The Paris Olympics 2024 faced several Controversy, especially around the athletes. The event began with tensions, highlighted by a violent incident during the Argentina vs. Morocco men’s football match, which ended without spectators. Problems arose both before and after the games, with some athletes caught in significant conflicts. This led to widespread outrage and protests from fans, who felt the officials had overstepped their boundaries.
Here’s a look at the key Controversy during the Paris Olympics 2024.
5. Luana Alonso- Expelled from Olympic Village
Alonso participated in the women’s 100m butterfly event, where she placed sixth in her heat and ranked 29th overall. Reports surfaced that Alonso was expelled from the Olympic Village for breaking the rules, allegedly spending a night outside the village rather than staying with her team.
However, Alonso has denied any claims that she was removed from the Paraguay camp during the Paris Olympics 2024.
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4. Jordan Chiles- Bronze medal returned
American gymnast Jordan Chiles was caught in controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Initially placed fifth in the women’s floor exercise final, Chiles was awarded bronze after US head coach Cecile Landi challenged the judges’ scores. However, Romania appealed, claiming Landi exceeded the one-minute review limit. Five days later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favor of Romania, and Chiles was ordered to return the bronze medal. The USA maintains that Landi did not breach the time limit.
3. Tom Craig- Cocaine possession
Craig, a member of Australia’s men’s hockey team, was caught purchasing cocaine in Paris. He confessed to the offense and expressed regret for his actions.
The 28-year-old had purchased one gram of cocaine but was released with a warning by the Paris police.
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2. Imane Khelif- Gender dispute
Algeria’s Imane Khelif claimed the gold medal in the women’s welterweight boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her first match ended just 30 seconds after the initial punch, which was so powerful that her opponent, Angela Carini, decided not to continue and withdrew. The International Olympic Committee confirmed that Khelif did not break any rules during the Games.
The situation escalated when reports emerged that Khelif had failed to meet eligibility standards for the women’s competition at the 2023 World Boxing Championships. Following this, Khelif faced online abuse, with some fans accusing her of being a man. She has since filed a harassment complaint against an unknown individual.
1. Vinesh Phogat- Disqualification before final
Phogat made history as India’s first female wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, just hours before the women’s freestyle 50kg final, she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in. As a result, Phogat was ranked last, and the case is now being reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Indian Olympic Association hopes for a favorable decision on August 16.
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