Displaying items by tag: Olympics

The 2024 Olympics wrapped up with the United States leading the medal count, claiming a total of 126 medals, including 40 golds. China and Japan followed, securing 40 and 20 gold medals, respectively. 

In basketball, the U.S. women's team maintained their dominance, winning their eighth consecutive gold medal, showcasing their exceptional skill and teamwork in an incredible finish over France. The U.S. men’s team slipped by Serbia in a comeback in the semifinals, and Stephen Curry’s electric performance secured the gold in the finals.

The Olympic ceremonies closed with Tom Cruise dropping down from the ceiling and carrying the Olympic flag off to Los Angles as they prepare to host in 2028. 

Finsum: While Los Angles surely has an uphill battle when it comes to infrastructure, the Olympics had incredible viewership and engagement which is promising for 2028.

The 2024 Summer Olympics are heading into their second weekend, marked by historic moments and unforgettable highlights. 

Simone Biles' triumphant return captivated audiences as she led Team USA to gold and won the all-around competition, solidifying her status as the greatest gymnast of all time. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is on the brink of achieving a career golden slam, needing just one more victory in the men's singles tennis finals. Controversy has also emerged, with the Chinese swimming team embroiled in a doping scandal after positive tests for banned substances were attributed to food contamination. 

This combination of thrilling athletic feats and off-field drama has made the Paris Olympics memorable. The excitement continues to build as athletes push the limits of their sports, creating a truly historic event.

Finsum: Additionally, the social media world went crazy as a variety of characters emerged out of the competitive shooting competitions. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics have already produced memorable moments. Team USA's women's gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, won gold. South Korea's Ye-ji Kim became an internet sensation for her performance in the women's 10-meter air pistol. 

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed she competed while seven months pregnant. The US men's gymnastics team won its first medal in 16 years, thanks to Stephen Nedoroscik's performance. Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh earned her first gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley. 

Former NBA player Chase Budinger won his first Olympic beach volleyball match. France’s Leon Marchand set a new record in the 400-meter individual medley.

Finsum: The streaming era has ushered in a new wave of fandom for typically unwatched events.

(Seoul)

There was supposed to be a landmark meeting between the US and North Korea at the Seoul Olympics. It should have been a chance to start a diplomatic reconciliation. Vice president Mike Pence was set to meet a delegation from North Korea at the South Korean version of the White House. But alas, it was not to be, as on the day of the meeting (which was scheduled for February 10th), the North Koreans backed out of the meeting, allegedly upset at Pence’s stern public speech on the country’s human rights record.

FINSUM: North Korea has done very well politically at these Olympics, mostly by “humanizing” themselves to the world. However, a real diplomatic engagement would have been a great step.

(Washington)

On the geopolitical side, most news is ominous. Countries disagree, threaten, embargo, or otherwise make antagonistic acts against one another. But sometimes you get a positive story. Today we want to report on one—the agreement between North and South Korea to compete under the same flag at the Olympics. The two countries, which have been at odds for many decades, will compete side by side in the games, with the women’s hockey team featuring players from both countries. Some see the agreement as placating an aggressive foe, but others see it as a sign of hope and progress.

FINSUM: We find this to be an undoubtedly positive progression, especially since just a couple of months ago the conversation was about how quickly North Korea could have tanks rolling through Seoul.