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The 33rd edition of the biggest sporting tournament, Olympics came to an end after delivering high-octane action to sports lovers across the globe after 15 days. Apart from stunning performances and seeing some athletes becoming heroes for their respective nations, Paris Olympics 2024 also saw some severe conflicts and controversies. From Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification on the day of her gold medal bout, to Imane Khalif being accused of being a man and fighting in women’s category, the 2024 Olympics saw it all.
Biggest controversies in Paris Olympics 2024
Let’s have a look at some of the biggest controversies that were a part of the Summer Games 2024.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification on her day of gold medal match
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification came off as the biggest heartbreak for Indian fans. Phogat who participated in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling had already scripted history when she assured India of at least a silver. However, in a disappointing turn of events, Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit on the day of her final clash. The wrestler filed a plea with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), and saw the CAS reject her decision of a joint silver medal.
Gender row surrounding Algeria’s Imane Khalif
Algerian boxer Imane Khalif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting found themselves in the middle of the biggest controversy of the Paris Olympics 2024. The two, who later went on to clinch gold medals in their respective categories, were accused of being ‘male’. The two were containing XY chromosomes in their bodies which made them face a barrage of accusations on social media. The two had been disqualified from the 2023 Boxing World Championships but were allowed by the IOC to compete in the Olympics.
Tom Craig’s drug controversy
Australia’s field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested after he attempted to buy cocaine in Paris along with a 17-year-old seller. However, he was let off with a warning and no formal charges were filed against him. The player apologised for the incident but the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) barred him from participating in further activities in Paris.
Egyptian wrestler Mohamed Elsayed accused of sexual assault
An Egyptian Olympic wrestler Mohamed ‘Kesho’ Ibrahim was accused of sexual assault and was arrested. The French Police arrested the grappler outside of a cafe in Paris for allegedly touching another customer's back inappropriately. The prosecutors stated that an enquiry has been launched in the matter. After the incident, the Egyptian Olympic Committee announced that the wrestler would face a disciplinary hearing. If the charges are proven to be correct, then he could face severe consequences including a lifetime ban from the quadrennial tournament.
USA gymnast Jordan Chiles stripped of bronze medal
Another biggest controversy of the tournament took place when USA gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her first individual Olympic medal after the Romanian gymnastics team challenged her final score. Her coach Cecile Landi had submitted an enquiry to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to add 0.1 points to Chiles' score. This enquiry was accepted, and promoted Chiles from fifth to a bronze-winning third position. However, the CAS intervened and claimed that the enquiry was 64 seconds beyond the permitted time, leading the USA gymnast compelled to submit her medal.
