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Women At Olympics Sportswomen

Paris Olympics: Watch Priceless Moments Of Girlhood

From Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to gold medallist Rebeca Andrade to Manu Bhaker defending senior athlete PV Sindhu, the Paris Olympics has seen several moments of 'girlhood'.

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Tanya Savkoor
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Elsa, Getty Images

The Olympics is a powerful event that can instil a spirit of athleticism and camaraderie in almost anyone. The Paris Games 2024 has been a testament to this spirit, showcasing not only the extraordinary skills of athletes but also the unifying power of sports. This has been particularly special for women in sports, as they defied gender stereotypes and several odds to demonstrate unmistakable sportsmanship. Social media has been abuzz with several such moments-- some of which might not have won medals but definitely won the hearts of netizens.

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While there is no solid definition for what 'girlhood' ensues, the term has been attached to any moment that exemplifies what it is like to be a female. From battling gender norms to reclaiming power and debunking stereotypes, here are some of the best 'girlhood' moments from the Olympics.

Manu Bhaker Defending PV Sindhu 

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history with two medals at the Paris Games, has gained admiration not only for her sporting prowess but also for her loving gesture towards pro shuttler PV Sindhu. In an interview with Sportstar, Bhaker expressed that she has looked up to the senior athlete for several years and even defended her against trolls on social media. 

The shooter reportedly went to the extent of creating fake Instagram profiles to hit back at the negative comments on PV Sindhu's page. The shuttler expressed delight when she found out about this and even congratulated Bhaker in a post on social media.

PV Sindhu and Manu Bhaker are the only women athletes from India with two medals. More impressively, Bhaker made history as the first-ever Indian sportsperson since independence to win two medals at a single Olympics. The blossoming friendship between the two athletes has garnered love from netizens.

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PV Sindhu Cheers For Her 'Greatest Rival'

PV Sindhu, who bowed out of the Olympics in the pre-quarterfinals, passed on the camaraderie by posting a heartwarming message for Carolina Marin, the Spanish badminton legend who lost out on a medal due to an injury. Sindhu wrote on Instagram, "To one of my greatest rivals and dearest friends on the tour, I am sending all the positive energy in the world your way. You were playing a phenomenal match, and I was deeply rooting for you!"

Sindhu continued, "Deep down, I believe there was no player on tour I hated playing against more than you. Your willpower, sheer determination, and uncanny ability to put players under pressure are unmatched." The Indian shuttler's message for Marin serves as an example of integrity and sportsmanship.

Chinese Silver Medallist Shuttler Holds 'Spain' Pin To Honour Opponent

China's He Bing Jiao, who defeated Carolina Marin, also paid tribute to the Spanish shuttler. After winning the silver medal, the athlete made sure to show her respect to her opponent by holding a 'Spain' pin in her hand on the podium. Carolina Marin, who was leading in the semi-final match against the Chinese shuttler, had to unfortunately withdraw after she suffered a painful injury in her right knee.

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Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles Bow To Rebeca Andrades

Rebeca Andrades of Brazil earned gold in the Gymnastics floor event at the Paris Games but it was not just a medal she won. Silver medallist Simone Biles -- often known as the GOAT of gymnastics -- and bronze medallist Jordan Chiles bowed to her at the podium, showcasing a moment of sisterhood even in competition. The moment was more special as the podium had all black women athletes, championing a spirit of inclusivity. 

Simone Biles earlier joked that she did not want to compete against Andrades anymore as she is her 'biggest rival.' In a press conference, she said, "I don’t want to compete with Rebeca no more! I’m tired! She’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes and it brought out the best athlete in myself, so I’m excited and proud to compete with her, but uh-uh. I’m getting uncomfortable, guys! I was stressing!”

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Parents-To-Be Competing At the Olympics

While the world expects expectant parents to adhere to certain norms and ideals, two athletes have proven their unbreakable spirit by competing in the Paris Olympics while pregnant. Nada Hafez, a seven-month-pregnant fencer from Egypt, screeched in joy as she secured a victory against the USA fencer.

Archer Yaylagul Ramazanova from Azerbaijan was also six-and-a-half months pregnant at the Paris Games. In an interview with the Chinese news outlet Xinhua, she said, "During the training for the Olympics, I didn't feel uncomfortable with my pregnancy. Instead, I felt that I was not fighting alone, but fighting together with my baby." She added, "I felt my baby kick me before I shot this last arrow, and then I shot a 10."

Ilona Maher Uses Red Lipstick As A Symbol Of Revolt

American rugby player Ilona Maher was trolled for being "too masculine". However, the Olympic medallist shut down the negativity with a strong message promoting body positivity. She reflected on how the "ideal" athletic body is simply a myth and Body Mass Index (BMI) is not an indication of how powerful a woman is. She also used a $10 "rugby proof" red lipstick to defy stereotypes about femininity in sports and reclaim the relationship between women and makeup. Her Instagram bio reads, "Probably wearing lipstick."

South Korean Shooter Carries Daughter's Doll As Lucky Charm To Silver-Winning Tournament

South Korea's Kim Yeji has been the talk of the town for her "coolness" and chill demeanour as she clinches Olympic medals and breaks world records. Social media users have been comparing her to action-film characters as she aims for victory. However, the best part that has garnered attention is an elephant doll attached to her face towel which she carried to the 10m women's Olympic finals.

According to reports, the elephant doll belongs to Yeji's five-year-old daughter. The touching moment as the athlete takes home the silver medal while carrying a good-luck charm from her daughter has made her an internet sensation. Kim Yeji holds the world record for women's 25m air pistol shooting.

sisterhood social media trends Paris Olympics 2024 Girlhood He Bing Jiao
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