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Tokyo Olympics: Seven moments that moved us, including Peter Bol, Simone Biles, Ariarne Titmus, Boomers & more

Headshot of Chris Robinson
Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
Ariarne Titmus, Patty Mills, Peter Bol and Simone Biles.
Camera IconAriarne Titmus, Patty Mills, Peter Bol and Simone Biles. Credit: AAP/Getty

It’s a tough list to whittle down, but what’s the ‘Magnificent Seven’ of memories that will stay with us long after the Olympics are over?

Chris Robinson recaps the Games’ most memorable moments.

The champ and the coach

Ariarne Titmus and Dean Boxall.
Camera IconAriarne Titmus and Dean Boxall. Credit: AAP/Seven

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It’s difficult to pick out one swimming moment among Australia’s unprecedented success in the pool, but Ariarne Titmus saluting in the 400m gave us the complete package. The freestyler’s rivalry with US ace Katie Ledecky was one of the most hotly-anticipated storylines of the Games, and it didn’t disappoint in their opening battle. Titmus was behind for most of the race before surging home in the final 50m to win our first individual gold in a famous victory. Coach Dean Boxall’s celebration in the stands quickly became the stuff of legend to encapsulate the nation’s mood.

The Game AFL 2024

Kerr-ageous Matildas

Sam Kerr celebrates.
Camera IconSam Kerr celebrates. Credit: Fernando Vergara/AP

They ultimately fell short of a medal, but the never-say-die attitude from the Matildas won’t soon be forgotten. The quarter-final win over Great Britain was the high-water mark, with Kerr saving the Aussies late in regulation before heroics from young guns Teagan Micah and Mary Fowler propelled them into the semis. Kerr became the team’s all-time leading scorer after finding the back of the net in the 4-3 bronze medal loss against the powerhouse US side.

Fantastic Ms Fox

Australia's Jessica Fox celebrates with her gold medal.
Camera IconAustralia's Jessica Fox celebrates with her gold medal. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA

A bronze medal in the K1 canoe slalom was nice, but the four-time world champion was desperate for a medal of a different shade by the time the C1 final came along days later. With her father and expert commentator Richard calmly analysing her every move for Seven’s viewers, Fox safely navigated the slalom course and powered through the finish line to fulfill her destiny. “I love you... through the finish, and beyond the finish line... that was amazing,” an emotional Richard told her after the victory.

Remarka-Bol

Peter Bol after securing his place in the 800m final.
Camera IconPeter Bol after securing his place in the 800m final. Credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

There are some incredible origin stories for Olympic athletes that capture the public’s imagination each Games, and Peter Bol’s is up there with the very best of them. From fleeing war-torn Sudan to only turning to running midway through high school on the advice of a teacher, Bol rose to become Australia’s first man to reach an 800m final since 1968. The West Aussie finished just one spot off the podium as he did the nation - and his family and friends packed into the living room back home - proud.

Biles’ bravery

USA's Simone Biles celebrates after winning bronze.
Camera IconUSA's Simone Biles celebrates after winning bronze. Credit: Bevilacqua Giuliano/ABACA/PA

The eyes of the world were on Simone Biles, with lofty expectations on the US gymnastics star. But she showed greatness and bravery of a different kind when she put her mental health before her athletic performance and withdrew from the team competition and most of her individual events amid struggling with ‘the twisties’. Biles returned to win a famous bronze in the balance beam event, but her legacy from this Games will go far beyond her competition results.

‘Doing a Dubler’

Cedric Dubler encourages his teammate Ashley Moloney.
Camera IconCedric Dubler encourages his teammate Ashley Moloney. Credit: MARTIN RICKETT/AAPIMAGE

Ash Moloney provided Australia with a rare track-related medal after powering home in the final event of the decathlon - the 1500m - to cling onto bronze. But just as eye-catching were the efforts of fellow competitor and compatriot Cedric Dubler, who was out of medal contention by the time the 1500 rolled around so used his energy to visibly motivate Moloney through the final stretch of the run. “They might have to cut this one in half, I reckon,” quipped Seven’s Bruce McAvaney on the medal.

Bronzed Boomers

Patty Mills celebrates.
Camera IconPatty Mills celebrates. Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

At long last, Australia’s men’s basketball team have an Olympic medal. Four separate fourth-place campaigns had fans naturally nervous about the prospect of another near-miss, but Patty Mills put those fears to rest with the best performance of his accomplished career. Australia’s flagbearer poured in 42 points and dished out nine assists in a game for the ages against Slovenia, with the bronze medal made all the more impressive by the fact the Boomers lost NBA centre Aron Baynes to injury early in the tournament. The teary emotion in the words of Mills and basketball legend Andrew Gaze after the game spoke volumes about what the achievement meant.

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