Top 5 Controversies in Paris Olympics 2024

The Paris Olympics has been on the radar since the fiasco of the opening ceremony, be it the depiction of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting, or the gender controversy revolving around the boxers, or the very latest Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification.

Let’s take a look at all the controversies that happened in this Olympics season.

“Last Supper” Controversy

A particular performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 instigated outrage and anger among the Christians all around the world. Even Vatican City also crticized this performance. 

A scene in the tableau reportedly resembled Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "The Last Supper." According to a USA Today Sports report, the performance featured an underclothed man painted in blue singing at the center of a table, surrounded by dancing drag queens.

Traditionalists and Christian leaders globally condemned the performance, accusing the organizers of mocking Christianity and disrespecting the religion. However, the organizers defended the act, stating it was intended as a homage to the Greek god Dionysus, a figure significant in French culture and tradition.

Gender Controversy in Paris Olympics

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, became the focus of a gender controversy at the Paris Olympics 2024. The controversy started after Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from their Round-16 match in just 46 seconds. 

This incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with many accusing Khelif of being male or transgender, arguing it was unfair to women's sports. Notable figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk also joined this heated discussion, criticizing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to let Khelif play. 

However, the IOC stood by its decision and supported Imane Khelif. Many people also took to social media to counter the accusations sharing several childhood photos in order to show she is female.

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Red Card to Amit Rohidas

India's defender and first rusher, Amit Rohidas, was suspended for one match during the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey tournament. This occurred during the quarter-final match against Great Britain. As a result, Rohidas was unable to play in the semi-finals against Germany. 

Although the on-field referee did not initially consider it a serious offense, the decision was upgraded to a red card after a video review. Hockey India appealed the decision to the FIH jury bench, but the appeal was denied. 

Many believe this ruling may have contributed to India's loss in the semi-finals.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified just before her gold medal match because she was 100g over the weight limit. This disqualification meant that she would have to return to India with no medal under her name. 

India requested additional time for Vinesh Phogat to lose that 100 grams of extra weight, but this request was denied. In response, many athletes have voiced their support for Phogat, calling for a change in the rules of wrestling. 

Despite Vinesh announcing her retirement, the Indian Olympic Association has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to award her a joint silver medal. The hearing is still ongoing, and the court's decision is expected on August 13.

Low-Quality Olympic Medals

Team USA skateboarder Nyjah Huston, who won a bronze medal at the Olympics on July 29, shared a video on his Instagram story on the night of August 8, pointing out that the Olympic medals might not be as high quality as expected. 

In the video, parts of his medal appeared rusty and dull, especially in the sunlight. The back of the medal, featuring the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, seemed particularly worn, with some of the surface coatings chipped off. However, Olympic officials in Paris have promised to replace any damaged medals.

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