The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a resounding success, recapturing the spirit and excitement of the Games. With record viewership and heartwarming moments of sportsmanship, the Paris Olympics has overcome early concerns and delivered a unifying cultural event. The Paris Olympics have largely recaptured the zeitgeist and reminded audiences of the universal appeal of the Olympic movement.
Medal Dominance
The United States continued its Olympic supremacy, topping the medal table with 126 medals in total. This was a clear lead over China, which claimed 91 medals. The United Kingdom rounded out the top three with 65 medals, edging out France.
Individual Standouts
When it came to individual performances, swimmers stole the show. China’s Yufei Zhang took home the most medals overall, claiming five bronzes and one silver. And 5 other swimmers also claimed 5 medals each. Including Léon Marchand (France), Torri Huske and Regan Smith (USA), and Mollie O’Callaghan and Kaylee McKeown (Australia).
Marchand was a breakout star to win four gold medals in individual events. And adding a bronze in the men’s 4x100m medley relay. Winning the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke on the same day was “impossible”, his coach, Bob Bowman, who previously trained the legendary Michael Phelps.
Controversies and Scandals
The Paris Olympics were not without their fair share of controversies and scandals. One of the biggest disputes arose in the women’s floor exercise final, where the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that American gymnast Jordan Chiles should have her bronze medal reinstated, bumping Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu up to the podium.
There were also incidents of athlete misconduct, including an Australian field hockey player allegedly trying to buy cocaine and an Egyptian wrestler accused of sexual assault.
Changing Landscape
While the United States and China continued to dominate the medal table, the landscape of Olympic success is shifting. Countries like Australia, with its tiny population, have emerged as true superpowers, racking up an impressive 43 medals, including 18 golds.
Additionally, the European Union (excluding the United Kingdom) collectively won more than 160 medals, more than China and the United States combined, showcasing the continued strength of the Old World in the Summer Games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics were a testament to the enduring spirit of the Games. As the world looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the history of the Olympic movement.
