USA Claims Top Spot in Olympic Medal Table After Dramatic Final Victory

In a gripping conclusion to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the United States clinched the top position on the medal table after their women’s basketball team secured a narrow victory over France in the final event. The thrilling match ended with a score of 67-66, marking the USA’s eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball and leveling their gold medal count with China at 40.

Despite China’s strong showing, the USA’s overall medal tally of 126, which includes 44 silvers compared to China’s 27, ensured their lead atop the medal standings for the fourth consecutive Olympics. The dramatic final mirrored the men’s basketball gold medal game, where the US team had also triumphed over France.

With just five minutes remaining, the US team was trailing 53-51, heightening the tension in the arena filled with fervent French supporters. Among the spectators was NBA star LeBron James, who had previously won gold with the US men’s team, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who cheered on the host nation.

The game came down to a dramatic final sequence. With the US leading 67-64, French player Gabby Williams managed a buzzer-beater, but it was ruled to have been taken just inside the three-point line, resulting in a one-point victory for the US.

Kahleah Copper, a key player for the US, expressed pride in the team’s ability to secure the win under pressure, highlighting the hard-fought nature of their victory. The Americans celebrated their tenth gold medal in women’s basketball, while the French, despite their disappointment, were buoyed by the supportive response from their home crowd.

As the French received their silver medals, the stadium resonated with a heartfelt rendition of “La Marseillaise,” signaling a bittersweet end to the Olympic basketball tournament. The 2024 Games, which spanned 16 days and featured 329 events, showcased remarkable performances from athletes like Leon Marchand in swimming, Keely Hodgkinson in athletics, and Simone Biles in gymnastics.

The Olympics will officially conclude with the closing ceremony at 20:00 BST. The notable presence of figures such as French NBA star Victor Wembanyama, judo gold medalist Teddy Riner, US basketball legend Scottie Pippen, and football star Megan Rapinoe added to the grandeur of the final game. The US women’s basketball team, boasting a roster with extensive Olympic and World Cup experience, continued their legacy of dominance, having not lost a match at the Games since Barcelona 1992.