As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw to a close and the torch is passed to Los Angeles for 2028, we’re left with a treasure trove of memories to cherish. This unforgettable season began with a SEINE-sational splash on July 26 by the Seine River and concluded with a grand finale at the Stade de France on August 11, where Tom Cruise ceremoniously collected the Olympic flag, marking the beginning of the next chapter in LA’s journey.

The Paris Olympics 2024 brought together 206 nations and over 10,000 athletes, weaving a global tapestry of athleticism and spirit. Over the past 19 days, we marvelled at 32 sports with 48 distinct disciplines, witnessing both Olympic and World records shatter across 35 dazzling venues. This season not only celebrated historic feats but also introduced a fresh rhythm to the Games—Breakdancing—adding a vibrant new beat to the Olympic symphony. Yet, the historic achievements extended beyond the athletes: Paris also made its mark by hosting 20 mixed-gender medal events and crafting over 5,000 medals from 18 grams of iron sourced from the iconic Eiffel Tower, forever embedding its legacy in the heart of the Games!

Who else but the USA could emerge as the leading star in the medal race? Their dominance on the podium was as expected as a crescendo in a symphony, orchestrating a grand finale of triumphs and victories. Let’s deep dive into how Team USA topped the charts!

With the USA bringing home a record-breaking 126 medals from the Paris Olympics—surpassing their haul from Tokyo—their historic achievement saw them become the first nation to amass over 3,000 Olympic medals. Leading the charge ahead of China, Britain, and France by a considerable margin, the USA and China were neck and neck with 40 golds each. Yet, the USA surged ahead with an additional 44 silvers and 42 bronzes, solidifying their lead with a dazzling display of both quantity and quality.

Team USA’s triumph: A Paris Olympic recap

This year, Team USA’s 126 medals were claimed by a formidable squad of 257 athletes, each contributing to a mosaic of triumphs. Competing in 34 different disciplines, the team showcased their versatile prowess, leaving their mark in nearly every arena they entered. Two of the USA’s most celebrated athletes led the charge, driving their team to an electrifying finish. Their standout performances played a huge role in propelling the nation to the top, making for a memorable and exciting conclusion to the Paris Olympics.

Katie Ledecky, the World Record holder and one of the USA’s most decorated swimmers, dazzled with her extraordinary prowess, capturing four medals in the pool: two gleaming golds, a shimmering silver, and a bronze that added a touch of brilliance to her already illustrious career. Her golden triumphs in both the 1500-meter and 800-meter freestyle, marking her fourth consecutive Olympic victory in the 800-meter event, secured her place among the elite. With her bronze and silver medals within the same week, she joins an exclusive group of seven Olympians who have achieved gold in the same event across four different Games, etching her name into the annals of Olympic history with unparalleled grace and tenacity.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in USA history, dazzled at the Paris Olympics with a total of four medals—three radiant golds and one silver. Her reign as the GOAT of gymnastics remains unchallenged. However, despite her extraordinary feats, the elusive gold on the balance beam continued to slip from her grasp. In a dramatic twist, she fell from the beam, leaving her without a medal in that event for the third consecutive Olympic Games. The gold she so fiercely pursued once again evaded her, adding a poignant chapter to her remarkable legacy.

As the USA departs Paris, triumphant atop the medal standings, they set their sights on the future, eager to outshine even their remarkable achievements of this season. Until then, it’s a heartfelt au revoir to Paris and a warm, anticipatory hello to LA!