On the first official day of competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the United States dominated by winning five medals – one gold, two silver, and two bronze. The medals were earned in a variety of events, including swimming, cycling, and diving. The American athletes showcased their talent and skill, setting the stage for a successful Games ahead.
In the women’s three-meter synchronized diving springboard final, Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon secured the country’s first medal of the Olympics by winning the silver. The best friends delivered a solid performance, scoring 70.20 points with their forward 2.5 somersaults and 1 twist dive. Their victory marked America’s first medal in women’s synchronized springboard diving since 2012, setting a positive tone for the team.
Cyclist Chloe Dygert also contributed to the medal count by earning a bronze in the women’s individual time trial. Despite facing an early crash during the race, Dygert managed to recover and finish with a time of 41:10.70. This was her third Olympic medal but the first in road cycling, showcasing her resilience and determination in overcoming various challenges to achieve success.
In the pool, Katie Ledecky added to her impressive Olympic resume by winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle. Ledecky, who is on the cusp of becoming the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history, now needs only one more medal to tie the record of 12. The women’s and men’s 4×100 free relay teams also contributed to the medal haul with strong performances, showcasing the depth and talent of Team USA swimmers.
The highlight of the day came in the last race of swimming’s opening night, where Chris Guiliano, Jack Alexy, Hunter Armstrong, and Caeleb Dressel combined to win Team USA its first gold medal of the Games. Dressel, a seasoned Olympic champion, secured his eighth career gold medal while the other three athletes earned their first gold at the Games. Additionally, the women’s 4×100 free relay team, comprised of Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, and Simone Manuel, won silver with a new American record time of 3:30.20, further solidifying Team USA’s dominance in the pool.
Overall, the United States set the tone for a successful 2024 Paris Olympics by leading all countries in medals on the first official day of competition. The athletes showcased their talent, resilience, and determination across various events, including swimming, cycling, and diving. With a strong start to the Games, Team USA is poised to continue its success and compete at the highest level throughout the remainder of the competition.
