The 24 most iconic images of Paris after the epic 2024 Olympics, from Celine Dion to an unreal surfing photo and Team GB's joy

As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, the Games have once again provided a stunning series of stories.

From surprising medals to heroic comebacks to heartbreaking heartbreaks, the Olympics once again delivered on their promise.

Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina has arguably taken the most iconic photo of the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesCredit: AFP

Yusuf Dikec went viral for his relaxed pose as he won silver in the air pistol finalCredits: BBC

The men's 100m sprint final lived up to its reputation as the most anticipated event of the Games. — The men’s 100m sprint final lived up to its reputation as the most anticipated event of the Games.Credits: Getty

Silver medalist Yaqin Zhou of China watched and then followed gold medalist Alice D'Amato of Italy and bronze medalist Manila Esposito while biting her medal — Silver medalist Yaqin Zhou of China watched and then followed gold medalist Alice D’Amato of Italy and bronze medalist Manila Esposito while biting her medalCredits: Getty

But the story is perhaps best told by the images captured by photographers at the Games.

Even since the rain-soaked opening ceremony in the French capital, the snappers have been in top form.

They captured the majesty of Paris during the four-hour floating opening ceremony on the Seine before Celine Dion performed at the Eiffel Tower.

Photographers also captured the weather in all its glory, with one shot capturing the Paris landmark lit up at night as lightning streaked across the background.

But the Games themselves were no exception.

Although, ironically, the best of the lot may not have come to Paris, but to Tahiti.

Surfing bronze medalist Gabriel Medina was photographed floating in the air after breaking his Olympic wave record in the Pacific on July 29.

Back in Paris, one of the most striking photos was the relaxed pose struck by Turkish air pistol silver medalist Yusuf Dikec.

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Dikec adopted a relaxed posture as he pointed his pistol with his other hand in his pocket, unlike many of his rivals who wore contact lenses to improve their medal hopes.

The men’s 100m sprint final was arguably the most anticipated event of the Games after American Noah Lyles shot into the limelight with his criticism of the NBA world champion’s title.

Gold medals won by Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics

And the finish certainly lived up to the billing, as Lyles took gold by just 0.005 seconds, with all eight sprinters finishing in sub-10-second times, captured in a photo showing the race unfolding.

Legendary Team USA gymnast Simone Biles also made her return to the Games, adding three gold medals and a silver to an already impressive Olympic career.

But it was her silver medal pose with compatriot Jordan Chiles (now stripped of his bronze) and Brazilian gold medalist Rebeca Andrade, where the Americans posed as if presenting the winner, that captured the Olympic spirit.

Another moment on the medal podium was witnessed when Yaqin Zhou of China glanced at Italian gold and bronze medallists Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito who were biting their medals before doing the same.

Netizens were on a roll from day one when they captured Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel TowerCredits: Reuters

Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson celebrates her gold medal in the women's 800m final — Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson celebrates her gold medal in the women’s 800m finalCredit: PA

Valentin Bontus of the Austrian team celebrated his gold medal victory in the men's kite category — Valentin Bontus of the Austrian team celebrated his gold medal victory in the men’s kite categoryCredits: Getty

Gymnastics captured the grace of its performers, including Alba Bautista of SpainCredits: Reuters

The Great Britain team has had its share of iconic moments.

From the photo of Kelly Hodgkinson crossing the line for gold in the women’s 800m, to the photo of Emily Campbell winning bronze in women’s weightlifting, to the photo of Kimberly Woods winning silver and bronze in the women’s slalom events.

There was also the men’s and women’s 4x100m who won bronze and silver respectively and shared a group photo trackside, as well as Toby Roberts’ surprise victory in the climbing for Team GB’s 14th gold medal.

Gymnastics, diving, swimming, sailing, boxing, skateboarding, kite flying, horse riding and many more also had their moments of glory.

And now we have to wait four long years to do it all again.