Austin News

August 15, 2024

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics concluded on Sunday, with the United States leading the medal tally. American athletes secured 40 gold medals and a total of 126 medals, surpassing second-place China by 35 medals. Among the U.S. contingent, Texas athletes made a significant impact on the global stage.

Texas athletes earned a total of 41 medals, comprising 16 gold, 14 silver, and 11 bronze. If Texas were an independent country, it would have ranked eighth globally in terms of medal count.

Simone Biles from Houston delivered a remarkable performance in gymnastics. She captivated audiences during the vault event and secured her seventh Olympic gold medal. At age 27, Biles now holds 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.

Kevin Durant played a crucial role in Team USA’s gold medal victory in men’s basketball. Durant became the first men’s basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals and also marked his achievement as the first Texas Longhorn to medal in four Olympic Games.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) saw its current and former student-athletes win a total of 16 medals in Paris, including six golds. If UT Austin had competed independently, it would have ranked 16th in total medals and tied for 14th in golds. Other NCAA Division I schools in Texas also performed well: Texas A&M athletes won five medals; the University of Houston earned two; Baylor University and Texas Christian University each claimed one.

The success of Texan athletes at the Paris Olympics underscores the state’s strong sports culture and competitive spirit. The achievements are expected to inspire future generations of Texans to pursue excellence in athletics.