Closing Moments: The Paris Olympics and What’s Next

The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded with the United States and China both earning 40 gold medals, while the U.S. led in total medals with 125 compared to China’s 91. Jordan Chiles of the U.S. gymnastics team is required to return her bronze medal from the floor final after a court ruling declared her appeal invalid. 

The U.S. women’s basketball team secured their eighth straight gold, narrowly defeating France. In the women’s marathon, Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands captured the gold medal, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa and Kenya’s Helen Obri taking silver and bronze, respectively. The closing ceremony, featuring performances by French indie band Phoenix and American artists, celebrated the end of the games and marked the transition to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. As the excitement shifts to LA28, the Paralympics are set to begin in Paris on August 28.

Key Highlights from the Olympics

– The U.S. and China tied with 40 gold medals each, but the U.S. led the overall count with 125 total medals compared to China’s 91.

– The International Olympic Committee announced that U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles must return her bronze medal from the floor final after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that her appeal, which had elevated her from fifth to third place, was invalid.

– The U.S. women’s basketball team narrowly defeated France 67-66, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal.

– Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands claimed gold in the women’s marathon, overtaking Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in the final moments. Kenya’s Helen Obri earned the bronze. The medals were awarded during the closing ceremony.

– The Paris Games concluded with a star-studded farewell featuring performances by French indie band Phoenix and other artists, creating a festive atmosphere. The transition to Los Angeles included a Tom Cruise stunt and performances by American artists such as H.E.R., the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Billie Eilish.

– Although the Olympics have ended, the Paralympics are set to begin soon. Also hosted in Paris, the Paralympics will take place from August 28 for 11 days.

Source: NBC News and 11 Alive