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The United States women's basketball team extended their unprecedented dominance at the Olympics, capturing their eighth consecutive gold medal with a thrilling 67-66 victory over France in the final of the Paris Games. This triumph marked their 10th overall Olympic title, solidifying their status as the undisputed queens of the sport.A'ja Wilson led the American charge with a game-high 21 points, while Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart also made significant contributions. France, buoyed by their home crowd, put up a valiant fight, with Gabby Williams scoring 18 points and Marine Fauthoux adding 15.The first quarter was a low-scoring affair, with France struggling to find their rhythm and the US holding a slim 15-9 lead. However, France rallied in the second period, tying the game at 20-20 and even taking a brief lead. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 25-25.France continued to impress in the third quarter, opening with a 10-point run to take a 35-25 advantage. The US responded with a surge of their own, led by Wilson and Plum, and regained the lead heading into the final period.The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with both teams trading baskets. France came within one point of tying the game with just seconds remaining, but Williams' potential game-tying three-pointer was ruled to have been released from behind the three-point line, resulting in a two-point shot.Wilson and Plum sealed the victory for the US with free throws, giving them a 67-66 lead. Williams' last-gasp three-pointer fell short, and the Americans erupted in celebration.The US women's basketball team's victory was a testament to their unwavering determination and exceptional talent. They faced a tough challenge from France, but their experience and resilience proved too much to overcome. This gold medal further cements their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Olympic history.

Italy's women's volleyball team has etched its name in Olympic history by capturing the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, dethroning the defending champion United States in a resounding straight-sets victory (25-18, 25-20, 25-17).The triumph marks Italy's first-ever Olympic medal in volleyball and sends the Americans home with a disappointing silver after their historic gold in Tokyo. It's a monumental achievement for the Italians, who had previously only managed a fifth-place finish at the Olympics.The victory unfolded before a raucous crowd at South Paris Arena, where fans from both nations waved their flags and cheered enthusiastically. The Italians dominated the match from the outset, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill.When Italy secured the match point, the players erupted in jubilation, collapsing to the court and embracing in a celebratory scrum. Veteran Monica De Gennaro, a four-time Olympian, was hoisted into the air by her teammates.The US team, led by coach Karch Kiraly, had made a lineup change after a setback against China in the group stage, but it proved insufficient to overcome the formidable Italian squad.Italy's Paola Egonu was a standout performer, scoring 22 points and leading her team to a dominant victory. The Americans, despite a valiant effort, were unable to match the Italians' consistency and precision.The silver medal for the US marks their seventh Olympic medal in volleyball, making them the most successful nation in the sport. Italy's triumph over Turkey in the semifinals and the US's thrilling five-set victory over Brazil set the stage for the highly anticipated final.Italy's victory is a testament to their unwavering determination and the exceptional talent of their players. They have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in women's volleyball and have etched their names in the annals of Olympic history.

LeBron James's third Olympic gold medal holds a special significance for the NBA's all-time leading scorer. After a 12-year absence from the Games, James returned to lead Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France in the final on Saturday.James's performance was a testament to his enduring greatness. The 39-year-old contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, helping Team USA secure its fifth consecutive men's basketball gold medal."It's a big moment for USA basketball," James said. "I'm just living in the moment. I feel super humbled that I can still play this game at a high level, play with 11 other great players, and a great coaching staff, and go out and do it for our country."The victory marked the second consecutive Olympic final in which the US defeated France. James's return to the squad, along with the tournament debut of four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, proved to be a formidable combination."It was great. I think you wouldn't want it any other way to be able to face off against the host team. It was a great atmosphere," James said.James's Olympic journey has been a remarkable one. He won bronze as a teenager at Athens 2004 and was part of the "Redeem Team" that took gold in Beijing four years later. He appeared again at London 2012 but had not played at the Games since."It's the best one because it's the one that's right now," James said, hinting that this could be his final Olympics. "I can't see myself playing in LA (in 2028). Although I also didn't see myself playing in Paris. But four years from now, I can't see it."James's legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time is further cemented by his Olympic achievements. His third gold medal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his enduring love for the game.

