1. Rebeca Andrade's podium 

The Brazilian was the first in her country to win a gold medal in Women's Floor Exercise, with a score of 14.166. Andrade beat Simone Biles in the event held inside the Bercy Arena and was cheered by her opponents, creating one of the most iconic photos of the sporting event.  

"Rebecca is amazing, she's a queen," Biles mentioned at the finish. "It's always fun to watch her and with all the fans rooting for her, it was the right thing to do," she emphasized.  

Andrade is an example of perseverance, as she has been practicing gymnastics since she was four years old, thanks to a social project that came to her neighborhood. Even with few resources, but with the support of her mother and siblings, she has managed to become Brazil's greatest Olympic medalist.

2. First gold medal for Guatemala 

Adriana Ruano became Guatemala's first Olympic champion after coming in first place in the women's shot put event.

Ruano, who dreamed of becoming a gymnast, suffered a spinal injury twenty days before qualifying for London 2012 and changed the course of her life to take up shooting thanks to the support of one of her brother's best friends.

Ruano proved to an entire country, and to herself, that it is always possible to start over with a dream and achieve great goals. 

3. Gold and the farewell of Mijaín López 

The Cuban became the first athlete in history to be Olympic champion in the same individual discipline five consecutive times. 

Lopez, who announced his retirement at the age of 41, managed to win 20 undefeated bouts from Beijing 2008 to Paris 2024. 

As a farewell, after winning his last fight he took off his boots, kissed the ring floor and left his shoes in the middle. The audience applauded and cried with him.