Olympic Week in 5 Viral Headlines: Ryan Gosling's 'Irritating' Outing, Noah Lyles' Debated Win, Thomas Ceccon Sleeping Outside, & More
- Team USA swimmer Caeleb Dressel enraged fans after the finals where he cried.
- The Olympics’ “most gorgeous man” was found sleeping outside the athletes’ village, causing concern.
- Viewers urged this 22-year-old gold medal-winning athlete to take a DNA test.
- Noah Lyles’ gold medal victory ignited controversy from Olympic viewers.
- Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes’ first-ever appearance together was slammed at the Olympics.
This week's digest dives into the heart of the Olympic action, from the emotional highs and lows of Caeleb Dressel to the controversy surrounding Noah Lyles' victory. We also unpack the surprising reactions to Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' rare public appearance, and so much more.
A light show featuring the olympic rings with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games at Place du Trocadero on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Why Was Caeleb Dressel Called a "Disappointment" after the Olympic Final?
Following his performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Caeled Dressel faced a wave of criticism on social media. Fans who had once praised him for his incredible achievements expressed their disappointment openly.
Many questioned his readiness and dedication, particularly noting his time away from the sport. Comments on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) were harsh.
One user wrote, "Dressel has not looked himself recently - you can't take a year off and expect to - but he swam poorly. Got caught between strokes at the finish and finished sixth. Just not a good swim."
Others were more blunt, with one remarking, "Dressel is washed. This whole swim team needs [an] overhaul."
Another criticized, "Pretty disappointed in Caeleb Dressel, you can't stay up all night watching a TV show during an Olympic Games, just shows he's not 'that guy.' If I was Team USA, I'd pull him from the relay today to send a message."
These comments reflected a sentiment that Dressel's time at the top might be over, and some fans were quick to express their frustrations. However, not all reactions were negative.
A significant number of fans and fellow athletes defended Dressel. Some emphasized the immense pressure Olympians face and highlighted his past accomplishments.
One supportive fan wrote, "He may be past his prime, but if he's still one of the best the USA has, then he deserves to be there competing. It's not like he unfairly took someone else's spot! And it's not his fault that the US can't churn out a new generation of top swimming talent."
Another fan commented, "Cheers [to] the coach who helped get Caeleb Dressel to some privacy. Disappointment is hard. I hope he knows how much the US is still SO proud of him."
These supportive messages highlighted that while Dressel's recent performances were not up to his usual standard, his contributions to the sport were still deeply respected.
Dressel's honesty about his struggles also garnered empathy. "So sad to see the tears from Caeleb Dressel. These athletes work so hard for these moments and it has to be devastating to not bring your best when it matters the most," one fan noted.
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What Happened to the Olympics’ "Most Gorgeous Man" after Winning Gold?
Even the most celebrated athletes need a breather. Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was caught sleeping in a park by Saudi Arabian rower Husein Alireza, who snapped a picture and shared it on his Instagram story.
A netizen's comment on Thomas Ceccon's sleeping situation, posted in August 2024 | Source: Facebook/uniladmag
Alireza's photo showed Ceccon fast asleep under a tree, crouched on a white towel next to a bench, with a backpack near his head. Alireza tagged the location as inside the Olympic Village and captioned the post, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow."
Thomas Ceccon is seen sleeping under a tree next to a park bench in an Instagram Story posted by Saudi Arabian rower Husein Alireza in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/huseinalireza
The timing of the picture, whether before or after Ceccon's events, remains unclear. However, the photo of him catching some z's next to a park bench has sparked quite a buzz online. One netizen expressed concern, saying, "Oh! What happened? Sad for him."
Thomas Ceccon sleeps peacefully under a tree next to a park bench, shared by Saudie Arabian rower Husein Alireza on Instagram Story on August 2024 | SOurce.
Someone quipped, "He's very tall so maybe the beds are only for short people." Another humorously noted, "When you a winner the world is your bed [sic]."
