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Australian breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn has announced her retirement from competition following a barrage of criticism and mockery after her performance at the Paris Olympics. Gunn's unconventional routine, which included kangaroo hops and sprinkler imitations, drew widespread ridicule and became a subject of late-night talk show jokes.The 37-year-old Gunn, a university lecturer, faced intense scrutiny and conspiracy theories questioning her qualification for the Australian Olympic team. The backlash, she said, had been "really upsetting" and prompted her decision to end her competitive career."I'm not going to compete anymore," Gunn told Australian radio station 2DayFM. "I was going to keep competing for sure, but that seems like a really difficult thing for me to do now. The level of scrutiny that's going to be there... it's just not going to be the same experience."Gunn had previously condemned the "pretty devastating" hatred directed at her after the Olympics. "I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all," she said in a video message.Despite the mockery, Gunn received support from fellow Australian Olympians and even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She emphasized that she would continue to dance, albeit not in competition. "I still dance, and I still break. But, you know, that's like in my living room with my partner," she said."Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good. I don't think people should feel crap about the way that they dance. If you get out there, and you have fun on the dance floor then just own it."Ironically, Gunn briefly topped the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) rankings in September after winning the Oceania Championship. The sport of breaking made its Olympic debut in Paris but will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, has regained its familiar appearance after workers removed the Olympic rings that adorned it during the 2024 Summer Games. However, the debate over the rings' future continues, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposing their return as a tribute to the successful Olympics.The 30-tonne steel rings, installed in June, were removed in the early hours of Friday using multiple large cranes. They will be melted down and recycled. Hidalgo's proposal to erect new, lighter rings has sparked controversy, with descendants of the tower's designer, Gustave Eiffel, and conservation groups expressing opposition.Initially suggesting the rings be permanent, Hidalgo has since proposed they remain until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Deputy Paris Mayor Pierre Rabadan stated that the new rings, funded by the International Olympic Committee, would be less prominent than the originals.Some Parisians support the idea of replacing the rings, seeing them as a reminder of the city's Olympic triumph. However, others believe the tower should be preserved in its original form, free from advertising. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has also expressed concerns about the proposal's impact on the tower's historic status.Beyond the Olympic rings, Hidalgo aims to retain other symbols of the Games, such as the cauldron at the Louvre and statues of women in the Seine. However, conservation groups urge the city to prioritize maintenance of the Eiffel Tower, which has faced issues with disrepair.The removal of the Olympic rings marks a return to normalcy for the Eiffel Tower, but the debate over their future is far from over. Hidalgo's proposal to reinstall them as a tribute to the Olympics remains a contentious issue, balancing the desire to commemorate a historic event with the preservation of a beloved landmark.

The 2024 Paris Olympics embraced sustainability and legacy by utilizing temporary sports facilities and redistributing them to underprivileged areas. The iconic swimming pool where Leon Marchand triumphed with four gold medals is being dismantled and relocated to Sevran, a suburb with limited aquatic facilities. The pool will be renamed the "Leon Marchand Pool" and will be funded by the Paris 2024 organizing committee, while the local council will cover operational costs.Another training pool from the Defense Arena will be divided in half, with one part forming a new 25-meter pool in Bagnolet. The Seine-Saint-Denis region, which received the majority of Games-related infrastructure investments, will benefit from these facilities.Temporary stadiums erected at historic locations are also being dismantled. The BMX park from Place de la Concorde has been relocated to Cluses for a future world event, while the sand from the Eiffel Tower beach volleyball court has been donated to a sports center in Marville. Marville is also expected to receive one of the skate parks, while the other will be sent to Montpellier.The mountain-biking track near Elancourt is being converted into a multi-purpose facility for riders and walkers. Sports expert Pierre Rondeau praised the redistribution of infrastructure, noting that Paris has ample facilities while other areas can benefit from these resources.The Paris Games' legacy extends beyond temporary facilities. The new aquatics center in Seine-Saint-Denis is one of only three permanent venues built for the Olympics. The Games have also spurred investments in sports infrastructure throughout France, with 80% of public spending allocated to the Seine-Saint-Denis region.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting star, etched her name into Olympic folklore by becoming the first Indian markswoman to secure a podium finish in the 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her historic bronze medal was followed by a second bronze in the mixed team event, making her India's first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics since independence.Bhaker's success was not without its challenges. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, she drew inspiration from the Bhagwat Gita, particularly the famous quote, "You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work." This mantra fueled her determination to overcome adversity and achieve her Olympic dream.Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker is known for her strong support system. She credits her coach and fellow athletes for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections for an athlete's well-being. Her role model, badminton superstar PV Sindhu, has been a constant source of inspiration, with Bhaker even creating fake profiles to defend Sindhu on social media.Bhaker's double bronze feat has brought her a wave of new opportunities and responsibilities. She has become a national icon, carrying the Indian flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games. Her success has also inspired others, reminding them of the power of determination and resilience.In a recent interview, Bhaker shared her daily routine, which includes yoga, shooting practice, physical fitness, and time for relaxation. She also spoke about her memorable interaction with Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin throw champion, who shared his insights on the pressures of competition and the importance of mental strength.Bhaker's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport. Her achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. As she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Bhaker remains determined to continue her legacy of excellence and inspire future generations.

