The United States has etched its name in Olympic history, becoming the first nation to achieve a remarkable 3,000 medals. This milestone was reached at the 2024 Paris Games, thanks to the latest victories by Team USA.
Heading into this year's summer games, the U.S. had already accumulated an impressive 2,975 medals across past summer and winter Olympics, according to the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage. On Tuesday, Team USA crossed the 3,000 mark after securing their 26th medal in Paris â with many more medal opportunities still to come before the games conclude on August 11th.
A Medal Haul Across Disciplines
So far, the U.S. has won 26 medals in Paris: four gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze. Swimming has been a particularly strong suit for Team USA, contributing 15 medals to their total. Other notable medal wins include:
Gymnastics: Team USA's men captured a bronze medal in the team event, marking their first Olympic medal in this discipline in 16 years. The women's team followed suit, securing a gold medal, led by the triumphant Simone Biles.
Fencing: Three medals in fencing have added to Team USA's success.
Cycling: Two medals have been won in cycling events.
Skateboarding: Team USA has also picked up two medals in skateboarding.
Diving: One medal has been secured in diving.
Rugby: Team USA made history with their first ever medal in women's rugby, securing bronze after a thrilling victory over Australia.
Top Medal Holders in Olympic History
While the International Olympic Committee doesn't officially rank countries based on medals, the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage maintains a detailed count. Prior to the 2024 games, the U.S. held the top spot, followed by the Soviet Union with 1,204 medals and Germany with 1,058.
It's important to note that the Olympic Foundation counts one medal per event, regardless of the number of athletes competing. They also exclude medals won in the arts competition and demonstration events.
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, its former republics, like Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia, have competed as independent nations. As of Tuesday, France and China are currently trailing the U.S. in the overall medal count for the 2024 games, with 18 and 14 medals respectively.
Gold Medal Glory
While the U.S. isn't leading the gold medal race in Paris, it holds the all-time record for most gold medals won. Before the start of the 2024 games, the U.S. had earned 1,179 gold medals, followed by the Soviet Union with 473 and Germany with 342. In Paris, the U.S. has secured four gold medals so far: two in swimming, one in gymnastics, and one in fencing.
Great Britain, France, Italy, China, Sweden, and Norway have all achieved over 200 gold medals in Olympic history.
A Legacy of Excellence
Team USA's continued success in the Olympics reflects their dedication to athletic excellence and their commitment to the spirit of Olympism. As the Paris Games continue, the world will be watching to see if Team USA can maintain their impressive momentum and continue to add to their historic medal haul.