USA Dominates Track and Field Events at 2024 Paris Olympics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone led the charge in the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Friday, securing her place in history and cementing the United States’ dominance in track and field at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The American squad claimed an astounding 12 gold medals at the newly renovated Stade de France, highlighting their prowess in sprints, hurdles, and relays.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory was a highlight of the Games, as she shattered her own world record, crossing the finish line in a blistering 50.98 seconds. This victory made her the first woman ever to break the 51-second barrier in the event, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time.

"I came here with a goal, and I achieved it," McLaughlin-Levrone said. "It's an honor to represent my country and to set new standards in the sport."

McLaughlin-Levrone’s win was one of many for Team USA in a week of electrifying performances. The men's 4x100-meter relay team also grabbed gold, edging out Jamaica by just 0.02 seconds in a nail-biting finish that had fans on their feet. This victory avenged their disappointing performance in Tokyo, where they were disqualified in the preliminary rounds.

"It was redemption," said Fred Kerley, who ran the anchor leg for the U.S. "We came here to prove that we’re the best in the world, and we did just that."

The Americans showed their depth across all track and field events, from Sha’Carri Richardson’s commanding victory in the women’s 100 meters to the surprise gold from Athing Mu in the women’s 800 meters. In total, the U.S. team captured 30 medals, surpassing their impressive tally from Tokyo and reaffirming their status as the global leader in athletics.

In a dramatic twist, the men’s 1500 meters saw Matthew Centrowitz return to the top of the podium eight years after his Rio gold. Centrowitz, who had struggled with injuries in recent years, delivered a masterclass in race tactics, outkicking Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the final meters to claim the title.

"Winning this gold is the culmination of years of hard work," Centrowitz said. "It’s a dream come true."

Despite the American dominance, there were standout performances from other nations. Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah continued her reign in the women’s 200 meters, adding another gold to her already legendary career. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon set a new world record in the women’s 1500 meters, showcasing the strength and resilience of African middle-distance runners.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered for the incredible athletic achievements on the track, with the United States leading the charge. As the Games come to a close, the U.S. track and field team can celebrate another chapter in their storied Olympic history, having once again proven themselves as the team to beat on the world’s biggest stage.