Another commented on what the Olympic Village needed, "They need some ventilation." One user criticized the village setup, writing,"This could be done at any major university for almost nothing with much better accommodations."
Thomas Ceccon swimming at an event, posted on January 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ceccon_thomas
Another user expressed frustration over the expensive yet insufficient amenities of the athlete's village: "1.6 BILLION dollars for cardboard beds and no AC???? What did they spend the money on [sic]?"
A seventh remarked, "Seems like Paris olympics is the worst olympics ever in the history of Olympics [sic]," while another stated, "I swear this Olympicss has been nothing short of a circus [sic]."
A netizen's reaction on Thomas Ceccon's sleeping situation, posted in August 2024 | Source: Source: Facebook/uniladmag
Meanwhile, one netizen remarked on Ceccon's sleeping condition, saying, "Poor guy just needs sleep and he can't get it from the bed they have at the village. Just let him be."
The netizens' reactions to Ceccon's outdoor sleeping situation came after the Italian swimmer voiced concerns about the uncomfortable living conditions at the Olympic Village.
Thomas Ceccon prepares for the Men's 200m Backstroke Semifinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics at La Defense Arena on July 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ceccon criticized the village, stating there was "no air conditioning" and the food was "bad." He noted that many athletes have relocated due to these issues, emphasizing that these concerns are a reality rather than excuses.
The living conditions impacted Ceccon's overall well-being, as he expressed difficulty sleeping due to the "heat" and "noise." This scene contrasted with his usual afternoon naps at home, which are a significant part of his routine.
Thomas Ceccon heads for the Men's 100m Backstroke Final at the 2024 Paris Olympics at La Defense Arena on July 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images.
Despite the challenging conditions in the Olympic Village, Ceccon excelled in his first two races at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He won bronze in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay and gold in the men's 100m backstroke.
Thomas Ceccon poses after the Men’s 100m Backstroke medal ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Although he won gold and bronze medals, Ceccon fell short of qualifying for the final in the men's 200m backstroke. Yet, his dashing looks and previous victories continued to captivate the crowd.
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What Prompted Viewers to Demand That This Gold Medal-Winning Athlete Take a DNA Test?
Canadian star Ethan Katzberg has set Olympic fans buzzing after his impressive win at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The 22-year-old athlete, known for his distinctive mustache and curly hair, grabbed the gold medal in the men's hammer throw on Sunday.
This win solidifies his dominance in the sport after becoming the youngest-ever world champion last year. Katzberg's first throw of 84.12 meters was so outstanding that none of his competitors could catch up.
But it's not just his athletic skills that have people talking. His striking looks have left fans playfully wondering if the Olympic champion has some Australian heritage.
A photo of Olympic Champion Ethan Katzberg posted on August 5, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ethankatzberg
One intrigued user asked, "Aren't Canadians just snow Australians?" Another speculated, "He's probably a secret Aussie." Some are even calling for a DNA test, with one person saying, "Nah, I want a DNA test—this man is clearly Australian."
A fan comment dated August 5, 2024 | Source: X/BeingTravisCody
Others joked about why Canada is "dominating Hammer throw with Aussie-looking athletes." A few even noted, "I'm pretty sure this dude lives down the street from me and drives a Dodge Ram truck."
While many may have questioned Katzberg's nationality, he is clearly a native of Canada. Born on April 5, 2002, he hails from a charming town, Nanaimo, in British Columbia.
A photo of Olympic Champion Ethan Katzberg posted on August 5, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ethankatzberg
On making his country proud and reflecting on his victory, Katzberg shared, "I don't think I expected it, but I had the preparation in mind to get a good round on the first throw, and to throw 84 meters felt really good."
A photo of Olympic Champion Ethan Katzberg posted on August 5, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ethankatzberg
After his win, he couldn't contain his excitement. He ran around with the Canadian flag and flashed a big smile at the cheering crowd. Team Canada celebrated the moment by posting photos of Katzberg's joyful celebration.
