Paris 2024 Olympics Day 12 Recap and Highlights – August 7
Team USA Continues Quest for Gold at Paris Olympics 2024
The United States continues to shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with athletes across various sports delivering outstanding performances on Wednesday, August 7. From basketball to track and field, the American competitors showcased their skills and determination, captivating audiences worldwide.
Women’s Basketball: Chasing the Eighth Consecutive Gold
The USA women’s basketball team took another step towards their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal by defeating Nigeria 88-74 in the quarterfinals. This victory marked the program’s impressive 59th straight Olympic win. Key highlights from the game include:
- A’ja Wilson, the WNBA MVP frontrunner, recorded her third 20-point, 10-rebound double-double of the Paris Games and the fourth of her Olympic career, setting a new record for USA women’s players.
- Breanna Stewart, the reigning WNBA MVP, contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
- Jackie Young, starting in place of six-time Olympian Diana Taurasi, finished with 15 points and a plus/minus of +24.
The USA women will face Australia in the semifinals on Friday, a team they previously beat 79-55 in the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals.
Track and Field: American Athletes Shine
Several American track and field athletes delivered stunning performances:
- Kenneth Rooks won a silver medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, surprising many with his incredible feat.
- Katie Moon secured a silver medal in the pole vault, narrowly missing out on defending her Olympic gold medal from the previous Games.
- Quincy Hall claimed the gold medal in the men’s 400m with a personal best time of 43.40, the fifth-fastest time ever recorded in the event.
- Noah Lyles secured a spot in the 200m finals, continuing his quest to prove he is the world’s fastest man after winning the 100m race on Sunday.
- Grant Holloway and Freddie Crittenden advanced to the 100m hurdle semifinals, with Holloway being the favorite to win the finals on Saturday.
Other Notable Achievements
- The U.S. men’s water polo team defeated Australia in a thrilling quarterfinal shootout, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since the 2008 Beijing Games.
- Keegan Palmer, representing Australia, took home the gold medal in men’s park skateboarding, with American Tom Schaar winning silver.
- In a belated ceremony, the U.S. figure skating team was awarded gold medals from the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, following the disqualification of Russian skater Kamila Valieva due to a doping investigation.
Inspiring Stories and Moments
The Olympics are not just about winning medals; they also feature inspiring stories and heartwarming moments:
- Salif Mane, competing in the triple jump event, draws inspiration from listening to a voicemail from his late father, his biggest supporter, before each competition.
- Jonathan Owens, NFL player and husband of gymnast Simone Biles, talked about the experience of supporting his wife in Paris as she became America’s most-decorated gymnast.
- Tom Daley, a British diver who earned a silver medal earlier in the Games, continues to capture attention with his mid-event crocheting habit, which helps him stay focused during competitions.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, athletes from around the world are pushing themselves to achieve greatness, inspiring fans and leaving a lasting impact on the world of sports. The United States, with its diverse and talented roster of competitors, remains a dominant force across various disciplines, showcasing the nation’s commitment to athletic excellence on the global stage.
| Sport | Athlete | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball | A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young | Advanced to semifinals |
| Track and Field | Kenneth Rooks, Katie Moon, Quincy Hall, Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway, Freddie Crittenden | Medals and advancements |
| Men’s Water Polo | U.S. Team | Advanced to semifinals |
| Skateboarding | Keegan Palmer (AUS), Tom Schaar (USA) | Gold and silver medals |
