The recent Olympics were brimming with excitement, featuring a blend of enduring legends and emerging talents. While some big names faced surprising setbacks, others showcased their skills in remarkable ways.

Below is a list of athletes who faced challenges during the Olympics:

Mutaz Essa Barshim, the high jump champion from Qatar, had a tough time. Known for his impressive performances in Rio and Tokyo, Barshim only managed to win a bronze this time, falling short of expectations.

Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan marathon runner celebrated as the best in the world, struggled with the race. He had trouble with the hilly course and did not finish as expected. Kipchoge eventually had to withdraw from the race, and a British newspaper jokingly reported that ‘World’s greatest marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge takes TAXI to the finish line after he was forced to walk and then quit the race‘

Hansle Parchment – In the 110m hurdles, Jamaica’s defending champion faced a tough challenge. Known for his exciting races against American Grant Holloway, Parchment could not match his previous performances and ended up last, while Holloway won the gold.

Selemon Barega of Ethiopia, who won gold in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Games, struggled to defend his title. Despite strong competition from his Ethiopian team, Barega could not keep up with Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, who won the gold.

Finally, Ferdinand Omanyala from Kenya, a top sprinter with a fast 100m time, aimed to impress at the Olympics. After winning his heat in 10.08 seconds, Omanyala finished second to last in his semifinal with the same time. Kishane Thompson, who won that semi-final, went on to win silver in the final.

These athletes may not have reached their goals, but their determination and perseverance are inspiring examples of the Olympic spirit.