Five Olympic moments from Paris you won't have seen on TV

The Paris Olympics have been a grand spectacle, bringing together athletes, celebrities, and fans from around the world for two weeks of thrilling competition. The city of Paris, known for its beauty and charm, has transformed into a vibrant hub of sportsmanship and celebration. National leaders and famous personalities have mingled with sports stars, all while the excitement of the games has been broadcasted to millions across the globe. However, it is the fans who truly add a unique flavor to the Olympics. This year, after a long absence due to Covid, spectators have returned in large numbers, and their enthusiastic displays of support have created unforgettable moments. Here are five highlights from the Paris Olympics that you may not have seen on television. The first highlight is the incredible lengths fans went to in order to catch a glimpse of the action. On the first Saturday of the games, as cycling time trials took place along the picturesque boulevards of Paris, spectators began to gather in large numbers. Some fans, eager to get a better view, climbed on anything they could find—lamp posts, walls, and even bins. Their acrobatic feats were reminiscent of the climbing events that would take place later in the games. The sight of people precariously hanging out of windows and scaling buildings was both amusing and a little alarming, leaving many to wonder what the famous city planner, Haussmann, would think of this modern-day spectacle. This trend of climbing to see the events continued throughout the games, showcasing the lengths to which fans would go to witness their favorite athletes in action. The second highlight revolves around the colorful costumes worn by fans. After a judo final, a crowd gathered to take pictures with two men dressed as Asterix and Obelix, beloved characters from French comic books. The duo, Sebastian and Thomas-Felix, expressed their joy at how the Olympics showcased French culture and brought people together in a festive atmosphere. They humorously noted that at least everyone could 'cry together' after their team lost in the men's 60kg judo final. Paris is renowned for its fashion, and during the games, fans have donned a variety of eye-catching outfits, including an Egyptian pharaoh costume and traditional national dresses. One particularly amusing sight was a man dressed in a costume that made it look like he was riding on an inflatable rooster! The third highlight is the spontaneous singing of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, by fans throughout the city. Some of the most passionate renditions of the anthem were not heard in the stadiums but rather in the streets and on the metro. Fans wrapped in their tricolor flags sang the anthem with great enthusiasm, creating a lively atmosphere. One memorable moment occurred on a busy metro train after the opening ceremony, where fans belted out the anthem, showcasing their relief and joy that the event had gone off without a hitch despite earlier concerns about security. Later in the games, social media users noted a clever twist on the anthem, changing the lyrics to celebrate France's swimming star, Léon Marchand. Instead of the original 'Marchons! Oui, marchons! ' the fans sang 'Marchand! Oui, Marchand! ' This catchy adaptation is sure to be a hit at future Olympics. The fourth highlight features tourists using the Eiffel Tower to watch a beach volleyball match. Typically, visitors use the telescopes on the tower to admire other famous landmarks, but during the games, some clever tourists discovered they could use them to spy on a thrilling volleyball match happening below. On a sunny afternoon, those on the second-floor viewing platform of the Eiffel Tower were delighted to witness Spain's women's team make an incredible comeback against the Netherlands. This creative use of the telescopes provided a unique way for curious onlookers to enjoy the games, especially since many tickets were sold out. The fifth highlight showcases the enthusiastic volunteers who have played a vital role in the success of the games. Many volunteers have been seen enjoying themselves, and one evening, a group near the Stade de France performed a lively dance routine while directing fans to the correct train platforms. Dressed in bright turquoise and pink uniforms, these volunteers have been the unsung heroes of the Olympics, helping to guide spectators, assist athletes, and manage security. Organizers estimate that around 45,000 volunteers have dedicated their time to ensuring the smooth running of the Olympics and Paralympics. Their cheerful spirit and willingness to help have made a significant impact, and they certainly deserve to enjoy some fun amidst their hard work.