Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky shined at the Paris Olympics, bringing home gold for the United States on Day 8 of the 2024 Games. Biles impressed with her Yurchenko double pike vault, securing her seventh Olympic gold medal and tenth overall medal. She also won gold in the team final, all-around, and vault events in Paris. The 27-year-old Biles hinted at a possible return to the Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Ledecky made history by winning the 800-meter freestyle for the fourth consecutive time, joining Michael Phelps as the only swimmers to achieve this feat at four Summer Games. The U.S. swim team also set a world record in the 4×100 mixed medley relay, with Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Gretchen Walsh, and Torri Huske claiming victory.
However, it wasn’t all gold for the Americans at Stade de France, as Sha’carri Richardson settled for silver in the women’s 100-meter dash, losing to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. Richardson and Melissa Jefferson took home silver and bronze, respectively. Noah Lyles advanced to the semifinals in the men’s 100 after finishing second in the qualifying heat.
In other events, Ryan Crouser secured his third consecutive gold in shot put, while Imane Khelif of Algeria clinched a medal in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing quarterfinals. The U.S. men’s basketball team maintained their undefeated record and secured the No. 1 seed, while Zheng Qinwen of China won the women’s singles gold in tennis.
Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm shared the lead in men’s golf, with a rowdy crowd at Le Golf National cheering them on. The USWNT defeated Japan in women’s soccer to advance to the semifinals, and American shooter Vincent Hancock won his fourth Olympic gold medal in men’s skeet.
Lastly, pistol shooter Nino Salukvadze announced her retirement after competing in a record 10 Olympics over 36 years. The 55-year-old from Georgia honored her late father, who passed away earlier this year, by participating in the Paris Olympics. Salukvadze has three Olympic medals to her name.
Overall, Day 8 of the Paris Games was filled with triumphs, records, and emotional farewells as athletes from around the world showcased their talent and determination on the grand stage of the Olympics.
