The Paris 2024 Olympics, which captivated audiences worldwide from the opening ceremony on July 26 to the closing on Sunday, was a grand spectacle of athletic excellence. The United States emerged as the top nation, securing an impressive 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze), with China, Japan, Australia, France, and other leading countries following suit. However, the event was not without its share of controversies, with several incidents taking center stage over the last few weeks.
Here’s a look at the controversies that made headlines during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat experienced a devastating disqualification due to a minor weight discrepancy in the women’s 50kg category. Phogat, who made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was found to be 100 grams overweight on the morning of her final match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA.
Despite the Indian delegation’s request for additional time to meet the weight requirement, their plea was denied. Vinesh was replaced by Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman for the gold-medal bout. Although Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a decision is still pending. Should Phogat ultimately secure silver, it would mark India’s joint-most successful Olympics, alongside Tokyo 2020. For now, Sakshi Malik remains India’s only female Olympic wrestling medalist. Amid this turmoil, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from professional wrestling.
Luana Alonso Sent Home
Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso found herself at the heart of controversy after being sent home from the Olympic Village. The 20-year-old athlete was reportedly asked to leave due to creating an “inappropriate atmosphere” among her teammates, allegedly stemming from her beauty and social media presence, which were said to have distracted her fellow athletes.
Although Alonso did not advance to the semi-finals in the 100m butterfly event, she retired from swimming soon after her Olympic exit. Alonso denied reports of being “thrown out” of the Olympics, clarifying that she was neither removed nor expelled. Despite the controversy, her social media following soared, with her Instagram account gaining over 200,000 followers within a week.
Imane Khelif’s Gold Medal Victory Amid Controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured gold in the women’s welterweight division, triumphing despite intense scrutiny and false allegations regarding her gender. Khelif defeated China’s Yang Liu in a unanimous decision, securing Algeria’s second boxing gold in Olympic history. Her victory came amid a storm of controversy, with some falsely claiming she was a man, fueling the debate due to her dominant performances.
These allegations, intensified by a swift 46-second win over Italian boxer Angela Carini—who quit the fight citing pain from Khelif’s punches—were categorically denied by Khelif, who affirmed that she was born female and has always competed as such. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported her, dismissing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) previous disqualification of Khelif based on alleged male chromosomes in her DNA. Khelif’s victory was celebrated widely, with fans and fellow athletes condemning the hate speech and transphobia directed toward her.
Jordan Chiles’ Bronze Medal Stripped
American gymnast Jordan Chiles was ordered to return her bronze medal in the floor exercise after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) determined that her coach, Cecile Landi, submitted an inquiry outside the one-minute window allowed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Chiles had initially placed fifth but was elevated to third following the inquiry, which added 0.1 to her score. However, CAS ruled that the appeal was made 1 minute and 4 seconds after the score was posted, exceeding the permitted time.
As a result, Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu will be awarded the bronze medal. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the ruling, though the USA Olympic Committee is appealing, citing errors in the scoring and appeal process. Chiles, who also won gold in the women’s team final, plans to continue her gymnastics career at UCLA.
Tom Craig’s Cocaine Controversy
Australian field hockey player Tom Craig was embroiled in a scandal after being caught attempting to purchase cocaine in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. The 28-year-old Olympian was arrested alongside a 17-year-old suspected seller but was released with a warning and no formal charges.
Craig apologized for his actions, admitting to making a “terrible mistake” and accepting full responsibility. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) responded by stripping Craig of his Olympic athlete privileges, excluding him from all further Olympic activities, including the Closing Ceremony. AOC Chef de Mission Anna Meares expressed disappointment but acknowledged Craig’s remorse. Both the Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams had already been eliminated in the quarterfinals before the incident, which sparked widespread criticism of Craig’s behavior.
Thomas Ceccon’s Park Sleeping Incident
Italian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Thomas Ceccon attracted attention after being spotted sleeping in a park following his complaints about conditions in the Olympic Village. Ceccon, who won gold in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, was seen lying on the ground with a towel as a makeshift bed. The image was shared on Instagram by Saudi Arabian rower Husein Alireza, further fueling discussions about the adequacy of athlete accommodations.
The timing of the photo, whether taken before or after Ceccon’s team failed to reach the men’s 4x100m medley relay final, remains unclear, but it highlighted ongoing concerns about the living conditions within the Olympic Village.
While the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered for its incredible athletic performances and the spirit of global unity, it was also marked by controversies that brought attention to the challenges and complexities faced by athletes at the pinnacle of their careers. From disqualifications and personal scandals to disputes over medals, these incidents served as a reminder that the Olympics, while a celebration of human potential, is not without its share of drama. As the dust settles, the legacies of these athletes will be shaped not only by their triumphs but also by how they navigated the controversies that unfolded in the City of Lights.
