The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were a resounding success for Team USA, showcasing athletic prowess and determination across a wide range of sports. Over 17 days of intense competition, American athletes not only met but exceeded expectations, bringing home a remarkable medal haul. So, how many medals did Team USA have in 2024? Team USA clinched the top spot on the overall medal chart with an impressive 126 medals, comprised of 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. This achievement marks the eighth consecutive Olympic Games where Team USA has led the medal count, solidifying their position as a global sporting powerhouse.
Team USA athletes celebrate their medal wins at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride.
Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO, expressed immense pride in Team USA’s accomplishments, stating, “We are deeply grateful to the people of Paris, who welcomed the Games with open arms and turned every competition into a celebration.” This sentiment reflects the positive atmosphere of the Paris Games and the warm reception received by athletes from around the world.
Team USA’s Dominant Medal Count: A Historical Perspective
The 126 medals won by Team USA in Paris is not just a number; it’s a testament to years of dedication, rigorous training, and exceptional talent. This total is particularly significant as it represents the highest medal count for a U.S. team in a non-boycotted Games held outside of the United States. It surpasses the previous record of 121 medals achieved at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Historically, only the home Games in Los Angeles 1984 (174 medals) and St. Louis 1904 (239 medals) saw the U.S. exceed this Paris 2024 total.
American Olympic medalists display their hard-earned medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, symbolizing athletic excellence and national achievement.
Rocky Harris, USOPC Chief of Sport Performance, highlighted the collective effort and support within Team USA, noting, “The collective effort of the athletes, with the support of the national governing bodies and the team of USOPC staff, was wonderful to experience and further testament to the strength and diversity of Team USA.” Of the 257 American athletes who reached the podium, an impressive 65% were first-time medalists, indicating a bright future for American Olympic sports. Furthermore, 44 athletes secured multiple medals, with 13 of them winning multiple gold medals, showcasing exceptional individual performances within the team’s overall success. Team USA competed in 47 out of the 48 sport disciplines in Paris, demonstrating their breadth of talent and medaled in 34 of these disciplines.
Record-Breaking Performances and Historic Wins
Team USA’s journey in Paris was punctuated by remarkable achievements and record-breaking moments. Six world records were shattered by American athletes, adding to the legacy of these Games.
Swimming: Katie Ledecky continued to etch her name in Olympic history, adding four medals in Paris to become the most decorated U.S. women’s Olympian of all time, and the fifth most decorated Olympian in history with a staggering 14 medals. Her victory in the 800-meter freestyle marked her fourth consecutive gold medal in the same event, a feat matched by only six other Olympians and only one other swimmer, the legendary Michael Phelps. Her nine Olympic gold medals tie her for the most Olympic gold medals won by a woman from any nation, equaling Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina.
Shooting: Vincent Hancock made Olympic history in men’s skeet, securing his fourth gold medal in the event. This achievement places him among an elite group of Olympians who have won four golds in the same event, including luminaries like Al Oerter, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky herself.
Fencing: The U.S. Women’s Foil Team achieved a historic first, winning the first-ever team fencing gold for the United States. This victory was spearheaded by Lee Kiefer, the individual gold medalist, and Lauren Scruggs, the silver medalist in individual foil. Kiefer also successfully defended her Olympic title in women’s individual foil.
Track and Field: Ryan Crouser continued his dominance in men’s shot put, claiming his third straight Olympic title. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set her sixth world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, defending her Olympic title from 2020. Jasmine Moore made history as the first American woman to medal in both long jump and triple jump at the same Olympics, securing bronze in both. Grant Fisher became the first American man to medal in both the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races at an Olympic Games. Noah Lyles brought home the first U.S. Olympic gold in the 100-meter sprint since 2004.
Gymnastics: The U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team reclaimed their place at the top, winning the team event gold. Simone Biles further solidified her legendary status, concluding the Paris Games as the second most decorated women’s gymnast in Olympic history with 11 medals and seven golds. The Men’s Gymnastics Team also celebrated success, winning their first team all-around medal since 2008.
Rowing: Team USA secured a historic bronze medal in men’s four rowing, ending a medal drought in this event dating back to 1960.
Cycling: Jenn Valente defended her Olympic title in the women’s omnium, becoming the most decorated U.S. Olympic women’s cyclist in history. Kristen Faulkner, in her Olympic debut, achieved a groundbreaking feat, becoming the first American cyclist to win gold medals in both track and road cycling. Her victory in the women’s road race was the first for a U.S. woman in 40 years.
Basketball: The U.S. Women’s Basketball Team extended their unparalleled dominance, winning their eighth consecutive and 10th overall Olympic gold medal. This victory set a new record for the longest Olympic gold medal streak in a ball-and-stick sport, surpassing the U.S. Men’s National Team’s seven consecutive golds from 1936-1968. Their remarkable 61-game win streak stretches back to 1996. Diana Taurasi became the single most decorated Olympic basketball player in history with six gold medals.
Rugby: Team USA’s women’s rugby team earned a bronze medal, marking the sport’s first medal since its return to the Olympic program in 2016.
Breaking: In the Olympic debut of breaking, B-Boy Victor won the first-ever breaking medal for Team USA, taking home a bronze.
Wrestling: Amit Elor made history as the youngest wrestling Olympic champion in Team USA history.
Artistic Swimming: After qualifying for their first Games since 2008, the U.S. artistic swimmers achieved a silver medal in the team event, securing the sport’s first Olympic medal since 2004.
Canoe Slalom: Evy Leibfarth earned Team USA’s first medal in canoe slalom since 2004, winning a bronze in C1.
Weightlifting: Olivia Reeves won gold in women’s 71 kg weightlifting, marking the first Team USA gold medal in weightlifting since 2000.
Women of Team USA: Leading the Way
In a Games that celebrated gender parity, the women of Team USA continued their legacy of exceptional achievement. They surpassed their previous medal record, securing a total of 67 medals. This remarkable performance would place them third among all countries in the medal table, a testament to the strength and depth of women’s sports in the United States.
Team USA’s female athletes commemorate their medal victories at the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting their dominance and contribution to the nation’s success.
Most Decorated Athletes: Swimmers Torri Huske and Regan Smith emerged as the most decorated athletes for Team USA, each winning five medals. Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas each contributed three gold medals to the overall count.
Looking Ahead: LA 2028
The Paris 2024 Olympics have been a dream realized for Team USA. As Ilona Maher, Olympic bronze medalist, aptly stated, “The energy, the support and the spirit of the Olympic Games are unmatched, and it’s an honor to represent the United States on such a grand stage.” With the excitement of Paris 2024 still in the air, the anticipation builds for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 and the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Team USA’s performance in Paris sets a high benchmark and inspires a new generation of athletes as they look forward to welcoming the world to Los Angeles in 2028.
In conclusion, Team USA’s remarkable achievement of 126 medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores their global sporting dominance and sets an inspiring precedent for future games. The dedication, talent, and sportsmanship displayed by these athletes have made the nation proud and excited for what’s to come.
