London Dernis
Online Editor
The summer of 2024 was a time for swimming, hanging out with friends, eating out, and of course, watching the Paris Olympics. The Olympics returned to Paris this year, marking its 100th anniversary of hosting back in 1924. From the comfort of their own couches, or in the stands of Olympic stadiums, viewers around the globe watched the events that took place from Jul. 26- Aug. 11.
Paris provided a picturesque view for many of the Olympic events. Beach volleyball took place at an outdoor stadium right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and The Grand Palais was admired by all viewers attending fencing and taekwondo. Of course, it is hard to mention memorable Paris Olympic venues without mentioning The Seine River. Around 10,500 athletes floated along the river aboard boats representing their nation during the opening ceremony. The river was seen again later for the swimming marathon and triathlon.
Olympians shined this summer, breaking numerous world-records across over 300 events. USA’s Katie Ledecky made waves in swimming, becoming the most decorated female American Olympian. The USA men’s gymnastic team brought home a bronze medal, their first medal after a 16 year drought, with an additional bronze on pommel horse achieved by Stephen Nedoroscik. On the track, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis broke his own pole vault world record at 6.26 meters. Sam Watson also broke his own world record for speed climbing at a groundbreaking 4.79 seconds.
Team USA took home the most medals with 126 total medals, and 40 gold medals. China followed closely behind, tied for 40 gold medals with a total of 91 medals. Japan ended in third place with 20 gold medals and 45 total medals. While Botswana, Dominica, Guatemala and Saint Lucia didn’t make the leaderboard, they accomplished something arguably greater, bringing home their nations’ first Olympic gold medal.
With the 2028 LA Olympics now on its way, breakdancing will not be coming with it. This event made its Olympic debut and received extensive backlash, leading to its removal from future Olympics. Breakdancing’s exit, though, helped make way for new events for the LA Olympics. Baseball/softball, lacrosse and cricket are all returning after an absence, and flag football and squash will be making their first Olympic appearances.
The 2028 LA Olympics will also differ from the 2024 Paris Olympics with the athletes that are competing. 5-time Olympic diver from Great Britain Tom Daley announced his retirement from the sport, taking home a total of five medals after Paris. USA gymnast Simone Biles is expected to return again for LA after earning three golds and one silver medal in Paris following her leave during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Other Olympians have yet to announce if they will be returning for the LA games.
Olympic cameras traveled over to LA for closing ceremony performances from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dog. With that, the Paris 2024 Olympic games came to an end. For those who feel Olympic withdrawals already, tune into the 2024 Paris Paralympics taking place from Aug. 28- Sep. 8. If that’s already been watched, start the four-year countdown for the LA Olympics, which will premiere on Jul. 14, 2028.
Photo courtesy of Olympics.com