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“Holy Smokes”: Wardrobe Malfunction Sends Gold Medalist Thomas Ceccon Fans Into Frenzy
“Holy Smokes”: Wardrobe Malfunction Sends Gold Medalist Thomas Ceccon Fans Into Frenzy
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“Holy Smokes”: Wardrobe Malfunction Sends Gold Medalist Thomas Ceccon Fans Into Frenzy

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Thomas Ceccon, aka “The Shark,” became a breakout star at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, not just because he stepped on the podium twice but also because of his physical appearance. According to social media, the gold and bronze 2024 Olympic medalist’s accidental wardrobe malfunction made him look like a “Calvin Klein model.”

Highlights
  • Thomas Ceccon became a breakout star at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and won gold and bronze medals.
  • Thomas' accidental wardrobe malfunction made him look like a 'Calvin Klein model' according to social media.
  • Fans noted Thomas' physical appearance, with some saying he could have a modeling contract.

The 23-year-old claimed bronze in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay on the opening night of the competition on Saturday (July 27), stunning fans as he waved with an exposed bottom midriff.

“I just watched Thomas Ceccon win a gold medal for 100M backstroke so he’s not only hot but also an Olympic gold medallist,” a viewer wrote on social media.

A person commented: “The Italian swimmer Ceccon probably has a modeling contract.”

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    Thomas Ceccon, aka “The Shark,” became a breakout star at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

    Gold medalist in black hoodie holding medal at an event.

    Image credits: Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages

    Gold medalist Thomas Ceccon seated in a gym wearing a black tank top, looking at the camera.

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    Image credits: ceccon_thomas

    “Thomas Ceccon gets an increase in insta followers every 4 years,” a netizen added.

    On TikTok, a woman shared: “What is the deal with the Italian swimming team at the Olympics looking like Calvin Klein models?”

    A separate TikTok user, who attended the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, showed a video of Thomas after the medal ceremony and said that she would “swipe right” on him. 

    Not just because he stepped on the podium twice but also because of his physical appearance

    Four Italian swimmers celebrate with medals around their necks, cheering on the podium.

    Image credits: Xavier Laine/Getty Images

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    “Died and went to heaven actually,” she wrote in her video’s caption.

    With Thomas’ popularity gaining momentum, his historic 100m backstroke gold medal win on Monday (July 29) continued to ignite praise, as another video posted on TikTok included the caption, “POV: you’re just a girl trying to watch the Olympics,” over a clip of the Italian athlete splashing the water after he won gold in his race. 

    Swimmer celebrating a victory with arms raised, wearing swimming goggles in hand, surrounded by media.

    Image credits: Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/Getty Images

    On X (formerly known as Twitter), a fan penned: “‘Olympics’ next top model and gold medallist; Thomas Ceccon. 

    “No wonder he won, that jawline probably split the water in half when he dove in.”

    “Thomas Ceccon is so beautiful,” a cybernaut stated.

    The gold and bronze 2024 Olympic medalist’s accidental wardrobe malfunction made him look like a “Calvin Klein model”

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    Gold medalist swimmer standing in the pool after a race, facing the camera.

    Image credits: Jari Pestelacci/Getty Images

    An observer noted: “All American patriotism leaving my body when Thomas Ceccon is on my screen.”

    A separate individual chimed in: “Holy smokes.”

    The Vicenza native became the first of his nation to win a medal in the event, while Chinese swimmer Xu Jiayu took the silver medal and Team USA’s Ryan Murphy took the bronze, People reported on Tuesday (July 30).

    “I prepared this final down to the smallest detail,” Thomas told Rai Italia on Tuesday. “I’m so happy and very excited.”

    The sportsman was nicknamed “The Shark” for his speed in the water, his notable determination, and his height of 1.97 meters.

    “You have to be good, then your luck also counts,” Thomas commented on his teammate Nicolò Martinenghis’ gold medal, which he won at the Men’s 100m Breaststroke on Sunday (28 July).

