The 2024 Olympics Games have showcased extraordinary talent and record-breaking performances, with Team USA leading the charge in basketball and track and field. From the unwavering dominance of the women’s basketball team to historic runs by Sha’Carri Richardson and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, this Olympics has truly highlighted American athletic excellence. As records continue to fall and new champions emerge, the spirit of competition and achievement is stronger than ever. Take a look at the 2024 Olympics wins & American record highlights below.
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American Basketball
The U.S. women’s basketball team reached the Olympic final for the eighth consecutive time, demonstrating that American basketball remains the gold standard alongside the men’s team. Team USA secured their 60th consecutive Olympic victory by defeating Australia by 21 points, with WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart leading the charge with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Friday’s semi-final was the team’s strongest game in the tournament so far (they led by as many as 30 points) and was remembered as a “passing clinic,” true to their brand of unselfish basketball. The Americans logged 31 assists and shot 50% from the field, as four players scored in double digits. One of those players, guard Jackie Young, moved into the starting lineup in place of veteran Diana Taurasi for the medal round.
The former No. 1 pick had been a standout in the last two games, where she scored 29 total points. Despite playing just 20 minutes on Friday, she was extremely productive with 14 points, 5 assists, and two steals. It was that ball-hawking defense that led to an increased role, according to Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. Young looked very comfortable with fellow Las Vegas Aces teammates wearing a USA jersey alongside her: MVP favorite A’ja Wilson, point guard Chelsea Gray, and three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum. Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon gave them just one piece of advice before heading to Paris: ‘Have fun’.
A’ja Wilson did have fun, scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, along with being a force on the defensive end with four blocks and two steals. The team’s defense was brilliant from start to finish on Friday as they turned Australia over on their opening possession and took away their strongest weapon, shooting, as they limited their long-range game to just 7-of-29 from three.
The Americans won all five of their 2024 Olympic games by double digits, as they truly appeared unstoppable. Coach Reeve said, “This may look easy, but it is anything but”.
They faced France on Sunday, with the hosts coming off a thrilling semi-final victory over Belgium in overtime. Reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart said it best, “when I put that USA jersey on, I knew it was gold or bust”.
It was a double date for USA-France men and women battling for the gold medal that weekend.
USA on the Track
The United States had a very successful week on the track as they added another gold medal with the women’s 4×100 relay. Superstar Sha’Carri Richardson won her first gold medal as she anchored her team and pulled off an incredible feat.
The Americans were in third position when she was handed the baton and turned on the jets. This was her second medal that week—Richardson won silver in the women’s 100-meter race, and it was her last opportunity to win gold as she didn’t qualify to compete in the 200m. She was surely thrilled to go home with two medals.
USA teammate Gabby Thomas took home her second gold medal in Paris; Thomas won the 200m earlier that week, the same event in which she won bronze in the previous Olympics. Relay teammate Melissa Jefferson also medaled twice that week, taking home bronze in the 100m.
2024 Olympic Games Record Breakers
The games have been nothing short of spectacular, with world and Olympic records falling left and right across all sports! We’ve witnessed a series of jaw-dropping athletic achievements that have left fans and competitors alike buzzing with excitement. Here are some of the most remarkable records set during these unforgettable events:
Track & Field
Armand Duplantis of Sweden raised the bar—literally and figuratively—in the pole vault. In an amazing performance, Duplantis cleared an astonishing 6.23 meters, surpassing his previous world record of 6.21 meters set in 2022. His incredible feat captivated the audience, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In an extraordinary display of athleticism and determination, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA once again rewrote the record books in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. Crossing the finish line with a blistering time of 50.56 seconds, McLaughlin-Levrone broke her previous world record of 50.68 seconds. Her incredible performance left spectators in awe as she pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, cementing her status as a trailblazer in track and field.
Swimming
Léon Marchand of France made a splash in the world of swimming! Shattering four records in a single, breathtaking performance, including setting a new standard in the men’s 400-meter individual medley with a stunning time of 4:01.68. That’s a full 2.16 seconds faster than Michael Phelps’s 2008 record of 4:03.84. Marchand’s swim has not only redefined the record books but also captured the imaginations of fans around the globe.
Team Sports
Once again, the USA men’s basketball team has showcased their unmatched prowess on the court, clinching gold with a record-breaking point differential. Their dominant performance reaffirms their position as the powerhouse in global basketball, leaving no doubt about their top-tier status!
The USA women’s basketball team secured their eighth consecutive gold medal! This incredible achievement only deepens their legendary legacy in the sport, proving they are truly unstoppable on the court.
The Olympic Games did not disappoint and have been nothing short of great entertainment over the last two weeks. We all witnessed unforgettable moments and extraordinary performances that have kept us all on the edge of our seats. The Games have once again proven that greatness knows no bounds.
It has been great to cover such a prestigious event.
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