Image source: AP Photo
Olympic medal count: In a thrilling showdown at the Paris Olympics, the United States and China ended in a tie with 40 gold medals each. However, the U.S. claimed victory by topping the overall medals table with an impressive 126 medals, leaving China in the dust with 91.
This marks the second consecutive Olympic Games where the U.S. has outperformed China in the medal count, echoing their success from Tokyo, where they finished with 113 medals and 39 golds compared to China’s 89 medals and 38 golds.
Before the Games, predictions from Nielsen’s Gracenote virtual medal-table forecast had pegged the U.S. at the top with 112 overall medals, followed by China, Britain, France, and Australia. While the U.S. did meet expectations by leading the medal tally, both the U.S. and China surpassed their predicted medal counts, adding to the excitement of the Games.
Japan defied predictions by securing third place with 20 golds out of 45 total medals, pushing Britain down to seventh place. Britain did manage to surpass their Tokyo medal count with 65 medals, but fewer golds kept them out of the top five.
Australia and France also made a strong showing, with Australia securing fourth place with 18 golds among their 53 medals, thanks in part to skateboarder Keegan Palmer’s star performance. France, originally predicted to finish fourth, came in fifth with 16 golds out of a total of 64 medals, nearly doubling their medal count from the Tokyo Games.
China dominated in several sports, including diving, where they made history by sweeping all eight gold medals at the Olympic Aquatics Centre. They also claimed five golds each in shooting, table tennis, and weightlifting. Their victory in the team event for table tennis marked China’s 300th gold medal in Olympic history.
The U.S. excelled in track and field, where Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles, contributing to the U.S.’s 14 gold medals in the sport. Noah Lyles clinched a historic win in the men’s 100-meter race, while Gabrielle Thomas dominated the women’s 200-meter event. At the iconic Stade de France, American athletes repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet, with Quincy Hall taking home the gold in the men’s 400-meter race.
Gymnastics legend Simone Biles continued her record-breaking streak, adding four more medals to her collection. In swimming, Katie Ledecky led the U.S. team to secure eight golds, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.
The U.S. basketball teams also delivered outstanding performances, with both the men’s and women’s teams defeating France in the finals to claim gold. The women’s team, in particular, made history by winning their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal with a nail-biting 67-66 victory.
France had much to celebrate, led by swimmer Léon Marchand, who earned five medals, helping France secure one more gold than they did in Atlanta 1996. The French judo team was also a standout, winning 10 medals, including another gold for heavyweight star Teddy Riner. However, the men’s handball team fell short, failing to defend their title, though the women’s team salvaged a silver medal.
Germany’s equestrian team had a strong showing, with four of their 12 golds coming in equestrian events. Isabell Werth extended her Olympic record with 14 medals in dressage. Meanwhile, Canada’s teen sensation Summer McIntosh dazzled in the pool, bringing home three golds and a silver, contributing to Canada’s nine golds among 27 medals.
One of the most memorable moments came from Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, who electrified the crowd by breaking his own world record in pole vaulting. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic added to the drama by winning an emotional gold medal in tennis, while Serbia also triumphed in men’s water polo, securing three golds out of five total medals.
India had a standout moment with Manu Bhaker, who became the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal, earning bronze in the 10-meter air pistol and another in the mixed team event. Algeria’s Imane Khelif made headlines by overcoming adversity to win one of her country’s two gold medals amid intense scrutiny.
The Paris Olympics was a spectacular event, filled with historic moments, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable triumphs, leaving fans around the world eager for the next chapter in Olympic history.
FAQ:
How many gold medals did the U.S. and China each win at the Paris Olympics 2024?
Both the U.S. and China won 40 gold medals each at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Which country topped the overall medal count at the Paris Olympics 2024?
The United States topped the overall medal count with 126 medals, surpassing China’s 91 medals.
Which athlete broke a world record at the Paris Olympics 2024?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the U.S. broke her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles.
Which Indian athlete made history at the Paris Olympics 2024?
Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal, securing bronze in the 10-meter air pistol and another medal in the mixed team event.
