Lens

With over 10,000 athletes competing at the Paris Games, not everyone believed a medal was in their sights. Nearly all returned home with dashed dreams from uncertain outcomes — while others reached personal milestones just by qualifying. Even those expected to triumph found themselves falling short, victims of unexpected blunders.

Victory isn’t always everything — or guaranteed — but it still counts for plenty. Making the team is the first goal, but the podium is the ultimate destination. From Noah Lyles’ photo finish in the 100m final to Mondo Duplantis soaring to record heights and Sifan Hassan’s shocker in the marathon — greatness has been …