Paris Olympics: NBA stars, world-record breakers and main-character energy – top 5 debuts

You only get one Olympics debut, and from preteens and veterans to global sporting superstars, Paris had it all over the course of two-and-a-bit weeks.

Some newcomers left with new-found fame, others simply added another page to their storied career, while there were those who even became memes.

But whatever else happens in the rest of their lives, they’ll always have Paris. Here’s a look back at five who stood out in the French capital.

Letsile Tebogo

First time proved to be a charm for the Botswanan, and what better stage to shine than in a marquee event?

Tebogo turned the 200-metre final into his personal victory lap of the Stade de France, pounding his chest in triumph as he crossed the finish line.

And no, that wasn’t a show of arrogance but a proud salute to Botswana’s first Olympic gold, which Tebogo dedicated to his late mother, Elizabeth Sertiwa.

An African record of 19.46 seconds and now deemed a Botswanan lionheart, Tebogo had skates on his feet in his Games debut.