USA Clinches Top Spot in Paris Olympics with Dramatic Final Day Finish
New Delhi: The Paris Olympics concluded with a dramatic showdown between the United States and China, culminating in the USA’s narrow triumph as the top nation on the medal table. Over two weeks of fierce competition across 32 sports, the final day proved to be the most thrilling, as the USA edged out China by a single gold medal, 40 to 39.
Heading into the final day, the race was incredibly close. Both countries had amassed 40 gold medals each, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. China briefly held a lead with a win from Li Wenwen in the women’s +81kg weightlifting event, securing their 40th gold. Meanwhile, the USA’s hopes rested on the shoulders of cyclist Jennifer Valente, who delivered a crucial gold in the omnium, narrowing the gap to just one gold medal.
The final event, women’s basketball, proved pivotal. The USA, known for their dominance in this sport since 1996, faced a tough challenge against host nation France. In a heart-stopping final, the USA emerged victorious with a 67-66 win, capturing their eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball.
This victory brought the USA level with China in the gold medal count, but the Americans finished on top due to their higher number of silver medals. The USA secured 44 silver and 42 bronze medals, totaling 126, while China earned 27 silver and 24 bronze, with a total of 91 medals. Japan, Australia, and host France rounded out the top five, with 20, 18, and 16 gold medals respectively.
India’s Olympic campaign concluded with a silver and five bronze medals, placing them 71st overall. The Indian contingent’s final hope rested on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, who was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling gold medal bout due to being overweight by just 100 grams. The decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is awaited, which could potentially add another silver to India’s tally.
The Tokyo Olympics showcased a remarkable display of athletic prowess and competitive spirit, with the USA ultimately emerging as the leading nation in a thrilling finish.
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