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At the Paris Olympics, several sports legends concluded their careers with memorable performances, inspiring future generations and reflecting on legacies.
As the Paris Olympics drew to a close it not only marked the end of an era for several of the world's most decorated athletes but also offered a stage for dramatic exits and emotional farewells.
Among the luminaries bidding adieu were Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and LeBron James, each leaving a lasting legacy in their respective sports.
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15:00 - 11.08.2024
Noah Lyles' girlfriend Junelle Bromfield shares main lesson from her unceremonious Paris Olympics exit
Junelle Bromfield has revealed her main take away from her disastrous campaign at the Paris Olympic Games.
1. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had declared Paris her "last hurrah," aiming to add to her impressive tally of eight Olympic medals.
After blazing through her 100m heat with a time of 10.92 seconds anticipation was high.
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However, an unexpected twist saw her withdraw from the semifinals due to an injury during warm-ups leaving fans and Fraser-Pryce herself heartbroken.
Despite the setback Fraser-Pryce's impact on track and field remains indelible.
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08:30 - 12.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo reveals blunder that made Botswana lose gold to Rai Benjamin-anchored USA in 4x400m final
Tebogo has admitted to the strategic gamble he made in the final of the 4 by 400m relay that counted against Botswana in the end as the USA ended up clinching the medal.
With two Olympic titles and a relay gold among her accolades her legacy as one of the fastest women in history is secure.
Her absence in the semi-finals was felt by all marking a poignant end to her Olympic journey.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James clinched his third Olympic gold in a thrilling 98-87 victory over France, cementing his status as one of basketball's greats.
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At 38, James played a crucial role throughout the tournament, showcasing his enduring skill and leadership.
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14:00 - 11.08.2024
Georgia Bell on how watching Faith Kipyegon winning in Tokyo from her couch at home fueled her journey to claim a medal in Paris
Bell quit athletics in 2017, but reversed her decision in 2021 after she watched Faith Kipyegon dominating the 1500 meters at the Tokyo Olympics.
Residing and playing in Los Angeles for the Lakers, James faces the prospect of the 2028 Olympics in his home city.
Despite the allure, he remains reticent about another Olympic stint.
"Although I didn't see myself in Paris, looking ahead four years, I can't see it," he said, leaving a slight window open for a potential return.
3. Andy Murray
British tennis star Andy Murray staged another memorable performance at Roland Garros during what he declared would be his final appearance.
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Facing elimination in the first round of doubles alongside Dan Evans, Murray defied odds by saving five match points against Japan, capturing victory in a thrilling tie-break.
Murray's journey in Paris continued with a second-round escape, but his run ended against the American duo of Taylor Fritz and Taylor Paul.
4. Simone Biles
Simone Biles aimed for redemption in Paris after her challenges in Tokyo.
She delivered spectacularly, securing gold in the all-around, team, and vault competitions.
Her signature move, the Yurchenko double pike, now known as the Biles II, was a highlight.
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09:30 - 11.08.2024
Faith Kipyegon speaks on how setback strengthened her 1500m three-peat at Olympics
Faith Kipyegon overcame a challenging setback in the 5000m to clinch her historic third consecutive Olympic title in the 1500m.
However, fatigue seemed to catch up with her on the final day, as she stumbled on the balance beam and took silver in the floor exercise.
Biles's reverence during the medal ceremony bowing to Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, hinted at a possible passing of the torch.
5. Adam Peaty
Adam Peaty entered the Paris Olympics as a favorite in the 100m breaststroke carrying the hopes of Team Great Britain.
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Despite setting a blistering pace, he narrowly missed gold, finishing a mere two-hundredths of a second behind Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi, settling for silver.
His emotional reaction, combined with the revelation of a Covid diagnosis the following day, underscored the challenges he faced.
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21:00 - 11.08.2024
Is Paris 2024 Jamaica's worst Olympics in recent memory?
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw Jamaica win only six medals, a significant drop from previous years, sparking national disappointment.
Peaty's resilience shone through as he returned to compete in the 4x100m medley relay, though Britain just missed out on a medal.
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