However, one cannot ignore the controversy that surrounded the opening ceremony, which many deemed to be blasphemous.
The mix of secular and religious imagery, combined with performances from pop icons like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, left a sour taste for those who felt the ceremony strayed too far from what the Olympics should represent.
In the wake of this "blasphemous debacle," as some might call it, there has been a noticeable increase in athletes professing their faith in God during the games.
One notable example of this trend is the young Canadian Olympic skateboarder, Cordano Russell.
At just 19 years old, Russell has become a vocal advocate for his Christian faith, openly glorifying God after his performances. Russell's public declaration of faith, especially in a sport like skateboarding, which is often associated with a more secular culture, stands out as a bold statement.
His willingness to attribute his successes to his belief in God reflects a broader pattern among athletes at these Olympics, who are increasingly using their platforms to express their spiritual convictions.
This surge in public displays of faith could be seen as a reaction to the opening ceremony’s perceived irreverence, or it may reflect a broader cultural shift where athletes are more willing to express their beliefs on the world stage.
One of the most notable examples of this trend is Katie Ledecky, the American swimmer who has consistently attributed her success to her faith.
After breaking the record in the 1500-meter freestyle, Ledecky spoke openly about how her Catholic faith guides her, providing her with the strength and humility to excel in her sport.
Her display of faith is not new, but it seems to resonate more deeply in the current Olympic atmosphere, where many are searching for meaning beyond the spectacle.
Simone Biles, another iconic figure in these games, has also been open about her Christian faith.
Despite the pressure and challenges she has faced, including mental health struggles that led her to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics, Biles has leaned on her faith to guide her through difficult times.
Her return to the Olympics and subsequent victories have been marked by a quiet but firm reliance on her beliefs, offering a stark contrast to the flamboyant displays of the opening ceremony.
The French gymnast Mélanie de Jesus dos Santos, who competed on home soil, similarly drew strength from her Christian faith.
She has often spoken about how her beliefs help her stay grounded and focused, particularly in high-pressure situations like the Olympics.
Her faith is an integral part of her identity, and she has not shied away from making that known.
Moreover, this Olympics has also seen athletes like Ryan Murphy, the American swimmer, openly celebrate moments of personal joy in the context of their faith.
After winning a bronze medal, Murphy was surprised by his wife revealing the gender of their unborn child, a moment he later described as a blessing, expressing gratitude for the support of his family and God in his journey.
So, has the increase in athletes professing their faith been a response to the opening ceremony's perceived blasphemy? It is possible.
For many athletes, faith is a source of strength and a guiding force in their lives, and in a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, it is understandable that they would turn to it in such a public setting.
The Olympics, after all, are not just about physical prowess; they are a global stage where personal, cultural, and spiritual narratives intersect.
In this light, the increase in public expressions of faith might also be seen as a form of subtle protest or a reassertion of values that some feel were overshadowed by the opening ceremony's grandeur.
The ceremony may have attempted to blend various cultural elements, but for many athletes and spectators alike, it might have seemed to dilute the spiritual essence that they hold dear.
This Olympics has provided a platform for athletes to demonstrate that their achievements are not just about personal glory but also about honouring their faith and values.
Whether this is a direct response to the opening ceremony or part of a broader trend of athletes being more open about their beliefs, it highlights the complex and often deeply personal ways in which faith and sports intersect.
The increase in athletes professing their faith at the Paris 2024 Olympics may well be a reaction to the blasphemous tones perceived by some during the opening ceremony. However, it also reflects a wider trend of athletes using their platforms to express their beliefs and values.
It will be interesting to see how these expressions of faith shape the narrative of the Olympics and resonate with audiences worldwide.