Team USA Takes Gold!
In the last few months, the world has seen feats of athleticism that only come around once every four years. The 2024 Olympics and Paralympics were nothing short of astounding.
The Olympics spanned from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympics followed close behind starting on August 28 and wrapping up on September 8.
The Olympics saw the return of the women’s gymnastics star Simone Biles after an early exit from the previous Tokyo Olympic Games. She returned to win four medals–three gold and one silver. Her teammates aided her in their combined gold medal in the artistic all around.
On the men’s side, Stephen Nedoroscik, a Worcester, MA native, earned his team their first Olympic Medal in over 16 years.
Women’s Rugby saw a similar success. They beat Australia to cinch the bronze medal in Rugby 7s for the first time in US history. Breakout star, Ilona Maher, a Quinnipiac University alum, helped lead them to the medal.
And of course, Katie Ledecky. Ledecky once again dominated in the distance swimming events. She took home four medals: 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.
Overall, in the 2024 Summer Olympics Team USA took home 126 medals (NBC).
The Paralympics saw similar success for Team USA.
In wheelchair basketball, the men’s team became the first country to win three gold medals in a row, while the women’s team earned a silver medal for the first time in 32 years (USOPC).
Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon became the first US athletes ever to medal in badminton in either the Paralympic or Olympic games.
Ali Truwit competed in her first-ever Paralympic games just over a year after a shark attack caused her left leg to be amputated below the knee. Truwit won two silver medals–a testament to her strength in overcoming a traumatic event (Time).
Also in the pool veteran Paralympian, Jessica Long, earned two medals. Long now has a collection of 31 Paralympic medals.
Ezra Frech won gold in the Men’s Track 100m T63. He followed that win up the next day with another gold in the high jump. He is currently the world record holder for his division in that event (USOPC).
Team USA saw great success in the Paralympics earning a total of 105 medals across the many disciplines. The 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics will be held in Los Angeles, many athletes are already looking to return to the world’s greatest sporting event.
