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The Paris Olympics concluded with a grand closing ceremony, marking the end of an unforgettable sporting spectacle. Despite a challenging start marred by rain and an arson attack, the Games showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes and the transformative power of sports.Kinzang Lhamo, Bhutan's flag-bearer, epitomized the Olympic spirit. She completed the marathon as the last finisher, cheered on by spectators who recognized her determination. Her journey symbolized the true essence of the Games, where participation and perseverance triumph over victory.The closing ceremony celebrated the Dutch marathon runner Sifan Hassan, who received the final gold medal. The event also witnessed a heartwarming moment when Mondo Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vault superstar, attempted to break the world record. His rival, Sam Kendricks, stood by as his biggest cheerleader, orchestrating the crowd's applause and sharing in Duplantis's triumph.Another memorable moment occurred during a heated beach volleyball match between Brazil and Canada. As tensions escalated, the DJ played John Lennon's "Imagine," creating a calming atmosphere that diffused the conflict. The crowd joined in a singalong, demonstrating the power of music to unite and inspire.The men's 100m final lived up to its hype, with Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson finishing in a photo finish. Lyles emerged victorious by a mere 0.005 seconds, but he acknowledged Thompson's incredible performance.The Roland Garros tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic drew a massive crowd, showcasing the global appeal of the sport. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides cheering their heroes.Simone Biles made a triumphant return to the Olympics, while Leon Marchand and Yusuf Dikec inspired with their exceptional performances. These athletes embodied the Olympic spirit of excellence and determination.The Paris Olympics will be remembered for its unforgettable moments, from Lhamo's marathon journey to Duplantis's world record attempt. These moments captured the essence of the Games, where athletes push their limits, inspire others, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Kinzang Lhamo, a marathon runner from the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, captured the hearts of the Parisian crowd at the 2024 Olympics, not for her victory, but for her indomitable spirit. Despite finishing last in the women's marathon, nearly an hour and a half behind gold medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, Lhamo received the loudest cheers from the spectators.Lhamo's journey to the Olympics was a testament to her perseverance and determination. As the sole female member of Bhutan's Olympic team, she carried the nation's flag during the opening ceremony. Her goal was simple: to complete the marathon, regardless of her finishing position.Throughout the grueling 42-kilometer race, Lhamo remained steadfast in her pursuit. While other runners dropped out, she pressed on, her pace unwavering. Her determination inspired the crowd, who stood and applauded her as she crossed the finish line.Lhamo's performance embodied the true spirit of the Olympics. It was not about winning or losing, but about the journey and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Her story resonated with the Parisian crowd, who recognized her unwavering determination and celebrated her achievement.Despite finishing last, Lhamo's impact on the Olympics was profound. She became a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the human spirit can prevail. Her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire athletes and spectators alike for years to come.

Dhara Rathi, a marketing executive from Mumbai, had a whirlwind experience in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Despite missing out on a volunteer opportunity due to a missed email, she immersed herself in the Olympic spirit and witnessed the opening ceremony firsthand.Rathi's journey to Paris was almost derailed by heavy rains in Mumbai, but a delayed flight allowed her to make it in time. While she wasn't attending the Olympics for the sports, she was eager to experience the atmosphere and connect with people.Despite her lack of interest in sports, Rathi found herself drawn to the fan park in Paris, where she witnessed the opening ceremony live. The crowd's enthusiasm and camaraderie impressed her, particularly the thunderous cheers for the Ukrainian team.Rathi's Paris itinerary included iconic landmarks like the Sacre Coeur and indulging in croissants, but she also embraced the Olympic revelry. She observed the excitement and joy of the crowd, noting the universal appeal of the Games.While Rathi may not be a sports enthusiast, she is proud of India's medal hopes and appreciates the unifying power of the Olympics. Her experience in Paris has given her a newfound appreciation for the spirit of the Games and the importance of human connection.

