In a nail-biting finish that had sports fans on the edge of their seats, USA triumphed and clinched the top spot on the medal table at the Paris Olympics, marking a triumphant end to an exhilarating two-week spectacle.
The US, trailing China by one gold medal heading into the final day, needed a victory in women’s basketball to overtake their rivals.
The tension was palpable as the US, a powerhouse in women’s basketball with an unbroken winning streak at the Olympics, faced off against France in a match that would decide the ultimate medal tally leader. The Americans, favourites to win, did not disappoint, securing a thrilling victory in the final seconds, much to the delight of their fans.
USA triumphs
The US and China finished with an equal number of gold medals, 40 each, but the Americans edged ahead with a higher count of silver medals, 44 to 27, securing their place at the pinnacle of the medal table. The US’ total medal haul was an impressive 126, showcasing their dominance across a wide range of sports.
Japan secured third place with 20 golds, maintaining their position from the previous Tokyo Olympics. Australia celebrated their best-ever medal haul, finishing fourth with 18 golds. The host nation, France, put in a strong performance, claiming fifth place with 16 golds, their best result since 1900.
Team GB finished seventh, their lowest ranking since 2004, but their total medal count of 65 was a commendable achievement, one more than in Tokyo. According to the American method of ranking by total medals, Great Britain would be third on the table, a testament to their consistent performance across various sports.
Will the US still dominate in the LA Games?
The US success in Paris sets the stage for the upcoming Los Angeles Games, where they are expected to dominate once again, buoyed by the home advantage. The Winter Olympics, however, present a different challenge, with Norway, a country of less than 6 million, having topped the medal table in the last two editions.
As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, the final medal table tells a story of intense competition, unexpected triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The US victory in Paris is a testament to their sporting prowess and sets the tone for what promises to be an even more exciting competition in Los Angeles in four years’ time.