Their caption read, "Smile if you're the first Canadian man to win a gold medal in hammer throw at the Olympics! 😃 Ethan Katzberg, the youngest-ever hammer-throwing Olympic champion.”
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Why Did Noah Lyles Win Despite Failing to Cross the Finish Line First?
Noah Lyles has had an incredible journey leading up to his victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After participating in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and finishing third in the men's 200-meter final race, Lyles struggled with depression and feared competing again.
Noah Lyles celebrates winning the gold medal after competing the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
However, he was encouraged by his high school therapist and he returned to the track. Now, Lyles has won gold in the men's 100-meter final race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His win was unexpected as a photograph shared online shows that his opponent crossed the line first.
The race had a dramatic start as Lyles had the slowest reaction time to the starting gun. Halfway through the race, he was still in the seventh position of the tight eight-man race.
General view as Noah Lyles competes in the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In the final strides, Lyles surged ahead, catching up to Thompson, American Fred Kerley, and South Africa's Akani Simbine, separated by fractions of a second. He ultimately won the race, surprising many, including himself.
Lyles had longed for this gold medal for three years and had brazenly predicted that he would win it. However, when interviewed, Lyles said that at first, he was not sure that he had won.
The scoreboard had taken its time to process the photo finish, offering no immediate indication of who had won gold, silver, or bronze. The sold-out, raucous stadium shared in the uncertainty, waiting in suspense.
Noah Lyles celebrates winning the gold medal after competing the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
During this time, Lyles and Thompson conversed. Lyles told Thompson, "I think you got that one, big dog." However, Thompson replied, "I'm not even sure. It was that close."
Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson wait for the results of the competition during the men's 100m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Saint-Denis, Paris, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Thompson's prediction about the race's tightness proved accurate as Lyles was declared the winner, finishing just five-thousandths of a second ahead.
Noah Lyles secured his first gold medal with a time of 9.79 seconds. He became the first American to win gold in the Olympic 100 meters since Justin Gatlin's victory in 2004.
"I didn't do this against a slow field. I did this against the best of the best, on the biggest stage with the biggest pressure. And seeing that name, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, there it is,'" gushed Lyles.
Noah Lyles crosses the finish line winning the gold medal in the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The race was indeed historic. It was so swift that Kenny Bednarek's 9.88 seconds, which earned him seventh place, would have secured a medal in both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.
Noah Lyles, Oblique Seville, and Akani Simbine compete during the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Saint-Denis, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
After Lyles' win, the NBC Olympics and Paralympics page celebrated him, writing, " NOAH LYLES' OLYMPIC DREAM COMES TRUE! 100M GOLD MEDALIST. #ParisOlympics."
BET99 Ontario also chimed in, "Best finish to a race ever." The Kong Center page commented, " Wow. What a finish! Great work by everyone and congrats to Lyles 🇺🇸."
The drama at the start, coupled with Lyles' slower initial reaction time, and the race's overall speed, captured widespread attention.
However, what shocked many was the image indicating that Thompson's foot crossed the line first. Some argued that while Lyles clinched victory, Thompson finished ahead of him.
An aerial view as Noah Lyles crosses the finish line winning the gold medal in the Men's 100m Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Philanthropist Farhiya Abass, asked, "How is Noah Lyles the winner here? 🤔." "Wait. How did Noah Lyles win?," another person also questioned. "I know! I still can’t believe it! Thompson should’ve won gold 🥇," another user shared.
Kishane Thompson competes during the Men's 100m Round 1 at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 3, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
A fan who thought the gold should be shared, wrote, "Noah Lyles and Alisha me Thompson ran 9.79 but Noah is declared the winner why can’t they share gold???🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️ just unfair dnt tell me about 1000th of a sec[sic]."
Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson react as they wait for the results of the competition during the men's 100m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Saint-Denis, Paris, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
One user answered the question many fans were asking, "For those confused as to why Noah Lyles was awarded Gold instead of Thompson, even though Thompson’s foot crossed 1st: The clock stops when your torso crosses the line *not* 1st body part."
