One viral Olympian garnered social media fame at the Paris Games, but he won’t be taking home any hardware.
French diver Jules Bouyer, who gained widespread attention in the opening days of the 2024 Olympics because of his revealing swimsuit, finished eighth in the men’s 3-meter springboard diving final on Thursday.
Bouyer posted a 395.70 total score while China’s Xie Siyi (543.60) and Wang Zongyuan (530.20) took gold and silver, respectively. Mexico’s Osmar Olvera earned bronze (500.40).
In his first-ever Olympics, the 22-year-old Bouyer made it all the way through to two final events, including the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard final on Aug. 2, when he and teammate Alexis Jandard concluded in fifth.
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During the men’s 3-meter springboard semifinal, Bouyer narrowly secured sixth place, beating American Carson Tyler by 0.30 points.
Bouyer’s Olympic debut came on the heels of regular top finishes in the World Championships.
This year, the Frenchman finished fifth in the men’s 3-meter springboard and 12th in the synchronized category, while his best career placement was third in the synchronized category in 2023.
While Bouyer may not be leaving Paris with a medal, he certainly has generated a flock of fans and admirers on social media.
“I’m not a biologist but I’d say Olympian diver Jules Bouyer’s XY chromosome is in full effect,” wrote one X user with an accompanying video of Bouyer before diving.
“One academic topic in which i am extremely interested now is french diver jules bouyer. i find this subject very intellectually rewarding & intriguing,” another user wrote on July 28. “this subject is something i think many others would also enjoy studying. there are many reasons why i find this topic fascinati–”
Bouyer’s fans may have to wait four more years to see him in the Summer Games yet again, but the diver will be back in action during the World Championships and World Cup next year.