The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 concluded with India achieving its most successful campaign ever, securing 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This remarkable performance placed India at the 18th position in the points table, surpassing several top nations.India's medal haul was led by track-and-field, which contributed 17 medals, including four golds. Navdeep Singh's gold medal in the men's javelin throw F41 classification was particularly noteworthy, as he originally finished with a silver but was upgraded to gold after the disqualification of Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah for displaying an objectionable flag. Simran also added a bronze in the women's 200m (T12) event, setting a personal best time.India's success in Paris was a testament to the significant progress made in para-sports in the country. The team outperformed traditional Paralympic powerhouses such as Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina, finishing among the top 20 nations in the world.In comparison, Paralympic heavyweights China, Great Britain, USA, and Italy continued to dominate, finishing among the top 10 nations. India's performance in Paris sets the stage for an even stronger showing at the 2028 LA Para Games.

Indian para-athlete Amisha narrowly missed out on a medal in the F46 Shot Put final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics, finishing 14th with a personal best of 9.25 m. The podium was dominated by Noelle Malkamaki of the USA, who set a new world record with a throw of 14.06 m, Mariia Shpatkivska of Ukraine with an area record of 12.35 m, and Holly Robinson of New Zealand with a throw of 11.88 m.In the men's up to 49 kg para-lifting category, India's Parmjeet Kumar also failed to secure a medal, finishing eighth with a best lift of 150 kg. The gold medal went to Jordan's Qarada Omar Sami Hamadeh (181 kg), followed by Turkey's Abdullah Kayapinar (180 kg) and Vietnam's Le Van Cong (171 kg).Despite these setbacks, the Indian contingent has already amassed 21 medals (three gold, eight silver, and ten bronze) and is poised to extend its record medal haul in a single edition of the Paralympics. In the Tokyo edition, India recorded its best-ever medal tally of 19 (five gold, eight silver, and six bronze).On Wednesday, para-athlete Sachin Khilari clinched the silver medal in the men's shot put F46 final with a throw of 16.32 m, setting an area record. However, he narrowly missed the gold by 0.6 m.Over the past few days, the Indian contingent has won 13 medals, including golds for Avani Lekhara in the women's 10m air rifle and Sumit Antil in the men's javelin throw F64, silver medals for Manish Narwal in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 and Nishad Kumar in the men's high jump T47, and bronze medals for Mona Agarwal in the women's 10m air rifle, Rubina Francis in the women's 10m air pistol SH-1, Preeti Pal in the women's 100m T35, Yogesh Kathuniya in the men's discus throw F56, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi in the mixed team compound archery, Nithya Sre Sivan in the women's SH6 para-badminton, Nitesh in the men's singles SL3 para-badminton, Thulasimathi Murugesan in the women's singles SU5 para-badminton, and Manisha in the women's singles SU5 para-badminton.

