The United States secured the top spot in the medal tally at the Paris Olympics, narrowly edging out China by securing more silver and bronze medals, even though both nations won the same number of gold medals—40 each. The USA ended the Games with 126 medals in total, including 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze, while China claimed 91 medals in total. However, a surprising turn of events involving Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat could have altered this outcome, potentially placing China ahead of the USA in the final medal standings.
Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: Crucial Turning Point
Vinesh Phogat was set to face the USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt in the final of the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling event. Phogat’s journey to the final was impressive, as she defeated Tokyo Games gold medalist Yui Susaki, who had been undefeated in 94 matches against foreign wrestlers. This victory heightened expectations that Phogat could potentially win the gold medal, which would have increased China’s chances of finishing first in the overall medal tally.
However, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final after being found overweight by just 100 grams. This disqualification handed Hildebrandt an uncontested gold medal, securing an additional gold for the USA.
Impact on Medal Standings
If Vinesh Phogat had competed and won the final against Hildebrandt, the USA would have ended the Games with 39 gold medals, one less than China’s 40, likely shifting the USA to second place in the medal standings and allowing China to take the top spot. This small yet significant event shows how crucial each competition can be in determining the final rankings in the Olympic medal tally.
Ongoing appeal and Vinesh Phogat retirement
Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed her case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting a shared silver medal. The decision from CAS is expected on August 13, which could further impact the final medal count for India at the Paris Olympics. If Phogat’s appeal is successful, India would secure two silver medals, matching their medal tally from the Tokyo Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and the subsequent controversy have drawn widespread support from the Indian sports community and fans. Despite being just 29, Phogat has announced her retirement from the sport, marking a bittersweet end to her Olympic journey. Her case underscores the fine margins that can influence the outcomes at the highest level of international competition.
