Women athletes from the United States have made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, claiming 26 out of the nation’s 40 gold medals, which represents 65% of the total—an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Olympics. The Games showcased the exceptional talent of U.S. women, who played a crucial role in securing the nation’s top spot in the overall medal tally. Team USA concluded the event with 40 gold medals, tied with China for the highest number, while leading the overall count with 126 medals, well ahead of China’s 91 and Great Britain’s 65.
Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were among the standout performers, excelling in gymnastics, swimming, and track and field, respectively. Biles further cemented her legacy as the most decorated gymnast of all time. The U.S. women’s basketball team, led by A’ja Wilson, achieved a historic milestone by winning their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
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Wilson shared her thoughts after the victory: “I leaned on my defense more. That approach fueled our energy on both ends of the court.” The U.S. women’s soccer team also added to the medal haul, with Mallory Swanson scoring the decisive goal in the final against Brazil, earning the team’s fifth Olympic gold.
Olivia Reeves made history by winning the first Olympic gold for the U.S. in weightlifting in 24 years. The performances of U.S. women not only eclipsed those of their male counterparts but also outpaced entire nations. If U.S. women were considered a separate country, they would rank third in the overall medal standings.
The final weekend of the Olympics saw Jennifer Valente triumph in track cycling, and the women’s basketball team added another gold to the U.S. tally, ensuring that the nation tied with China for the most gold medals.
The achievements of U.S. women in Paris continue their legacy from the Tokyo 2020 Games, with an even greater impact this time around. Their contributions were vital in helping the U.S. surpass its Tokyo medal total, making the Paris 2024 Olympics the most successful for the country since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
“When it comes to showing up and showing out, I’m always going to bet on women,” Wilson remarked. “We’re just phenomenal.”
