The United States finishes strong with 126 total medals, as Stephen Curry and LeBron James, guide Team USA to its fifth consecutive gold medal
As the curtain fell on the 2024 Olympic Games this past Sunday, athletes from around the world wrapped up a fortnight of intense competition, camaraderie, and historic achievements. Team USA stood out prominently, leading the medal tally with an impressive 126 total medals, surpassing China (91), Britain (65), and France (64). This year, the United States and China were neck and neck in the gold medal count, each finishing with 40 golds. Additionally, the U.S. secured 42 silver and 44 bronze medals.
One of the most thrilling moments in the final days of the Olympics came from the men’s basketball team, which clinched its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Team USA triumphed over France with a score of 98-87 in a nail-biting final. The game was a showcase of basketball excellence, with Stephen Curry scoring 24 points, including eight three-pointers, to secure his first Olympic gold medal. LeBron James contributed significantly as well, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists, earning his fourth Olympic medal—three golds and one bronze. Kevin Durant, adding to the stellar lineup, scored 15 points, making history as the first men’s basketball player to win four gold medals.
The final showdown was a testament to the prowess and experience of the American team. Curry’s impeccable performance, combined with James’ enduring dominance at 39 and Durant’s consistent scoring, highlighted the exceptional talent and depth of the squad. This remarkable victory also marked a potential closing chapter for some of the sport’s most celebrated athletes, making it a historic and emotional win for Team USA.
France’s valiant effort in the final was underscored by the performance of their star player, Victor Wembanyama. Despite scoring an Olympic-best 26 points in the gold medal game, Wembanyama and his team fell short. The promise of a bright future still looms large for Wembanyama and the French team as they set their sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In women’s basketball, Team USA continued its legacy of dominance by winning their eighth consecutive gold medal, a streak dating back to the 1996 Games. The American women’s team narrowly defeated their opponents 67-66 in a closely contested match, securing the most consecutive Olympic titles for any nation in basketball, whether in the men’s or women’s division.
No bronze for Chiles, after all
There’s been another major twist in the Olympic gymnastics drama involving Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal. USA Gymnastics said Monday that, despite new video evidence, its effort to restore Chiles’ bronze from the 2024 Paris Olympics was turned down.
The closing days of the Olympics also saw a dramatic episode of medal earning with U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles and Romania Ana Barbosu. Chiles experienced a whirlwind of emotions, hate, and support when her bronze medal was briefly stripped away due to a scoring error. This underscored not only the pressures faced by athletes, as well as the meticulous scrutiny that goes into ensuring fair competition.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished in Paris, athletes, fans, and officials alike reflected on the memorable moments and the spirit of unity that the Games fostered. The 2024 Olympics not only highlighted extraordinary athletic feats but also celebrated the resilience and determination of individuals and teams who overcame numerous challenges to compete on the world’s biggest stage. Looking ahead, the anticipation builds for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where new stories and legends will undoubtedly emerge.
