Late July of this summer, the torch was lit and the fans were ecstatic as the 2024 Paris Olympics began. As students across campus were asked about the many accomplishments shown, the most common categories mentioned were in track and field, swimming, and gymnastic events. 

One figure that stood out to a few girls in the 8th grade was a sprinter named Gabby Thomas. Gabby Thomas, the 200-meter American gold medalist, showcased her incredible speed and strength after being injured while she was training for the Olympics.

Equally as inspiring, Katie Ledecky, a four-time gold medalist in the 800-meter freestyle, was talked about by many students in grades 9 through 11. Katie Ledecky has been in the last four Olympic games and has achieved the status of the most decorated female American Olympian due to her performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Additionally, both the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams for the U.S. were a topic many 7th grade students spoke about in front of Ivy when asked. The students described the floor routines of the women’s gymnastics teams as exhilarating and satisfying while still being tidy. 

On the men’s side, the gymnastics team gave the crowd an impression of teamwork and gratitude at the end of each specific event. Students also stated that even when they didn’t watch the 2024 Olympics on purpose, the events would still amaze them when they saw short advertisement clips showing Olympic feats. 

Finally, the closing ceremony led students to consider the values of these Olympic Games. The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics mainly highlighted the five key rings that represent the Olympics and the representation of “finding” them in a theatrical way. 

While the audience of the Olympics this year is left impressed, no one can wait for what is to come as the 2028 Summer Olympics approach.