The Netherlands etched their name in Olympic history on Friday, becoming the first nation to achieve a remarkable double in hockey. Just 24 hours after their men's team triumphed over Germany, the Dutch women's team, the defending champions, secured their fifth Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 3-1 shootout victory over China.The Dutch women, appearing in their sixth consecutive final, faced a determined Chinese team that held them to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. China's Chen Yi stunned the Dutch with an early goal in the sixth minute, but the Dutch relentlessly pressured their opponents throughout the match.With nine minutes remaining, Dutch penalty corner specialist Yibbi Jansen leveled the scores with her ninth goal of the tournament. The match went into a shootout, where Dutch goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal emerged as the hero. She saved the first two Chinese attempts and denied Ma Ning's shot to spark wild celebrations among the Dutch supporters."It was fantastic," said Dutch coach Paul van Ass. "The Chinese did very well, but we attacked well and eventually got the goal we needed."The victory marked the first time a nation had doubled up in Olympic hockey. It also marked China's second silver medal, following their success at home in Beijing in 2008."This is just amazing," said Chinese coach Alyson Annan, who previously led the Dutch to Olympic success in Tokyo. "We did everything we could, but they were just better in the shootout today."The Dutch had dominated the tournament, winning all their pool matches and defeating Great Britain and Argentina in the knockout stages. However, the Chinese proved to be a formidable opponent, defending bravely and limiting the Dutch to just three shots on goal.Despite the disappointment of falling short of gold, Annan remained optimistic about China's future. "Gold in LA," she told reporters. "We have to keep pursuing a higher place on the podium."In the bronze medal match, Argentina claimed their third Olympic bronze medal with a 3-1 shootout win over Belgium after their third-place play-off ended in a 2-2 draw.

Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal's Olympic gold medal victory in the 10km marathon swim was a poignant moment, as she dedicated her triumph to her beloved dog, Rio, who passed away two months prior.After Rio's passing, van Rouwendaal lost her motivation to swim. However, her father encouraged her to race one more time in Rio's memory. Inspired by his words, she got a paw-shaped tattoo in Rio's honor and vowed to swim with all her heart.On race day, van Rouwendaal braved the challenging conditions of the River Seine, which included floating feces. Despite the adversity, she emerged victorious, fulfilling her promise to Rio.In an emotional interview after the race, van Rouwendaal pointed to her tattoo and said, "I did it for him." Her gesture touched the hearts of many, including Instagram users who shared their own stories of loss and inspiration.Van Rouwendaal's victory is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. It also highlights the power of perseverance and the ability to find motivation in the face of adversity.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy of athletics, has embarked on his quest for Olympic glory once again at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Arjuna Award winner made a resounding start to his campaign, qualifying for the javelin final with an impressive throw of 89.34m in Paris.Chopra's performance has ignited a wave of optimism among Indians, who are eagerly anticipating another medal-winning performance from their star athlete. The javelin throw event is set to commence shortly, and the nation is holding its breath in anticipation of Chopra's title defense.Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Chopra's qualification, with many expressing confidence in his ability to clinch the gold medal. "Neeraj Chopra is ready to make history again with his golden arm," wrote one fan. Another added, "Golden boy Neeraj Chopra."If Chopra emerges victorious today, he will not only add a gold medal to India's Olympic tally but also become the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual gold medals at the Olympics. This would be a historic achievement for both Chopra and Indian sports.Chopra's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by determination and hard work. After creating history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the second Indian to win an individual gold medal, Chopra has continued to push himself to new heights.In Tokyo, Chopra clinched the gold medal with a throw of 87.58m in his second attempt. His victory marked a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as he became the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in a track-and-field discipline in over 120 years.Chopra's success has inspired a new generation of Indian athletes and has brought renewed attention to the sport of javelin throw. His performance in Paris is eagerly awaited, and the nation is confident that he will once again make India proud.

