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Triathlete Vomits On Live TV & Other Unexpected Things We've Seen At Paris Olympics So Far

If you haven't been keeping up with the Olympics, here are some interesting things that have happened.

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A lot has happened since the start of the Paris Olympics 2024

The global event has united countries as athletes from around the world showcase their incredible talents, break records, and fill their nations with excitement, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition.

Image via Bernama/New Straits Times

But ever since the Olympics started, several unexpected things have happened. Here's a look at what's been going on so far:

1. Snoop Dogg has been involved in a bunch of 'side quests' at the Olympics

Image via Reuters/South China Morning Post

Known for his influential music career and larger-than-life personality, Snoop Dogg's participation in the torch relay was a surprising but welcomed event.

The US rapper had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch ahead of the opening ceremony. The 52-year-old even ran a 200m-track prior to that and later swam with Michael Phelps.

No one knows why, but amidst all the competition, Snoop is the unexpected, random element we didn't know we needed.

2. The opening ceremony in Paris received significant backlash, leading to the video being removed online

Image via Must Read Alaska

Many called the opening ceremony "disrespectful", "disgusting", and "demeaning", comparing it unfavourably to previous years, such as Beijing and Athens, which were widely praised for their grandeur and cultural representation.

Critics argued that the Paris 2024 ceremony fell short in delivering the same level of quality and respect for the Olympic tradition.

There were controversial scenes, including claims that it intentionally mocked Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, an actor whose testicles were exposed on stage, and a mostly naked man depicting the Greek god Dionysus covered in blue paint.

3. South Korea was mistakenly introduced as North Korea at the opening ceremony

Image via Reuters/BBC

Olympics organisers had to apologise when South Korea's athletes were wrongly introduced as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea — the official name of North Korea.

The incident took place when the South Korean team made their debut down the Seine River during the opening ceremony. The same, and correct name, was later used when North Korea's contingent sailed past.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued an apology on its official Korean-language X account, saying, "We would like to offer a deep apology over the mistake that occurred in the introduction of the South Korean delegation during the opening ceremony."

4. The Olympics flag was accidentally raised upside down at the opening ceremony

Image via The Independent

In another opening ceremony blunder, eagle-eyed viewers were quick to spot that the flag was mistakenly placed the wrong way on the pole.

Image via Reuters/Daily Mail

Welp, awkward.

5. A Canadian triathlete vomited on live TV after the men's triathlon event, which included swimming in the Seine River

Image via Malay Mail

APNews reported that unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria were found in the Seine River back in June.

Despite efforts to clean the waters, the pollution reports raised concerns about its safety for athletes. 

To reassure the public, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo swam with 100 athletes before the Olympics to prove the river was clean enough for the swimming events.

However, doubts persisted among the public.

The issue gained more attention when triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk vomited at the finish line during the men's triathlon, heightening worries about the water quality and its effects on athletes. 

He told Canadian media, "I didn't come here to finish in the top 10, but I gave it everything I had. I went for it; I have no regrets… vomited 10 times."

6. In a turn of events, North and South Korean athletes went viral when they took a selfie together

Image via Reuters/New Straits Times

Despite the ongoing state of war between their countries, a rare and heartwarming moment occurred when the North and South Korean table tennis medallists took a photo together, which quickly circulated on social media.

The image was celebrated as a remarkable display of "unity" and the "true Olympic spirit," resonating with many as a symbol of hope and reconciliation amidst longstanding conflict.

7. A couple of athletes have stood out for their 'aura'

Kim Ye-ji has been dubbed as the "coolest" Olympic athlete. The South Korean shooter and mother captured the Internet's attention with her calm demeanour, stylish appearance, and "main character energy".

Image via Amr Alfiky/Reuters/Al Jazeera

Meanwhile, Yusuf Dikec went viral as a "chill" Turkish shooter, with some jokingly suggesting he might secretly be a "hitman".

His casual attire and relaxed attitude during the competition have made him a fan favourite.

Both walked away with silver medals in their respective categories. 

8. The wrong anthem was played for South Sudan's basketball team

Organisers mistakenly played the national anthem of Sudan instead of South Sudan's South Sudan Oyee before the country's match against Puerto Rico.

This error drew boos from the crowd, but it was quickly corrected, and the correct anthem was subsequently played, leading to applause from the audience​.

South Sudan became an independent nation in 2011 after years of civil war. This is the first time the country's men's basketball team has qualified for the Olympics.

9. Athletes raised concerns about raw meat and food shortages at the Olympic Village

There were reports of raw meat being served and food shortages at the Paris 2024 Olympics, primarily affecting the availability of high-protein foods such as meat, milk, and eggs.

The organisers aimed for a more climate-friendly event by incorporating a significant amount of plant-based proteins and locally sourced foods. However, this approach underestimated the high protein needs of athletes, leading to dissatisfaction and complaints​.

The South Korean athletes, however, weren't fazed as there were 15 Korean chefs flown in to cater to their culinary and nutritional needs. 

10. The opening of popular volleyball anime Haikyuu!! played when the Japanese volleyball team won their match against Argentina

Anime fans went crazy when Fly High, the opening theme song of Haikyuu!!, was heard following Japan's win.

What makes this even cooler is that there's even a Japan vs Argentina Olympics match in the manga, with Hinata Shouyou and Kageyama Tobio representing Japan, and Oikawa Toruu playing for Argentina as the setter.

11. The heatwave in Paris prompted Malaysian shuttler Goh Jin Wei to self-install an air-conditioning unit in her room

Image via @jinweigoh (Instagram)

Paris is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 30ºC to 35ºC.

To cut carbon emissions and be more eco-friendly, organisers provided one stand fan per two-bedded room and promised a geothermal cooling system beneath the buildings. 

However, many Malaysians questioned the room conditions after seeing Malaysian shuttler Goh Jin Wei installing her own air-conditioning unit.

12. Amid the Olympics 2024, a photo of a Japanese coach, seemingly named Light Yagami, writing in a notebook went viral, spawning tonnes of memes

Many were quick to make references to the popular manga and anime series, Death Note, with many joking that he was jotting down the names of Team Japan's opponents in order to increase Japan's chances of victory.

Turns out, the photo was actually taken a couple of years ago and was photoshopped. The name of the person in the photo is Hajime Moriyasu, and he is the manager of the Japan national football team.

Here are more unlikely events that have gone viral at the Olympics this year:

Check out more #olympics stories on SAYS:

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