In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA added another medal to their tally, but not without some subsequent drama.
Viewers of the women’s synchronized 3m springboard finals today might have noticed a particularly ‘awkward’ incident.
This moment involved US Olympians Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, who won silver, and China’s gold medalists Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen.
After the six athletes learned they had secured medals, they were asked to gather for a group photo on a single podium.
The UK’s athletes, who had won bronze for Team GB, were already positioned on the first place podium alongside the gold medal winners, Yani and Yiwen. Subsequently, Cook and Bacon began to move onto it as well.
With the British and Chinese athletes standing at the back, the only space left for Team USA was in a crouched position at the bottom.
However, Yani and Yiwen intervened, offering Cook and Bacon the opportunity to stand while they sat at the front of the podium. You can see the moment here:
Following the awkward encounter, one Twitter user remarked: “Slight awkward moment there between China and US as to who should be in the middle of podium for photo..
“Chinese social media said ‘the chinese girls were very kind as they know foreigners can’t squat’.”
Although the situation resolved amicably without any confrontation, the post still ignited a global debate on social media.
One user commented: “The Chinese athletes are simply generous. They sit down to avoid demonstrating their superiority. that is true sportsmanship.”
Another echoed this sentiment, stating: “Chinese athletes are very well educated.”
Conversely, some criticized the US team for moving to the only available position on the podium, questioning why they were all asked to share it in the first place.
One commenter wrote: “Chinese won gold and they deserve to be outstanding in the middle. Manners.”
Another user highlighted that the athletes are not influenced by politics, stating: “Before jumping to conclusions just remind yourself that they’re just teens without any pollution of politicians’ work.”
So what are your thoughts? Did any of the Olympians act inappropriately?