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The Paris Olympics 2024 concluded with a thrilling finish, with the United States emerging victorious in the medal standings. After two weeks of intense competition, the US secured 44 gold medals, 44 silver medals, and 45 bronze medals, totaling 133 medals. China finished second with 40 gold medals, 27 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals, for a total of 95 medals.The final day of the Games was filled with drama, as the US trailed China by a single gold medal heading into the final event, women's basketball. The US, heavy favorites in the sport, delivered a nail-biting 67-66 victory over hosts France to clinch their eighth consecutive gold medal in women's basketball.Jennifer Valente, the reigning Olympic champion in the omnium, played a crucial role for the US, winning gold in the event and narrowing the gap with China. Li Wenwen of China had earlier secured gold in the women's +81kg weightlifting event, giving her country a 40th gold medal.Hosts France finished fifth in the medal tally with 16 gold medals, 20 silver medals, and 27 bronze medals, for a total of 63 medals. India ended their campaign with a silver medal and five bronze medals, finishing 71st in the standings.The Paris Olympics 2024 showcased the exceptional athleticism and determination of over 10,000 athletes from around the world. The US's triumph was a testament to their dominance in various sports, while China's strong performance highlighted their growing presence on the global sporting stage.

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.

In a thrilling climax at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sha'Carri Richardson propelled Team USA to a resounding gold medal in the women's 4x100-meter relay. The American quartet, comprising Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, and Richardson, found themselves trailing in fourth place when Richardson took the baton.Undeterred, Richardson unleashed an astonishing burst of speed, swiftly overtaking rivals from Germany and France. As she neared the finish line, Richardson cast a confident glance at Great Britain's Daryll Neita, ensuring her dominance. Her emphatic finish not only secured gold for Team USA with a season-best time of 41.78 seconds but also etched an unforgettable Olympic moment as she crossed the line with a commanding stare at her competitors."The moment that [I realized] that when we won, the USA ladies," Richardson exclaimed after the triumph. "It was a phenomenal feeling for all of us."Richardson's unwavering gaze instantly became an internet sensation, with memes and posts about her "stone cold" stare flooding social media platforms. The victory held immense significance for Richardson, who had faced adversity earlier in the Games. After claiming silver in the individual 100-meter race, she found redemption in the relay, earning her first Olympic gold medal.Richardson's triumph in the relay also marked a moment of personal redemption. She had missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a suspension following a positive test for marijuana, which she had used to cope with the loss of her mother.Despite challenging rainy conditions and a slight delay in the baton handoff, Richardson's final leg of the relay was flawless, showcasing her resilience and determination. "I was very comfortable with this team," Richardson said. "I just remember trusting Gabby and knowing that she's going to put this thing in my hand no matter what."

The United States men's basketball team faced their toughest challenge yet in the Tokyo Olympics, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 in a thrilling semifinal matchup. The victory keeps the Americans' hopes alive for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry led the charge for the United States, pouring in 36 points, including five three-pointers. LeBron James, the all-time NBA scoring leader, contributed a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, gave the Americans a run for their money. Jokic finished with 17 points and 11 assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20 points.The Serbians dominated the first half, leading by as many as 17 points in the second quarter. However, the United States chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter, thanks to back-to-back three-pointers from Curry and Jrue Holiday.In the fourth quarter, Curry hit a crucial three-pointer to give the United States their first lead since the first quarter. James followed with a driving layup, and Curry added a steal and a basket to push the lead to five.Serbia fought back, but the United States held on for the victory.In the other semifinal, France defeated reigning World Cup champions Germany 73-69. Guerschon Yabusele led France's scoring with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier added 16. NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama contributed 11 points and seven rebounds.Dennis Schroder scored 18 points for Germany, but Wagner was the only other player in double figures.France will face the United States in the gold medal game on Saturday, a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics final.

American Sisters Cheer for Ledecky, Team USA at Paris OlympicsEleven-year-old Sahana Bhattal and her nine-year-old sister Meher couldn't contain their excitement at the La Défense Arena in Paris. The venue, once graced by pop star Taylor Swift, was now transformed into the swimming hub for the 2024 Paris Olympics.Dressed in Team USA shirts, the sisters, accompanied by their parents, Tej and Sumedha Bhattal, cheered enthusiastically for Katie Ledecky and other American swimmers. The family, originally from India but now residing in Chicago, had traveled to Paris to witness the spectacle firsthand."The girls swim competitively and were eager to experience this in person," said Sumedha. "Sahana also plays volleyball, so we're attending those games as well."Despite their daughters' allegiance to Team USA, the Bhattal parents remained loyal to their Indian roots. They had supported Team India during their recent ICC T20 World Cup triumph. Tej, a former college athlete, was particularly excited to watch the athletics events, especially the javelin throw where Neeraj Chopra would defend his Olympic gold."We had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics for my father's 70th birthday, but COVID prevented that," said Sumedha. "Now, we're here in Paris celebrating his 75th, hopefully with another gold for Chopra."The Bhattal family had extended their trip with a five-day stopover in Norway, making it a memorable vacation. Their enthusiasm and passion for sports, both American and Indian, exemplified the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Team USA's Olympic medal count may be impressive, but the absence of gold medals on day three has raised concerns. Despite three golds on day two, the team dropped to sixth place in the medal tally after day three.However, Team USA's athletes showcased their talent with six bronze and two silver medals on day three. Swimming accounted for four medals, including a silver for Katie Grimes and bronzes for Emma Weyant, Luke Hobson, and Ryan Murphy.Skateboarding also brought success, with Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston claiming silver and bronze respectively. Nick Itkin added a bronze in Fencing. Notably, the men's gymnastics team secured a bronze medal, their first in 16 years.Despite the lack of gold on day three, Team USA's prospects remain bright with upcoming events in women's gymnastics, basketball, and track and field.The women's basketball team, aiming for its eighth gold medal, boasts a star-studded roster including Diana Taurasi, A'ja Wilson, and Kelsey Plum. They defeated Japan on day two, led by Wilson and Breanna Stewart.The men's basketball team, featuring Stephen Curry and Lebron James, is also a medal contender. After a disappointing exit in the 2023 FIBA Championship, they defeated Serbia in their opening game, with Kevin Durant and James leading the scoring.Both basketball teams are favorites for gold, and their performances will be crucial in determining Team USA's overall medal count.