The United States has done it once again and this time, it’s a historic achievement. The US has become the first nation to secure a total of 3,000 Olympic medals, a milestone that includes successes from the Summer and Winter Games.
This accomplishment was announced on Tuesday, July 30, during the 2024 Summer Olympics when Team USA’s swimmers added four extra Olympic medals to the country’s tally. Team USA celebrated their remarkable win with a post on X. The post featured pictures of happy athletes displaying their medals.
American Swimmers Shine as USA Reaches 3,000 Olympic Medals
Regan Smith expressed pride and satisfaction after securing a silver medal at La Defense Arena. Smith felt accomplished and shared her happiness with reporters. Additionally, Kathrine Berkoff earned a bronze medal in her event. Smith acknowledged her teammate, noting the legacy Berkoff continues.
According to Smith, Kathrine Berkoff’s father, David Berkoff, was a four-time Olympic medalist in swimming. He would be proud of his daughter’s achievements. Elsewhere, Bobby Finke, who came second place in the men’s 800-meter freestyle after winning gold in the same event at the Tokyo Games in 2020, spoke on his performance.
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The 24-year-old swimmer noted the disappointment of not securing gold but remained proud of his efforts, knowing he had given his best. Similarly, Carson Foster, enjoying his time at the Games, shared his positive experiences with his teammate.
Team USA’s Bond Strengthens With Historic Achievements
As previously mentioned, swimmer Carson Foster, 22, highlighted the rapport within Team USA. He told reporters that the group had grown stronger over the years. He also emphasized that their time together was more about enjoying each other’s company and maintaining positive energy rather than discussing race strategies.
In addition, he noted his love for racing with this team and his pride in sharing the podium with them. Besides the aforementioned athelets, attention also focused on the women’s gymnastics team, comprising Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.
Biles, 27, made headlines by becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. She earned her eighth medal at the 2024 Paris Games, surpassing Shannon Miller’s record. During the team final, the women’s gymnastics team competed on four apparatuses: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor.
Throughout the competition, they maintained their lead and never dropped out of first place, ultimately securing gold medals. This performance further solidified their standing and added to the historic achievements of Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games.
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Which Countries Have the Highest Olympic Medals Overall?
Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not compile rankings, the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage keeps a track record. Prior to this year’s game, the foundation mentioned that the Soviet Union, with 1,204 medals, and Germany, with 1,058 medals, followed the US.
The Olympic Foundation counts one medal per event independently of the number of athletes competing. Moreover, it does not include medals won in the art competition or in demonstration events.
The Soviet Union disbanded in 1991. Notably, its former republics, such as Armenia, Ukraine, and Georgia, now compete in the Olympics independently. At the 2024 Paris Games, the U.S. is followed in medal count by France and China, with 18 and 14, respectively.
Ahead of this year’s Olympics, France had won 897 total medals, and China had won 713, according to the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage.
Which Countries Have the Highest Olympic Gold Medals?
This year, the US is not leading in the gold rankings, but it holds the record for the country with the most gold medals. According to the Olympic Foundation, the US had earned a total of 1,178 gold medals before this year’s game.
Team USA is followed by the Soviet Union, with 473 gold medals. Germany takes third, with 342 gold medals before the start of the 2024 games. Currently, the US has won gold four times. This includes twice in swimming, once in gymnastics and once in fencing.
Notably, Great Britain, France, Italy, China, Sweden, and Norway have all won more than 200 gold medals.
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