The United States of America (USA) secured the top position on the medal table at the 2024 Paris Olympics, narrowly edging out China in a dramatic conclusion to the Games. The USA and China were locked in a close battle, with China leading by one gold medal until the final competition, the women’s basketball final. In a nail-biting match, the USA triumphed over France with a 67-66 victory, ensuring they continued their streak of topping the medal tally for the fourth consecutive Olympics.
USA’s Dominance in Track and Field
The USA’s overall performance was bolstered by their dominance in track and field events, where they won a remarkable 14 gold medals, alongside 11 silver and 9 bronze.
The Americans also excelled in swimming, adding 28 medals, including eight golds, to their tally. The final count saw the USA finish with 126 medals in total, comprising 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze medals.
China’s strong showing in pool
China, while finishing second, delivered a strong performance in their traditionally strong sports, particularly in swimming, diving, and weightlifting. They amassed 91 medals overall, with 40 golds, equalling the USA’s gold count but falling short in the total medal tally. China’s efforts, however, were not enough to surpass the USA’s broad success across multiple disciplines.
Japan surpasses expectations
Japan exceeded expectations by finishing third on the medal table with 45 medals, including 20 golds. This result defied pre-Olympic predictions, which had suggested Japan would win only half the number of gold medals they had secured in the Tokyo Olympics.
Japan’s strong showing highlights their growing prowess in various sports on the international stage.
Great Britain and Australia among Top Finishers
Great Britain, which had been predicted to make it into the top three, ended in seventh place with 14 gold medals. Meanwhile, Australia had a successful campaign, finishing fourth with 18 golds. The host nation, France, rounded out the top five with 16 gold medals, making a strong showing on home soil.
India finishes 71st, Pakistan outpaces with 62nd position
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics saw them finishing 71st with six medals, consisting of five bronze and one silver. However, India’s final medal tally could potentially change pending the outcome of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification in the women’s 50kg wrestling final. Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in, a decision she has challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a significant achievement, Pakistan finished ahead of India, securing the 62nd spot on the medal table. Pakistan celebrated its first gold medal in 44 years, with Arshad Nadeem clinching victory in the men’s javelin final, marking a historic moment for the nation.
Paris 2024: Memorable Olympics
The Paris Olympics were marked by thrilling competition and memorable moments. The USA’s late surge to top the medal tally, China’s strong showing in their key sports, and Japan’s impressive rise were among the highlights.
For India and Pakistan, the Games provided both moments of pride and opportunities for reflection as they look forward to future international competitions.
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