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The United States' brightest stars shone on the global stage, earning their place in history as Olympic medalists. Simone Biles made a triumphant return, claiming three gold medals and solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Katie Ledecky, with a record nine Olympic golds to her name, once again proved her dominance in the pool. Meanwhile, Noah Lyles delivered a heart-pounding victory in the 100 meters, showcasing his electrifying speed. And who could forget Cole Hocker's thrilling win in the men's 1500m, a race that captivated the nation and his father alike.
A total of 126 medals
The U.S. emerged as the clear leader in the medal count, taking home a total of 126 medals. However, the competition for gold was fierce, with the U.S. women's basketball team securing a nail-biting victory on Sunday to tie China for the most gold medals at 40 each.
The gold medalists for the U.S. included standout performances from the men's and women's swim teams, gymnastics led by Biles, Ledecky's continued reign in swimming, and Lyles' spectacular sprinting.
Other remarkable achievements came from athletes like Cole Hocker in the 1500m, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in track and field, and the women's basketball team, which clinched their gold in a dramatic fashion.
The U.S. also claimed 44 silver and 42 bronze medals, with notable performances across various sports, including swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. Athletes such as Sha'Carri Richardson, Ryan Cro and Biles added to the medal tally, while teams in events like women's volleyball and men's gymnastics also made their mark.