Paris Olympics’ top 5 heartwarming moments: Pan Zhanle, Biles and rappers paying rent

Amid the scraps and the tussles, Paris also made us cheer for humanity itself with moments that transcended the results

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Zhou Yaqin (left) on the podium for the individual women’s artistic gymnastics provided a heartwarming Paris Olympics moment. Photo: AP

Published: 3:00pm, 12 Aug 2024

The Olympic Games offer a platform for some of the world’s most fierce competition, but amid the scraps and the tussles, Paris also made us cheer for humanity itself.

There were moments that transcended the results on score sheets and the shattered records.

Whether it was patriotic gestures or acts of sportsmanship, these five heartwarming moments in Paris will leave you with a smile on your face.

Spain’s Carolina Marin is comforted by her coach Fernando Rivas after conceding her women’s singles badminton semi-final against China’s He Bingjiao. Photo: AFP

Respect your rival

A gut-wrenching twist of fate transpired in the women’s badminton singles semi-final match between He Bingjiao and Spain’s Carolina Marin.

Just as Marin appeared to have the upper hand, a right knee injury cruelly ended her Olympic run as she hobbled off the floor.

He was thrust directly into the gold medal match, where she lost to South Korea’s An Se-young.

But with a silver medal draped around her neck, China’s world No 9 lifted a small Spanish flag badge – a tribute to her injured semi-final foe as she shared that she was “heartbroken” over Marin’s misfortune.