As we look back at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we have selected some of the best quotes from our athletes in Chateauroux.
Nino Salukvadze is one of our sport’s most-decorated athletes and made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after becoming the first person to compete at 10 consecutive Games. She was also the nation’s flagbearers less than 24 hours before her first competition in Chateauroux.
“Emotions were very interesting. Paris was preparing for this Opening Ceremony for three years and then the rain. But trust me, we had no feeling – no rain, no cold – because it was emotional.
"[I got back] at 3am, but slept in the bus. I had no problem with sleep and felt very well this day. No problem. That was third time I was flagbearer."
"Only one man from Canada [has appeared at 10 Olympic Games], and now it’s gender equality. After my first Olympic Games, I did not think about 10 Olympic Games. God knows. I’m proud.”
Victor Lindgren won silver for Sweden in the men's 10m air rifle final, but his parents were not there to witness his achievement because of an error.
“They bought some tickets, but it was for trap. Then, they wanted to have some for the final, but they were sold out because there were not so many places to sit. They came into the arena and could watch on the big screen, and I knew they were there. I was just happy to have them here.
“When I did the doping control, I went out to see my parents and we had happy tears. They were able to feel the medal and hold it, and we took pictures.”
While Xie Yu claimed victory in the men's 10m air pistol, it was double joy for Italy as Federico Nilo Maldini and Paolo Monna stood on the podium together when it mattered most.
“It’s certainly emotional and a very rare one because we are friends. This is the first time we’re on the podium together, and it is the most important one," said Monna.
Kim Ye-ji became a sensation during the Olympic Games, and the lore behind her cool stature may have dabbled in some misinformation. She clarified why she has the elephant plush.
"I need to clarify something about the elephant plush toy. It wasn’t from my daughter, it was a gift from my coach to wipe the gunpowder. It’s cute, so that might have caused some misunderstanding."
"To my daughter, Minso, I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you a gold medal this time. I’ll work harder to bring it home next time. Maybe in four years, you can come with me to the Olympics during your summer vacation."
From one family to another, Amber Rutter won silver in the women's skeet three months after giving birth. She spoke about inspiring her son Tommy in her interviews.
“It makes it a hell of a lot easier knowing I’ve got such a great support team at home with my husband and my family. I know he’s very well looked after, so it definitely makes coming away a lot easier.
“Of course, I miss him. But I really hope just being here will make him proud, and one day he will look at it and go, ‘My mummy was in the Olympics’."
“Tokyo was a really tough time for me and I was ready to quit the sport altogether. I didn’t see a future (in the sport). I’m glad I fought through those hard times. I believe that everything happens for a reason.”
Our sport has on several occasions shown anyone can compete and on an equal footing. Egypt's Amira Aboushokka, who is also a politician back home, competed in the women's skeet and hopes to change opinions.
“I’m a woman and in the [Egyptian] culture it’s not easy. This sport is maybe also a boyish sport in our country. So it’s an honour. It’s an honour for my age, my gender, my country and everything.”
“This is harder than politics, because every target is really tough for me. I am almost 45 years old, and it is the first time to participate [in the Olympic Games] at this age, but for me this is a joyful experience.”
Creating history in Guatemala was Adriana Ruano Oliva, who won her nation's first Olympic gold medal ever, with success in the women's trap.
"I hope more people can do the same or more for the sport. We only have one [shooting] range, so I hope this will make the sport bigger and more people will try it.”
"I came through a system where I was training in gymnastics for two hours in the morning, then was going to school and then going back for a second session in the afternoon. When I had my injury [in 2011], I didn't have anything. I started to get desperate, and I was frustrated. Then the door opened for me with this sport."
It was a Vincent Hancock love-in for the American skeet team after he became the first athlete to win four Olympic shooting sport gold medals in a single event, but first of all, no one believes in Vincent Hancock more than Vincent Hancock.
"There’s no doubt that what I’ve done in practice and what I’ve done in past competitions has led me to understand and believe that (if) I come out here and shoot perfect, or as close to perfect as possible, then nobody’s going to beat me," said Hancock before competition.
"It’s pretty awesome [to join Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps with four golds in a single event]. Carl Lewis is probably my favourite Olympian and I’ve been lucky enough to watch Michael Phelps at a few Olympics I’ve been at. He’s an incredible athlete. Knowing my name is with their names … I have no words.”
Conner Prince, who finished second behind Hancock, paid tribute too.
"He’s my coach and he’s the man to beat. He’s probably the greatest shooter in the world, and for him to go No.1 and me No.2, it is honestly a dream.”
Austen Smith, the women's individual bronze medallist, teamed up with Hancock in the mixed team skeet final, in which the United States won silver.
"It is honestly what I was looking forward to all week, just being able to shoot with him. I didn’t think this event would ever exist. I just thought I would be watching him, and he’d be watching me. But competing together, it is just like we train at home. It was not our day today, but I am just delighted to shoot with him.”
Serbia's Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec celebrated their mixed team 10m air pistol final victory by rolling on the floor. There were plenty of tears as well. We heard from them afterwards.
"As you could see, there was so much emotion. It was a real rollercoaster. We went down 8-2, but we have know each other for such a long time - for 20 years. We knew we could rely on each other to give our best, and we put our faith in each other," said Arunovic.
"Today the shiniest thing in this arena will be the medals round our necks," said Mikec.
Li Yuehong added military skills to his training, which helped him win the men's 25m rapid fire pistol title.
“The [Olympic Games] match is like a war without bleeding. We are trained to develop a strong mindset and mentality. I used that skill in today’s match and I think it definitely helped.”
Finally we end with the home support for Camille Jedrzejewski, who was spurred on to the silver medal in the women's 25m pistol final.
"I’m very proud I had a greater purpose today. I tried to win a gold medal and I was so close to the title of Olympic champion. I think so much of this sport and it has been so good to me. I’m so proud to be here in France and to be having an amazing Olympic year."