The Paris Olympics are in full swing, with athletes from around the world competing and securing medals for their nations. While China is currently leading in diving events, National Geographic has added a playful twist to the Games. They shared a humorous Instagram video expressing their mock disappointment that penguins weren’t included in the diving competition.
The video showcases baby penguins demonstrating their diving abilities. Captured by wildlife photographer Bertie Gregory, the footage features the penguins leaping off a 50-foot cliff in Antarctica. This stunning footage will be featured in the upcoming documentary *Secrets of the Penguins*, set to release in April 2025. National Geographic humorously suggested that, despite not being part of the Olympics, these penguins deserve medals too.
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The video first appeared online in April 2024 and shows numerous baby emperor penguins preparing to make their first jump into the sea. Filmed by a team in Atka Bay on the Ekstrom Ice Shelf, it captures around 700 penguins in action.
According to National Geographic, this footage is a rare and unprecedented recording of the species diving from such a significant height for the first time.
Sharing the clip on Instagram, Nat Geo wrote, “They’re medal winners in our hearts and we can’t wait to see them in Secrets of the Penguins, coming to National Geographic in 2025.” The team added, “Sad to announce these baby penguins didn’t make the Paris 2024 diving team.”
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Interestingly, Bertie Gregory, who took the shot reacted by stating, “Low score for style but full points for effort.”
A user commented, “Team Antarctica for the gold.”
Another joked, “They were disqualified for being too splashy.”
“How do they get back up when finished swimming for food? Why find a high entry point then?” a comment said.
Another said, “They have to take a back flip in the air too. That’s why they are not selected for Paris Olympics 2024.”
