A mellifluous moment, featuring a swell of voices from members of Team Fiji at the 2024 Olympic Village, left viewers’ hearts full, as they drew competitors out from their balconies in a moment of unity. Athletes, coaches and the rest of the Team Fiji staff were captured singing harmoniously to a Fijian hymn, in a video captured by Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns, who was quartered next to the “Oceania countries” along with the rest of her Aussie contingent. “So beautiful,” said Kearns in the clip shared on Instagram, as the in-sync voices in the background grew louder.
“Everyone’s come out on to their balconies to listen to it." The video shared by Kearns went viral on Instagram Reels with many people praising the islanders for their wholesome singing. “Islanders try not to be wholesome challenge: Impossible,” read a comment under Kearns’ post.
“This is what the kingdom sounds like,” said another. “Oceania: Tiny Islands, BIGGEST HEARTS in the world <3,” chimed in a third. The heartwarming moment was also cherished by the likes of other notable celebrities, such as Australian canoeist Noemie Fox, who secured a gold for kayak cross in Paris, American singer Stevie Mackey and Amber Riley of Glee.
“WOW,” wrote Fox and Riley in the comments. “Heaven,” said Mackey. For some others, who belong to Fiji, the melody served as a flash back to their childhoods and the rich culture that shaped them into the individuals they are today.
“As a Fijian, this is quite touching to have a glimpse of our fellow Fijians out there, miles away from home, worshipping and prepping for the big stage,” noted a social media user. "As a Fijian in Australia, this brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart sing 🇫🇯❤️," shared another. From Kearns’ first video of Team Fiji singing, to all the initial reactions applauding the performance, it seems not many were truly aware what the hymns were about until the clip blew up on social media and drove insights from those familiar with the culture.
“Yes, they were holding a church Service on Sunday for all Pacific Island countries. They're singing Christian Hymns in the Fijian dialect,” replied Papuan Orator David A.R.
Lawrence on Kearns’ post. “So wholesome, the chorus of the hymn their signing translates to "Jesus is calling, you are invited / (come along)" 💙 Let's go Fiji,” read another reply. In the video, Team Fiji can be heard singing “ ” — a Fijian hymn that translates to “be glorified in Jesus” or “put your trust into the Lord and he will guide your way,” .
The hymn holds a special place in Fijian Christian worship, capturing the essence of devotion and adoration for Jesus Christ with the lyrics expressing deep reverence and gratitude, while celebrating the grace and love of Jesus. A significant part of everyday life and culture, it reflects the communal spirit of Fijian worship as it blends traditional melodies with Christian teachings and is often sung in church services and religious gatherings. Team Fiji’s praying traditions remaining intact at the Paris Olympics 2024 has put the island nation on the top of wholesome moments, serving as a strong reminder of how the Olympics unite the world.
Another key moment that touched hearts around the world was the Olympic podium selfie that united North and South Koreans. After South Korea won bronze and North Korea bagged silver in the Table Tennis mixed doubles behind China, South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon encouraged all medal winners to take a group photo. Many cheered on the athletes, as tensions between North and South Korea remain high after the nuclear-armed northern republic .
🙏🏾Olympic Spirit🙏🏾 Athletes from North Korea, South Korea and China took a podium selfie that is now going viral. China got gold, North Korea got silver and South Korea got bronze in the mixed doubles of the table tennis and took a group selfie after. The two countries don’t.
.. — Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) 🇰🇷🇰🇵🤝Paris 2024 Olympics: Historic selfie between athletes from North Korea, South Korea and China highlights friendship, camaraderie and unity despite historic conflicts.
— F.M NEWS (@fmnews__) Another beautiful moment was captured during English artist Adele’s Munich concert when she paused her performance to watch American Sha’Carri Richardson’s debut at the Paris Olympics 2024. Adele has stopped her show to display the women’s 100m final at the Olympics.
— NO CONTEXT OLYMPICS (@OlympicsContext) Lastly, a rather sweet gesture that may have not garnered as much attention involved Chinese badminton player He Bingjiao, who held a pin featuring the Spanish flag in tribute to Carolina Marin — her opponent from the semifinals, after winning silver in the women’s singles final. The renowned Spanish player had to withdraw from the match due to an injury, despite being ahead and He that the pin was intended to honour Marin's competitive spirit. He’s thoughtful gesture and her sincere wishes for Marin's swift recovery struck a chord with many viewers.
Chinese badminton player He Bingjiao carried a Spanish badge on the podium to show her support for fellow badminton player Carolina Marin, who had to pull out of her match with an injury. The Spanish Olympic Committee praised her gesture. That is true Olympic spirit.
👍 — ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda).
