The United States Reigns Supreme in Final Medal Count at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded on August 11, with the Closing Ceremony officially passing the hosting torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games. Throughout the competition, the United States and China were engaged in a closely contested race for total gold medals, the standard used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to rank countries in the medal table. Ultimately, the United States emerged as the lone nation to secure more than 100 total medals in Paris.
As the final day of the Olympics commenced, the United States and China were deadlocked with 39 gold medals each. The eagerly awaited women’s basketball gold medal game presented the United States with an opportunity to claim the lead. Meanwhile, the women’s volleyball gold medal match against Italy could have solidified the United States’ position. Unfortunately, Italy dominated the volleyball match, leaving the United States’ medal hopes resting on the women’s basketball game and Jennifer Valente’s performance in the women’s cycling omnium event.
According to IOC’s regulations, in the event of a tie in gold medals, the tiebreaker is not determined by total medals, as commonly assumed, but by silver medals. If the number of silver medals is also equal, the count of bronze medals comes into play. In a rare scenario where all medal counts are identical, an alphabetical ranking based on the IOC code serves as the final tiebreaker.
The United States women’s basketball team’s narrow victory over France in the final moments of the game resulted in the United States finishing at the top of the medal table. Equalling China with 40 gold medals, the United States effortlessly secured the silver medal tiebreaker with a count of 44-27. Ultimately, the United States garnered a total of 126 medals, outshining China’s total of 91.
Significantly, the IOC has requested gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze medal, which would reduce the United States’ total to 125. However, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee is planning to challenge this decision.
The United States has now maintained its position at the top of the medal count for the past four consecutive Olympics, spanning from London 2012 and including Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Conversely, China last led the medal table during the Beijing 2008 Games.
Reflecting on historical data, the United States has claimed the top spot in the Summer Olympics medal table 19 times since 1896, outpacing the Soviet Union, which has achieved this feat six times.
In conclusion, the United States has once again demonstrated its prowess in the Olympic arena, securing a powerful finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Let us celebrate and honor the impressive achievements of all the athletes who competed in this spectacular event.
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