Shock Defeats and Triumphs Mark Dramatic Day at Paris Olympics

On a dramatic day at the Paris Olympics, Iga Swiatek was stunned by Zheng Qinwen, Simone Biles pursued her sixth gold, and Leon Marchand emerged as France's swimming hero. Highlights included dramatic outcomes in judo, basketball, boxing, and a packed stadium full of enthusiastic spectators. Olympic fever has gripped France.

PARIS, Aug 1 (Reuters) - The Paris Olympics witnessed a day of shocking defeats and exhilarating triumphs on Thursday. Iga Swiatek, the favorite for a gold medal, was left in tears after losing to China's Zheng Qinwen in the women's tennis semi-finals, marking her first defeat at Roland Garros since 2021. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast, returned to the Olympic stage aiming for her sixth gold medal in the women's gymnastics all-around final.

World record holder Kevin Mayer of France was ruled out of the decathlon due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, U.S. champions suffered a setback, losing to Australia in women's 3x3 basketball, and Japan's Aaron Wolf relinquished his under-100kg judo crown. Leon Marchand dazzled in the pool, winning two finals on the same night.

Fans packed the stadiums and millions tuned in on TV. Despite early setbacks in various sports, French competitors like 17-year-old Felix Lebrun in table tennis, and Brian Pintado's 20km race walk win for Ecuador, kept the crowd's enthusiasm alive. Olympic fever has taken over France.