The defining images of the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close on Sunday, and we’re left with incredible memories. Every games gives us some truly iconic moments, but Paris in particular offered some of the best sports photos ever.

Standing on air

Surfer Gabriel Medina gave us one of the most iconic photos of all time when the end of his run was captured at such a perfect moment that it looked photoshopped.

Gojira open the games

Photo by Zhang Yuwei-Pool/Getty Images

It was twist nobody saw coming. French metal band Gojira playing during the opening ceremony was like something out of Mad Max, and it was utterly unforgettable.

Cuban Greco Roman wrestler Mijaín López announces his retirement

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Leaving your shoes in the ring is a wrestling tradition when you retire, and Cuba’s Mijaín López did it in emotional style.

Australian breakdancing legend ‘Raygun’

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Nobody captured the internet’s attention at the close of the games like Raygun, who danced like nobody was watching — even when everyone was watching.

Game respect Game

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of Team USA were ready to bow down to their new queen when Rebecca Andrade won gold in the women’s floor competition in artistic gymnastics.

Snoop Horse

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg was the most delightful fan at the games, and while there are dozens of photos there’s nothing that will top Snoop in horse riding attire at the equestrian.

Sha’Carri’s mean mug

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Nothing went harder than Sha’Carri Richardson looking across at the close of the relay when she secured gold for USA.

Steph vs. Wemby

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Stephen Curry shooting a three over Victor Wembanyama legitimately looks like something out of Space Jam.

The most iconic arena

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

There was no venue at the games that compared to beach volleyball under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

History is made

Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia wins the gold medal in the women’s 100m and enters the history books as the county’s first gold medal winner.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec takes the games by storm

For many, the lasting image of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics was Yusuf Dikeç, the. Turkish shooter whose relaxed pose and simplified style — a stark contract to many other competitors in shooting — chilling his way to a silver medal. Dikeç’s pose was so popular it became a celebration move for other athletes in Paris, such as:

French basketball players during the gold medal game:

Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images

Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis after his new world record:

Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images

Jamaica’s Rojé Stona after winning gold in the shot put:

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

A photo that inspires others?

The photo of the Olympics.