Who are they? Breakout stars of the 2024 Paris Olympics

With athletes from all over the world put on the spotlight at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a few competitors became instant online stars.

Who are the breakout athletes of the Paris Games?

Surfing guy Gabriel Medina

One of the first athletes who went viral for their photos was actually not in Paris — but in Tahiti where the surfing event is being held.

In one photo, Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina seemed to be floating with his surfboard over the waters of the island.

While it may look like Medina has been living his life with his sport only seen in the beaches, the Brazilian surfer apparently had one of the biggest waves when he had a mental health break in 2022 due to the failure of his marriage.

In an interview with the Olympics website, it was revealed that Medina suffered from depression. He returned after a six-month break a better person.

"I think the important thing for us is to keep our faith during the process. Everyone goes through a process. And make the best of it. I think that making mistakes, going through difficult times is where you learn the most. And I experienced this a lot. And I feel proud of the person I've become, the things I've been through," he said.

USA Pommel horse guy Stephen Nedoroscik

Nedoroscik was born for this moment.

While his other teammates do their performances in the other apparatus, Nedoroscik who wears eyeglasses for his strabismus or crossed-eyes condition, patiently waits for his turn for the pommel horse.

It is his role for the team and it seemed like he was made for that moment alone.

As he removes his glasses, he transforms into the pommel horse specialist that he is and eventually helped USA cop the bronze medal in the team finals, its first in 16 years.

"When I go up on the pommel horse, it's all about feeling the equipment. I don't even really see when I'm doing my gymnastics. It's all in the hands — I can feel everything," Nedoroscik said in an interview.

Nedoroscik will still compete in the pommel horse finals on Saturday.

Shooting stars Yeji Kim and Yusuf Dikec

The shooting event of the Olympics brought out two stars in the open.

South Korea's Yeji Kim's photo has been viral for being fully kitted during a competition. Eventually, she copped silver in the women's 10m air pistol event.

In contrast, Turkiye's Yusuf Dikec, 51 years old, went viral for somehow being casual while in his sporting event. Still, he also copped a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Marchand madness in France

Hometown bet Leon Marchand has also made waves in Paris' Olympic pool as he won the gold medal in 200m breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley. 

This is his second Olympic stint as he made his debut back in Tokyo.

At 22 years old, Marchand is already achieving his goal of getting an Olympic medal — and more.

Chile's 58-year old table tennis player Zeng Zhiying

If Marchand has been reaching his dreams at 22, then Zeng Zhiying is still working on her sport even at 58 years old.

Zeng, who previously represented China, said she will not leave the sport yet despite her early exit.

"Competing again in the Olympics after another four years should be very difficult," said Zeng. 

"As long as my body is not injured, I'll still play. Even if I can't play at this level, I can still play at the Masters level."

'Golden Girls' Simone Biles and the USA women's gymnastics team

Simone Biles is back and even celebrities watched her return to the Olympic stage in Paris.

The USA women's gymnastics team won gold in the team event and nicknamed themselves the 'Golden Girls,' as they proved, after their win.

However, before this name was adopted, the team also jokingly named themselves 'F-- around and Find Out.' Good thing they changed it.

This is Biles' fifth Olympic gold to become the most decorated gymnast of all time.

Aside from Biles, the quintet is composed of Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Hezley Rivera and Jade Carey.

Pregnant fencer Nada Hafez of Egypt

Philippine volleyball fans are aware of Chie Saet competing in her younger days while she was pregnant before and it is possible that fencer Nada Hafez of Egypt could relate to her experience.

Hafez competed in the women's sabre event of Olympics while being seven months pregnant, as she revealed after her fight.

"What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, & my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!" Hafez wrote on her social media post.

Hafez said she is happy to reach the Round of 16 in the said event and it was made better because of her 'Little Olympian.'

"I'm writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16 ... this specific Olympics was different. Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one!"

Now, sports fans should wait for the other breakout stars in the coming days.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News