USA Triumphs Over China for Paris 2024 Olympics Gold; India Ends 71st
USA Clinches Top Spot with a Dramatic Victory
New Delhi: The United States emerged as the champion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing the top position with a dramatic finish. The US team achieved 40 gold medals, tying with China but surpassing them due to a higher count of silver medals. This victory reinforces the USA’s dominance in the global sporting arena, as they became the only country to win over 100 Olympic medals in 2024.
The crucial moment came in one of the most thrilling finals in Olympic history. The US women’s basketball team edged out France with a narrow 67-66 win to capture the gold medal. This win marked their eighth consecutive Olympic gold, solidifying the USA’s leadership on the medal table. This last-minute triumph was significant, as the USA had narrowly defeated China by a single gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
China Finishes Strong, but Just Short
China, which led the medal standings for several days, finished closely behind the USA with 40 golds, 27 silvers, and 23 bronzes. Despite their remarkable performance, the higher number of silver medals earned by the US determined the final ranking.
India’s 71st Place and Key Performance
India ended up in 71st place on the medal table, a disappointing result with only six medals and no golds. Neeraj Chopra’s silver in the men’s javelin throw on August 8 was India’s highlight. The overall performance reflects the challenges faced by Indian athletes at this year’s Games.
Pakistan’s Return and Notable Achievement
Pakistan made a significant comeback to the Olympic rankings after a 32-year absence, finishing in 62nd place. Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal in the men’s javelin throw was a standout achievement for the country.
Japan and France Deliver Strong Performances
Japan secured third place with 20 gold medals, demonstrating a solid performance across various sports. Host nation France, despite a strong showing, finished fifth with 16 golds and a total of 64 medals. Great Britain, which began the Games strongly, fell to seventh place by the end of the competition.
Individual Highlights and Records
In individual achievements, French swimmer Leon Marchand stood out with four gold medals and one bronze, the only athlete to win four or more golds at the Paris Games. Ten athletes, including US gymnast Simone Biles, won three gold medals each. China’s Zhang Yufei earned the highest number of individual medals with one silver and five bronze.
Changing Dynamics in Global Sports Power
The Paris 2024 Olympics not only celebrated outstanding athletic performances but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of global sports power. With the USA and China competing closely for dominance and new contenders emerging, the future of international athletics promises to be both exciting and competitive.