This year, the Olympic Games took place in Paris, France, where athletes from 184 countries competed over a two-week period from July 26 to August 11. Over 10,500 athletes competed in the games with their coaches, families, friends, and countries watching from the sidelines.
With 594 athletes, the United States had the largest presence at this year’s events. This large number was not just for show, the US walked away with 123 medals: 38 gold, 42 silver, and 43 bronze medals. Some of the country’s most notable wins this year include those in the women’s road race and the men’s four rowing event.
As she had only been in the sport for seven years, Kristen Faulkner’s first Olympic experience and first Olympic gold medal were a top story for Americans. A native of Alaska, a collegiate athlete at Harvard, and a venture capitalist, Faulkner represented what the United States is to the world. Interestingly, Faulkner was not supposed to compete in the Sunday race, as she failed to qualify for one of the two USA spots at the Olympic trials. However, Taylor Knibb, another athlete for the US, gave up her spot to focus on other events at the Olympics. With a newfound enthusiasm and a push from fate, Kristen Faulkner broke away from the pack to win the United States’ first gold medal in the women’s road race in over 40 years.
American rowers Justin Best, Nick Mead, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan pulled ahead of New Zealand and Britain to win the United States’ first gold medal in men’s four rowing since the 1960 Rome Games. “In high school, I wanted to see how far I could take this. I had in the back of my head the Olympics, and in the back further, I had gold medalist,” Best told reporters. “After years and years of trials and tribulations, ups and downs, I can finally say that I’m on the top of the podium.”
While the United States has never won an Olympic gold medal in badminton, handball, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, or trampoline, the country continues to boast the most medals in Olympic history with over 2,700 medals total.
Stevens graduate Henry Rivera from the Class of 2002 had an amazing experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics while he watched his daughter Hezly Rivera win Olympic gold in gymnastics. Rivera has been extremely supportive of his daughter, relocating his family to Texas to help his daughter pursue her dreams. The Olympic Games concluded with athletes coming together one final time at the Stade de France in Paris. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed alongside over one hundred performers, acrobats, dancers, and circus artists. Viewers watched as athletes paraded around, showing off their nation’s flag. A portion of the closing ceremony was dedicated to the “host city handover,” where Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo gave the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The 2028 Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently, American gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and American rugby union player Ilona Maher were announced to be competing on the upcoming season 33 of Dancing with the Stars starting September 17. The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a triumphant chapter for the US team, showcasing a remarkable display of athletic prowess and securing their place as a dominant force in global sports with an impressive haul of medals and unforgettable victories.
