The biggest Olympic Games triumph so far in Paris

While Simone Biles has stunned the world at the Olympics, there is another event that has left me speechless, writes Julie Cross. Have your say.

Opinion: I don’t know about you, but while the 2024 Olympic Games have produced some extraordinary sporting moments, I have not yet been inspired to get out and exercise, or even do a cartwheel in honour of Simone Biles.

And I am blaming the weather. It is just so cold.

This is very unlike me. I normally feel the urge to do something vaguely athletic during the world’s greatest sporting event, even if it’s just buying some new trainers.

Simone Biles reacts after competing in the floor exercise event of the artistic gymnastics women's all around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: AFP

But this year, I’d rather be wearing some fluffy socks, under a blanket on the sofa, with some erm, chocolate, watching the sun shine in France.

It was while I was in this very situation that I watched the triathlon.

Wow. For me it has been the event of the Olympics so far.

Not only did the athletes willingly swim in the River Seine – which was only declared safe from poo hours before – the slippery cobbles, wet from a recent downfall meant the female competitors fell en masse during the bike ride. Bloodied and bruised, some crashed out, others got up and continued.

Gold medalist Alex Yee of Team Great Britain reacts after winning during Men's Individual Triathlon on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Picture: Getty

The men’s event, which followed, saw a superhuman effort by Alex Yee. The Brit snatched gold from New Zealander Hayden Wilde, who had been leading by some margin, in the dying moments of the race. Even the commentators couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

Whether they were men or women, many of the triathletes crumpled to the ground as soon as they crossed the line. As the others came up behind, they fell next to them on the tarmac, their faces contorted in the agony.

I mused over what it must feel like to push yourself so much physically that you literally collapse and came to the conclusion I will never know.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate their efforts.

Snoop Dogg, US rapper and record producer, attends the judo of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, in Paris. Picture: AFP

Don’t even get me started on Biles. Like Snoop Dogg I am a superfan. Her new signature move – a triple-twisting double somersault – is incredible, as is her $4600 crystal-encrusted leotard.

So hats (or berets) off to those who are giving it their all in Paris.

Perhaps the track events next week will motivate me to get my legs moving. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy watching. Thank you.

Originally published as The biggest Olympic Games triumph so far in Paris