India's Ravi Rongali showcased an impressive performance in the men's F40 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics, securing a commendable fifth place. Rongali, who had previously earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games in China, achieved a personal best of 10.63m. However, this was not sufficient to secure a podium finish in a highly competitive field.Portugal's Miguel Montero, the world record holder, claimed the gold medal with a throw of 11.21m. Mongolia's Battulga Tsegmid (11.09m) and Iraq's Garrah Tnaiash (11.03m) secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Russian Denis Gnezdilov, the reigning world para athletics champion, finished fourth with a throw of 10.80m.In the women's 1500m T11 race, India's Rakshita Raju faced disappointment in the opening round heats. Raju, 23, finished last out of four runners in Heat 3 with a timing of 5:29.92s. Only the top two runners from each heat qualified for the final.The T11 category is designated for athletes with visual impairments, including complete loss of vision or limited ability to perceive light. These athletes often run with guides.On Friday, Preethi Pal had made history by winning India's first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event. Pal secured a bronze medal in the women's T35 100m event with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

The 2024 Paralympics in Paris commenced with a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of 11 days of fierce competition. French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Games open, igniting the spirit of the athletes and spectators alike.The ceremony, held in the heart of Paris at the Place de la Concorde, was a vibrant spectacle. The 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations marched into the arena, with host nation France receiving a thunderous ovation. The atmosphere was electric as the sun set, casting a warm glow over the proceedings.In a poignant moment, French singer Lucky Love, who is missing his left arm below the elbow, performed a moving rendition of his song "My Ability." The performance, accompanied by both able-bodied and disabled dancers, symbolized the spirit of inclusion and diversity that the Paralympics represents.International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons expressed his hope for an "inclusion revolution" before Macron officially declared the Games open. The ceremony culminated in the lighting of the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens, a symbol of the Paralympic flame.The Paralympics will utilize 18 of the 35 Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais and the Stade de France. Ticket sales have surged since the Olympics, with over two million of the 2.5 million available tickets sold.Host nation France aims to improve upon its 11 gold medals from 2021, while Paralympic powerhouse China remains a formidable force. Ukraine, despite the ongoing war, has sent a team of 140 athletes to compete.Notable athletes to watch include American sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech, Iranian sitting volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, and Italian fencer Beatrice "Bebe" Vio.The Paralympics not only showcases athleticism but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. IPC president Parsons believes the Paris Games will bring these issues to the forefront of global priorities.

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are set to commence on August 28th, with an 84-member Indian contingent aiming to surpass their 19-medal tally from the Tokyo Paralympics. Led by flag-bearer Sumit Antil, who won gold in the men's javelin throw in Tokyo, India will field athletes across various disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoe, cycling, powerlifting, rowing, and shooting.In archery, India will be represented by Harvinder Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami, Pooja, Sarita, and Sheetal Devi. The athletics team boasts a strong contingent of 25 athletes, including javelin throwers Sumit Antil, Sandeep, Ajeet Singh, Sundar Singh Gurjar, Rinku, Navdeep, and Yogesh Kathuniya. Other notable athletes include discus thrower Dharambir, club throwers Pranav Soorma, Amit Kumar, and Nishad Kumar, and high jumpers Ram Pal, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar, and Sachin Sarjerao Khilari.The badminton team comprises Manoj Sarkar, Nitesh Kumar, Krishna Nagar, Sivarajan Solaimalai, Suhas Yathiraj, Sukant Kadam, Tarun, Manasi Joshi, Mandeep Kaur, Palak Kohli, Manisha Ramadass, Thulasimathi Murugesan, and Nithya Sre Sivan. In canoe, Prachi Yadav and Yash Kumar will compete in the women's and men's categories, respectively. Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in cycling.The powerlifting team includes Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani. Anita and Naryana Konganapalle will compete in rowing. In shooting, India will be represented by Amir Ahmad Bhat, Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Nihal Singh, Manish Narwal, Rudransh Khandelwal, Sidhartha Babu, Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna, Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar, and Rubina Francis.The Indian contingent will be hoping to make a strong showing in Paris and bring home a significant medal haul. The Games will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their talent and determination, inspiring countless others with their stories of resilience and triumph.