There are over 11,000 athletes in the Olympic Games, and over 11,000 stories of triumph, heartbreak, hope and perseverance. As the Paris Olympics wind to their conclusion, here are some of those stories, as told by the Olympians and others at these Games. Some are bringing home medals, some are returning home with only memories, but all will always be Olympians.
“Oh shoot, I am incredible.”
Noah Lyles was losing for almost the entirety of the 100-meter sprint. But he was leading where it counted — the finish line — and his realization on learning he’d won is a truly great Olympic quote.