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    Thomas claimed bronze in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay on July 27, stunning fans as he waved with an exposed bottom midriff

    Gold medalist working out in gym, wearing a black tank top, focused on lifting a dumbbell.

    Image credits: ceccon_thomas

    Thomas’ parents are also athletes. His father, Loris, is a pentathlete, and his mother, Giola, is a roller skating champion.

    “When I was a kid I used to go to training with Alberto (his coach) by car,” the Olympian recalled. “He asked me what my dream was, I said to win the Olympics and he said ‘Calm down, one thing at a time.’ As a kid, I knew I could win it.” 

    Speaking to Rai, Thomas admitted that he was “emotional” on the podium.

    Gold medalist in swim briefs at a pool event, smiling and holding onto a pole, with a blue backdrop and welcome sign.

    Image credits: ceccon_thomas

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    He said, “It hadn’t happened to me at the World Championships, but here there’s a race every four years, if you make a mistake you’ve lost everything. 

    “It’s about tenths, I did the race that had to be done. 

    “In the mixed race, I’ll try to manage it differently.”

    Thomas will swim again in the Men’s 200m Backstroke event at the Paris La Defense Arena on Wednesday (July 31) at 11:21 CET.

    “There should be a calendar Olympic swimmers edition,” a reader commented

    Social media post about Thomas Ceccon's wardrobe malfunction with humorous comment and laughing emoji reactions.

    Comment about Olympic swimmers featuring in a calendar edition, with likes and heart reactions.

    Comment by Michelle Wood expressing excitement and humor about moving to Italy and taking swimming lessons.

    Comment expressing admiration for Italians, referencing marriage.

    Andrea Lupiano expressing excitement about a wardrobe malfunction involving gold medalist Thomas Ceccon.

    Comment by Kim Ly about swimmer's post-event appearance, garnering social media reactions.

    Comment about gold medalist Thomas Ceccon's physique comparing it to a Ken doll.

    Comment praising a male gold medalist, describing him as handsome like southern Italian men, with heart emoji and 44 likes.

    Comment on male swimmers, describing them as attractive, with emojis expressing admiration.

    Comment on Thomas Ceccon wardrobe mishap: "We are all moving to Italy.

    Comment on Olympic swimmers' physiques, mentioning their great abs, with a surprised emoji.

    Comment addressing male objectification related to Thomas Ceccon wardrobe incident.

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    Andréa Oldereide

    Andréa Oldereide

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    I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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    Andréa Oldereide

    Andréa Oldereide

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

    Donata Leskauskaitė

    Donata Leskauskaitė

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    Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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    Donata Leskauskaitė

    Donata Leskauskaitė

    Author, Community member

    Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

    What do you think ?
    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of course, objectifying women for their appearance in swimwear is terrible, patronising, old-fashioned and creepy, but this is fine, have I got that right? It either works both ways or not at all, people. When's the women's beach volleyball on?

    Porribix
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Came here to say the same. Its not OK yo objectify people.

    Load More Replies...
    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again? Didn’t yesterday’s post teach bored panda anything, this is sexism pure and simple, stop it and do better

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine competing in the Olympics and winning gold, only for people to discuss your abs. I mean, it's fine to appreciate athletic beauty in men and women olympic athletes, but come on (or maybe I'm just old and bitter haha)

    Load More Comments
    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of course, objectifying women for their appearance in swimwear is terrible, patronising, old-fashioned and creepy, but this is fine, have I got that right? It either works both ways or not at all, people. When's the women's beach volleyball on?

    Porribix
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Came here to say the same. Its not OK yo objectify people.

    Load More Replies...
    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again? Didn’t yesterday’s post teach bored panda anything, this is sexism pure and simple, stop it and do better

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine competing in the Olympics and winning gold, only for people to discuss your abs. I mean, it's fine to appreciate athletic beauty in men and women olympic athletes, but come on (or maybe I'm just old and bitter haha)

    Load More Comments
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