in Rio 2016 and the gold medal in Tokyo 2020.

    Deepbluemedia/Getty Report

    #9

    Egyptian Fencer Nada Hafez Achieves An Emotional Victory After Qualifying While Pregnant With A 7-Month-Old Little Olympian

    Egyptian Fencer Nada Hafez Achieves An Emotional Victory After Qualifying While Pregnant With A 7-Month-Old Little Olympian

    “What appears to you as two players on the podium were actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come-to-our-world, little baby!” the fencer wrote after her victory.

    “My baby and I had our fair share of challenges, both physical and emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life and sports was nothing short of strenuous, but worth it.”

    Al Bello/Getty Report

    Barbara Wilcock
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine winning gold before you were born

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "What Mommy Did Before You Were Born."

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truly impressive! I used to practice kendo (Japanese style fencing) and we would kiai (guttural yell) to scare our opponents and amplify the impact of our strikes. I watched a couple of women's fencing matches and the way these women screamed when they got a point or didn't was truly terrifying- I honestly had never seen anything like it. Hah hah, mom had to turn it off as she said the screaming made her nervous. Truly, truly amazing athletes.

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    #10

    Sweden’s Armand Duplantis Delivers A Stunning 6-Meter Jump To Seize Olympic Gold And Register A New World Record

    Sweden’s Armand Duplantis Delivers A Stunning 6-Meter Jump To Seize Olympic Gold And Register A New World Record

    Duplantis dazzled audiences when he broke his own world record with an astonishing 6.24-meter jump, which also secured him the Olympic gold medal.

    His movie star-like good looks also made him go viral after netizens noticed he looked like the “long-lost brother” of actor Timothée Chalamet.

    Mustafa Ciftci/Getty Report

    Nimitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, but have you seen the guy who lost? ; )

    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The good thing is that he received some big offer for adult movies; the not-so-good is that he'll always be remember as the guy who lost because of his... treasure :))

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    Amity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bonus fact : he also ran immediately to his girlfriend after, which is so cute

    #11

    Quan Hongchan Of China Defies Gravity In A Perfect Dive, Securing Her A Second Gold Medal At Just 17 Years Of Age

    Quan Hongchan Of China Defies Gravity In A Perfect Dive, Securing Her A Second Gold Medal At Just 17 Years Of Age

    Having earned her first gold medal after a record-breaking performance at the Tokyo Olympics when she was just 14 years of age, the athlete has rightfully been described as a prodigy of the sport.

    Rose/Getty Report

    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Congrats and go girl!!! She's only 17? Super Kudos because I know what it must've taken to get her to this stage!

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    #12

    Korea’s Shin Yu-bin Seems To Freeze The Ball Mid-Air Before Sending It Back To Her Chinese Rival During The Women’s Table Tennis Semi-Final

    Korea’s Shin Yu-bin Seems To Freeze The Ball Mid-Air Before Sending It Back To Her Chinese Rival During The Women’s Table Tennis Semi-Final

    The Korean star started playing when she was just 3 years old and says she began training seriously at age five.

    She cites her father as her greatest inspiration, who, far from pushing her into the sport, just wants her to be happy and fulfilled.

    “We are like best friends. I share everything about the sport with him. But he always told me that he just wanted me to live a happy life and not to train too much so as not to get stressed. It rather made me keep working hard,” she said in an interview with MBC Sports.

    Buda Mendes/Getty Report

    Amity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd bet the ball blinked first

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love watching the table tennis players serve the ball. They seem to give the ball a death glare that would instill fear in even the most courageous person.

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Seems to freeze the ball mid-air." Yeah, it's called high-speed photography, not that revolutionary.

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one said it was revolutionary, plus I believe the comment was in regards to her intense "eye on the ball" expression.

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    #13

    USA’s Marcus Christopher Seems To Be Climbing The Luxor Obelisk On His Bike During The BMX Freestyle Men’s Park Final

    USA’s Marcus Christopher Seems To Be Climbing The Luxor Obelisk On His Bike During The BMX Freestyle Men’s Park Final

    Having performed just short of Olympic bronze, Christopher still achieved the best result for the United States in men's BMX freestyle at the Olympics, paving the way for future accolades.

    Broadway/Getty Report

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It truly boggles my mind how the human body can do gravity defying sports like this.

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    #14

    Rhys McClenaghan Wins Ireland's First-Ever Olympic Gymnastics Medal, With Gold On The Pommel Horse

    Rhys McClenaghan Wins Ireland's First-Ever Olympic Gymnastics Medal, With Gold On The Pommel Horse

    After Nariman Kurbanov of Kazakhstan scored a massive 15.433 points before him, all seemed lost for the Irish athlete.

    Far from being intimidated, McClenaghan gave it his all to deliver an astounding routine with supreme execution and extension, earning him a score of 15.533 points and the gold medal along with it.

    source Report

    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this picture, which was on the front page of the Irish Times

    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason he reminds me of a 4 leaves clover :)

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have women tried to do the pommel horse? This looks seriously intense!

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They do a lot of the same moves on the balance beam, but I've never seen them do pommel horse in any competition. You can see some examples of pommel-style moves on the balance beam here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAPoR8bWF8g

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    #15

    Ireland’s Erin King’s Incredible Strength Helps Her Lift Her Teammate Emily Lane While She Risked It All To Catch The Ball

    Ireland’s Erin King’s Incredible Strength Helps Her Lift Her Teammate Emily Lane While She Risked It All To Catch The Ball

    The maneuver combines strength and technique with the momentum generated by the catcher’s jump to keep the ball out of the opponent’s hands.

    For longtime watchers of the sport, it might not be a rare sight, but for Olympic audiences, the clip was impressive enough to go viral, attracting new fans along the way.

    Cameron Spencer/Getty Report

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What sport is this with a gridiron football-style ball and no gear? Women's rugby??? Pretty bad-a*s if it is!

    Cuppa tea?
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly, rugby. Best collective sport ever.

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    #16

    Simone Biles Continued To Inspire Little Girls Across America With A Beautiful Performance At The Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final

    Simone Biles Continued To Inspire Little Girls Across America With A Beautiful Performance At The Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final

    The gymnastics star successfully completed her “comeback tour” by winning four medals, sharing her victories with both teammates and rivals alike.

    The Paris 2024 event revitalized her career and also shone a light on many new exciting faces, making it one of the most-viewed sporting events in history, breaking the BBC Sport record with 218 million streams.

    Smith/Getty Report

    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a joy to watch Simone and today's gymnasts. I remember the era when gymnasts were tiny, slim teenagers. They were graceful, but they lacked strength and seem so fragile. And now we know that many of them were abused and malnourished. I definitely prefer today's gymnastics.

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I watched her performance. it's like she defied gravity.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Right? It's like gravity doesn't work for her. Awesome!

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    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is meant as appreciation of athleticism so please excuse if the comparison draws unintended connotations, but dayum... girl's got thighs like a thoroughbred horse!

    Carrie B
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's amazing. They're all so muscular, nothing on their bodies moves when they move.

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