The Olympics are a moment when we get to marvel at just how far humans can push themselves, and, as has been the case in Paris, to see a country pulling out all the stops to welcome athletes and fans from all around he world.
As usual, we have seen records broken and impressive performances from Olympians such as Simone Biles. But we’ve also seen some moments that celebrate the best of humanity that you might not have seen.
If you look below you’ll see just some of our favorite stories that have been shared on social media and in the news. However, if there’s another particular moment that caught your attention, please share in the comments section.
1
Aurélien Quinion — New dad’s personal best
The French runner spent a more unusual night prepping before his big 20km final — he was by his wife’s side as she gave birth at 2 a.m. Having had around 30 minutes sleep before his major event, the inspired new dad set a personal best of 1h 19′ 56″ (possibly desperate to rush back to see his newborn daughter, Charlie!).
To celebrate his ninth position and impressive achievement, the athlete made a thumb-sucking pose in a nod to little Charlie.
2
Andy Murray — Bowing out with humor
The Scots tennis champ has had an illustrious career on the tennis court, but these Olympics marked the end of his professional career. In what must have been an emotional moment in the 37-year-old’s life, he took to social media with a dash of humor to say farewell.
3
Surfer praises God for his strength
You’ll likely have seen the stunning photo taken by Jérôme Brouillet of the Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina in the most perfect mid-air pose. The Christian surfer shared the moment on Instagram accompanied by a quote from Paul in Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through Him who strengthens me.”
4
Simone Biles’ grace in coming second
As usual the American gymnast Simone Biles performed brilliantly during her events in Paris. Notching up an impressive 3 gold medals, the champ came a surprising second in the floor routine. However, despite her disappointment Biles showed true sportsmanship, along with Jordan Chiles, during the medal ceremony, bowing to the Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who had just won the gold.
5
Fiji athletes’ morning hymns wake Olympic
Every morning the athletes representing Fiji have been waking up fellow competitors, thanks to their musical renditions. Starting their day in worship has not only inspired their neighbors, it has lead to the Fiji rugby sevens men’s team collecting a silver medal — one of the four medals the country has ever received in their participation of the Games since 1956.
6
Katie Ledecky and her Hail Marys
The devout Catholic swimmer has never shied away from sharing how she leans on the Blessed Mother before each race. And this has proved most beneficial throughout her career, including this Olympics. Garnering two golds, a silver and a bronze, Ledecky has shown the power of prayer once again.
7
Skateboarder signing Scripture
At 16 years of age Rayssa Leal, a Brazilian skateboarder, used her sign language skills before her event to quote from John 14:6, stating: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
As shared by NCR Register, she explained to Brazilian media outlet UOL that she does this before every competition. “For me it is important; I am Christian, I believe a lot in God,” she stated. “There I asked for strength and sent a message to everyone, that God really is the way, the truth, and the life.”
8
A marriage made in Olympic heaven
You might have missed the more unusual medal table that featured the tally of medals from the leading countries, and an adorable column with a diamond ring to acknowledge the engagement of the Chinese badminton player, Huang Yaqiong. Fellow badminton champ, Liu Yuchen, who was a silver medalist in the men’s badminton doubles in Tokyo, got down on one knee just after Yaqiong had received a gold medal in the mixed doubles event.
While the USA is in pole position at the moment, the Chinese certainly seem to be the leaders in love!
On August 7, another ring (actually, a pin) was added to the tally, as French track-and-field athlete Alice Finot surprised her boyfriend with a trackside proposal after she broke the European steeplechase record. Vive l’amour!
9
Lending a helping hand
In another show of great sportsmanship, when the Angolan volleyball player Albertina Kassoma suffered a knee injury during the quarter finals, Brazil’s line player, Tamires Araujo Frossard, came to the rescue.
With both ladies standing tall at 6-foot and above, Frossard picked up her rival and took her off the court to receive treatment. The kind-hearted gesture was applauded by the 5,600-strong crowd.
10
Athletes and their adorable babies
To finish off, it’s been hard not to notice the number of cute babies being shown off by their Olympian parents. While it’s hard to choose a favorite, it was lovely to see how moms of toddlers went on to become gold medalists in rowing.
New Zealanders Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors earned silver in the Tokyo Olympics, went on to have babies, and then received gold medals in the double skulls event — perhaps being cheered on by their little ones proved a game changer!
And today we celebrate...