Noah Lyles, Oblique Seville, Akani Simbine, and Kishane Thompson cross the finish line during the men's 100m final at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The user elaborated, "Noah leans w/ his chest, while Thompson subtly concaves his chest. That was the difference[sic]." Still, unconvinced fans shared their opinion, "That is a ridiculous rule, but still strange Thompson didn’t know it."
Kishane Thompson looks on during the Men's 100m Semi-Final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another user who thought the explanation was weird also wrote, "I always thought a foot race was suppose to be decided by feet."
Kishane Thompson (c) reacts after the Men’s 100m Final during the Athletics on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on August 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Lyles ignored the doubts from some online users and celebrated his victory instead. Proud of how far he has come, he relished his win. He jotted on X, "I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!"
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What Did Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes Do to Cause Outrage at the Olympics?
Hollywood stars Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, usually known for keeping things private, caused quite a stir online during their recent trip to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris with their rarely-seen kids. Their style and accessories really caught netizens' attention.
A netizen's comment about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's questionable choice of accessories at the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
On August 4, the couple was seen enjoying the dressage individual Grand Prix freestyle at the beautiful Château de Versailles. Ryan wore a plaid red shirt with a white Paris 2024 cap and dark sunglasses.
Ryan Gosling at the Equestrian Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle Final at Château de Versailles during the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Like her partner, Eva looked casual and stylish in her black ensemble with a few accessories. She completed her look with a sun hat and large sunglasses.
Later, the couple were seen attending the women's uneven bars final at Bercy Stadium with their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, one in a yellow dress and the other in a white sweater.
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling, along with their daughters Esmeralda and Amada, watch the women’s uneven bars final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At the stadium, Ryan and Eva wore the same sunglasses and outfits they had on at Château de Versailles. However, Ryan swapped his white cap for a green Olympic hat, while Eva didn't wear any headgear.
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling, with their daughter, watching the women’s uneven bars final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite their efforts to blend in, their choice of accessories didn't escape the eagle eyes of fans and critics, some finding it annoying. "The sunglasses. Why do 'celebrities' do this? It's especially irritating when they are being interviewed," a critic commented.
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling watching the women’s uneven bars final at the Bercy Arena during the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
"Why are they wearing sunglasses inside?" another questioned. "Was this event held outside at midday,? If not, they look absolutely ridiculous [sic]," one noted. "If you are trying to be incognito take your sunglasses off when inside watching gymnastics 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ Ridiculous! [sic]" exclaimed another.
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling watching the women's uneven bars final at the Bercy Arena during the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone criticized the couple's choice to wear sunglasses, suggesting Eva attempted to "stand out" and expressing frustration with the idea that "celebrities are the best things."
Eva Mendes attends the women's uneven bars final in artistic gymnastics at Bercy Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While some fans expressed their frustration, others had a bit of fun with the situation. "Are the sunglasses supposed to keep them incognito?? Don’t think it worked," one remarked while another said, "The sun must have been blazing inside over there in France [sic]."
Eva Mendes holding her phone next to Ryan Gosling while watching the women’s uneven bars final at the Bercy Arena during the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, the online community didn't miss a chance to comment on Eva's lips. "What's with her lips ?[sic]" a user wondered. "Just a little more filler in the lips...Eva," noted one observant netizen while another suggested, "Eva needs to lay off the lip filler…"
Eva Mendes attends the women’s uneven bars final at the Bercy Arena during the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the criticisms, some fans jumped in to defend the pair and express their admiration. An admirer declared, "Hottest couple award!" and another gushed, "So glad for them, cute couple!!!!!"
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And that wraps up our digest of news for the week! Clearly, the Paris Olympics has been brimming with drama, from the latest on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling to all the other buzzworthy winning moments! Don't miss next week’s digest for more highlights!