Paris Olympics Commence with Historic Performances and Competitive Spirit
- The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially started, showcasing numerous athletic events and ceremonies.
- Gymnastics, one of the most anticipated sports, will soon captivate audiences with its blend of artistry and athleticism.
- As the international community comes together for this grand event, the gymnastics competitions are set to be a highlight.
The Paris Olympics officially began on Saturday, following a unique opening ceremony. China quickly made its mark by securing the first two gold medals of the Games, with victories in the 10-meter air rifle mixed-team event and the women's synchronized 3-meter diving event. Additionally, South Korean archer Lim Si-hyeon set a world record in the individual ranking round, showcasing the high level of competition right from the start. Among the standout athletes is American gymnast Simone Biles, who aims to solidify her legacy by potentially becoming the oldest American gymnast to win an Olympic medal in decades. Biles is set to debut a new element on the uneven bars, while her teammate Suni Lee seeks to repeat as the women's all-around champion, a feat not accomplished in recent Olympic history. The duo will compete against each other but also join forces in the team competition beginning Tuesday. This year’s Games are notably missing Russian gymnasts due to a ban, although a few will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. This absence opens opportunities for the U.S. women's team and Japan's men’s team, who are both looking to capitalize on the situation. Japan aims for a fifth consecutive gold in the individual all-around competition and hopes to reclaim the team gold lost in 2020. As the artistic gymnastics events unfold from July 27 to August 5, rhythmic gymnastics will follow with qualifications starting on August 8. Darja Varfolomeev, a standout from the 2023 World Championships, is anticipated to shine in her Olympic debut during the second week of competition.