The Paris Olympics 2024 have begun, with all participating countries showing off their talents. The first medals of the Olympics are being won today, with China winning gold in two events so far. The USA also won its first medal, winning silver in the women’s synchronized 3m springboard diving event. Cassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon won silver. U.S. cyclist Chloe Dygert was set to win gold in the individual time trial, but a late spill saw her settle for bronze.
Last night’s dizzying and rain-soaked Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony – which included everything from acrobatics to heavy metal and a stunning performance by Celine Dion – went ahead despite “coordinated sabotage” disrupting travel on France’s high-speed train lines. The weather remains a factor, with rain postponing street skateboarding and tennis matches on outdoor courts and raising more safety concerns about triathlon competitors swimming in the Seine River. Team USA will try for gold in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay and the 400-meter freestyle.
Other finals today include rugby sevens. Street skateboarding has been postponed until Monday due to bad weather. USA player Katie Ledecky will try to win her first gold medal in the women’s 400-meter freestyle final on Saturday.
updates: Paris Olympics 2024
- With Germany beating Japan earlier in the day, they assume top spot of Group B with two points, courtesy of a better points differential.
- France hold onto second place for now with two points, as well.
- Brazil and Japan take up third and fourth place respectively with zero points to end the first round of fixtures.
- France will next face Japan on July 30, with Brazil taking on Germany right after on the same day.
- India beat New Zealand 3-2 in men’s hockey event
- Women’s beach volleyball: Australian pair Mariaffe and Clancy are a set up over Chinese duo Xue and Xia.
- New Zealand, Kenya and Argentina won their consolation games in the Men’s Rugby 7s – the medal matches are coming up inside the hour
- Men’s volleyball: Poland smashed Egypt 3-0 – they are the team to beat
Gretchen Walsh reaches 100m butterfly final, sets Olympic record
Gretchen Walsh started tonight’s swimming events with a bang, winning the women’s 100m butterfly semifinal in 55.38 seconds – an Olympic record.
She will advance to the event final, 1.2 seconds ahead of Germany, who finished second. Walsh holds the world record in the event – a time of 55.18 seconds.
Water polo highlights: US women’s team scores big win over Greece
The U.S. women’s water polo team beat Greece 15-6 in its first match in Paris, with hip-hop legend Flavor Flav cheering on the team. The preliminary round continues Monday when the U.S. faces Spain.
Team USA will aim to win a fourth consecutive gold in women’s water polo this year – a feat no men’s or women’s team has ever accomplished in the sport.