In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, India House has emerged as a vibrant hub for Indian sports enthusiasts during the 2024 Paris Olympics. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, Shivam Sharma, an engineering graduate from New Delhi, eagerly joined the queue outside India House, his excitement palpable.Sharma, a management student at HEC Paris Business School, has been captivated by the Olympic spirit since his arrival in Paris two years ago. "The chatter about the Olympics has been building up constantly," he says. "Now that the Games are here, I wanted to experience this grand event firsthand."Despite the relentless rain and the long commute to the venue, Sharma's enthusiasm remained undeterred. He had purchased his €5 tickets online and was eager to witness the inauguration featuring renowned singer Shaan. India House, he had discovered through social media, promised an immersive experience with Indian food, a cricket net, and the potential to interact with Indian Olympic athletes."I don't even care if they have won a medal or not," Sharma clarifies. "If I get to interact with any athlete from the Indian Olympic contingent, you will find me at India House."Sharma's passion for sports extends beyond cricket, the beloved pastime of India. He is equally excited about the prospect of witnessing other Olympic disciplines, such as badminton, tennis, and football. "The Olympics is a celebration of human potential and athleticism," he says. "I want to soak in the atmosphere and cheer for all the athletes, regardless of their nationality."As the rain subsided and the inauguration ceremony commenced, Sharma found himself immersed in the vibrant energy of India House. The aroma of traditional Indian cuisine filled the air, while the sound of music and laughter echoed through the halls. Sharma eagerly made his way to the cricket net, where he engaged in a friendly game with fellow Indian expats.Throughout the evening, Sharma reveled in the camaraderie and shared experiences with other Indian sports enthusiasts. He marveled at the performances of Indian athletes on the Olympic stage and felt a surge of pride in his country's representation.As the night drew to a close, Sharma left India House with a heart filled with memories and a renewed appreciation for the Olympic spirit. The experience had not only satisfied his sporting passion but had also strengthened his connection to his Indian heritage in a foreign land.

Vivianne Robinson, a 66-year-old Santa Monica native, has been bitten by the Olympics bug since the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Four decades later, she is experiencing her seventh Games in Paris, soaking up the sporting extravaganza.Robinson's passion for the Olympics is evident in her meticulous planning and financial sacrifices. She worked two jobs for eight years, selling rice grain necklaces by day and bagging groceries by night, to save up $10,000 for her Olympic adventure.In Paris, Robinson has tickets to over three dozen sporting events and the opening ceremony, for which she paid a premium of $1,600. While the opening ceremony was a disappointment due to heavy rain and limited visibility, Robinson remains undeterred.Robinson's enthusiasm extends beyond the stadiums. She can be found on the Champs Elysees, decked out in an Olympics-themed tracksuit, greeting volunteers and tourists. Her viral TikTok videos have made her recognizable, and she relishes the opportunity to connect with people from around the world."You actually meet more people when you're dressed like this," Robinson told Reuters. "I get to meet the world this way."Robinson's Olympic journey has taken her to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, London, and Rio de Janeiro. She is determined to make the most of her Paris experience, despite the hefty credit card bill that awaits her upon her return."You just can't be in a better place in the world, just to be surrounded by athletes and tourists and monuments and just the fun of the Games," she said.

Olympic Athletes to Reap Financial Rewards in Paris 2024The upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris mark a significant shift in the financial landscape for athletes. In a departure from tradition, various federations have announced substantial cash rewards for medalists, adding a new dimension to the pursuit of Olympic glory.Traditionally, the Olympic Games have been devoid of cash prizes, with athletes competing solely for the honor of representing their countries and the prestige of winning medals. However, this year, the trend is changing. World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, has pledged a generous $50,000 reward for every gold medalist in its events. The International Boxing Association has followed suit, offering a staggering $100,000 to gold medalists across all categories.This move has been met with mixed reactions. Some federations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), remain opposed to the idea of cash rewards, arguing that it goes against the spirit of Olympism and creates an unfair advantage for athletes in certain sports. However, many sporting bodies believe that athletes deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication."While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games," said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, "I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is."The financial incentives offered by federations are not limited to gold medalists. Silver and bronze medalists will also receive significant rewards, albeit smaller than the top prize. This move aims to recognize the achievements of all athletes who reach the podium, regardless of their medal color.In addition to the rewards announced by international federations, governments and national sporting federations have also traditionally offered cash prizes to their athletes for Olympic success. For example, the Indian government has reportedly offered 7.5 million rupees (about $90,000) to Olympic gold medalists, while the Indian Olympic Association has given athletes a separate reward of 10 million rupees (about $120,000).The introduction of cash rewards for Olympic athletes is a significant development that has the potential to reshape the financial landscape of the Games. While some may argue that it detracts from the purity of the Olympic spirit, others believe that it is a fair way to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of athletes who represent their countries on the world's biggest sporting stage.