While athletes are unquestionably the stars of the modern Olympic Games, there was a reminder this week that they sometimes have to share the stage — with animals.

On Monday, along a shoreline 15,000 kilometres from the Olympic flame in Paris, crowds gathered for the surfing competition saw an extra splash in the water. A whale breached the surface — leaping head-first — while two competitors were awaiting their waves in Teahupo’o, Tahiti.

Sure, athletes get centre stage, but animals have made cameo appearances a tradition at the Olympics{ai:summary}<p>The Olympic stage isn’t always where athletes shine alone. In Tahiti, as surfers awaited their turn, a whale made a dramatic entrance, reminding everyone that nature can steal the spotlight, even 15,000 kilometers from the flame in Paris.</p><p>#sports</p>

Meet the furry co-stars of the Olympic Games, from capybaras to a famous Canadian moose

Loading...