Quan Hongchan, the 17-year-old diving prodigy from China, has continued her dominance in the sport by securing her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics. This victory marks her third Olympic gold and maintains China's unblemished record in diving at the Games.In the women's 10m platform event, Quan showcased her exceptional skills, amassing a winning total of 425.60 points. Her teammate, Chen Yuxi, finished closely behind with 420.70 points, securing the silver medal. North Korea's Kim Mi Rae claimed the bronze with a score of 372.10.Quan's triumph in Paris adds to her impressive resume, which includes a gold medal in the 10m platform at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a gold in the women's synchronized 10m platform in Paris with Chen.China's dominance in diving remains unchallenged, as they have swept all five gold medals awarded in the sport so far at the Paris Olympics. With three more golds still up for grabs, China is poised to extend its reign at the top of the diving world.In Tokyo, China's divers showcased their superiority by winning all but one of the eight titles, with Britain claiming the remaining gold.Quan Hongchan's remarkable achievements at such a young age have solidified her status as one of the greatest divers of all time. Her exceptional talent and unwavering determination have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Justin Best, a 26-year-old investment analyst from Pennsylvania, has etched his name in history by becoming part of the first US team to win a rowing gold medal in the men's four class at the Paris Olympics 2024 since 1960. The team's victory over New Zealand and defending world champion Britain, with a time of 5:49.03, marked a significant milestone for US rowing.Best's LinkedIn profile swiftly reflected his Olympic triumph, with the addition of "Olympic Champion" to his bio alongside his role as Junior Analyst at Union Square Advisors. A graduate of Drexel University in business and engineering, Best has been employed at the San Francisco-based investment firm since November 2021.Best's dedication to both his investment banking career and competitive rowing is evident in his rigorous daily routine. He wakes at 5:30 am for training before commuting to his office via the Bay Area Rapid Transit train. After work, he returns to training at 5:30 pm, concluding his day by 8:30 pm.The Olympic gold medal represents the culmination of a teenage dream for Best. Inspired by the film "The Social Network," his parents enrolled him in a rowing summer camp, recognizing his potential in the sport. His first Olympic appearance was at the Tokyo Games in 2020.Best's success highlights the balance between athletic excellence and professional achievement. He credits his passion for the sectors covered in his investment banking role, finding excitement in the metrics and technology of the companies he analyzes.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, soared to victory in the women's vault final at the Paris Games on Saturday, earning her seventh Olympic gold medal. The 27-year-old Biles, known for her gravity-defying skills, averaged 15.300 for her signature Yurchenko double pike and Cheng vaults, securing her second gold on the event since her triumph in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.Biles' victory marks a historic milestone, making her only the second woman to win the vault twice, joining Vera Casalavska of Czechoslovakia as a two-time gold medalist on the apparatus. Casalavska achieved this feat in 1964 and 1968. With this latest triumph, Biles now boasts an impressive 10 Olympic medals, tying her for the third most by a female gymnast. Her medal count at major international competitions has also reached 40, the highest among all gymnasts.The crowd at the packed Bercy Arena erupted in thunderous applause as Biles was introduced. Clad in a sequined red leotard, she delivered a breathtaking performance that could potentially be her last vault competition. Her Yurchenko double pike was executed with precision, showcasing her explosive power and remarkable control. Despite a slight bounce upon landing, her score of 15.700 put her in a commanding position.Biles' second vault, the Cheng, was equally impressive. She nearly stuck the landing, earning a score of 14.900. This meant that the remaining competitors were effectively vying for second place. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, the vault champion in Tokyo, claimed the silver medal with an average score of 14.966. American Jade Carey, who had slipped during the vault final in Tokyo, secured the bronze with a score of 14.933.In the men's floor exercise finals, Carlos Yulo of the Philippines made history by winning his country's second Olympic gold medal. The 24-year-old Yulo edged out defending champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, scoring 15.000 to Dolgopyat's 14.966. Jake Jarman of Britain took the bronze with a score of 14.933. Yulo's victory marks a significant achievement for the Philippines, joining weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz as the only two Olympic gold medalists from the nation.