2024 has been a controversial and dramatic year for the Olympics, from the Opening Ceremonies to the drama between two gymnasts, Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner. However, it was also a good year for the U.S., earning medals in 34 of the 47 sports disciplines that they competed in. With 44 athletes winning multiple medals and 13 winning gold medals in more than one sport, four athletes from the greater Pittsburgh area competed.
Since the United States Olympic debut in 1896, the United States has paved the way for individuals to make themselves known on the world stage as they show off their athletic abilities.
The U.S. excels in athletics, having won the most gold medals in track and field, road running and race walking events, along with winning a total of 1,117 gold medals in the history of the Summer Olympics.
The Paris Olympics averaged 30.6 million viewers, which is an interesting event for many people to watch. Being able to watch the peak of human athleticism brings joy to many.
“I watched gymnastics and track and field. I enjoy seeing the pure strength and dedication of these athletes,” commented Mrs. Rakoczy.
Two of the athletes from the greater Pittsburgh area medaled in the Olympics, one in silver and one in gold.
Michael Grady won a gold medal in the men’s coxless four-rowing event. He is a Pittsburgh native and a Cornell University graduate. He previously placed fifth in the coxless four at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Another Pittsburgher, Spencer Lee, won a silver medal in men’s freestyle wrestling. He is a two-time U.S. national champion and three-time age group world champion.
Also in attendance from Pittsburgh were Josh Matheny and Bridget Williams for swimming and track and field, respectively. Matheny is an Upper St. Clair native and was a seven-time All-American at the University of Indiana.
Williams won first place in women’s pole vaulting at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She is a Greensburg native, and 2024 was her first year at the Olympics.
In 2028, the Summer Olympics are coming back to the U.S. for the eighth time. LA, the host city for the ‘28 games, will have tickets ranging from $150 to $10,000, according to Forbes. Over 800 events and 80 different venues will be featured. Olympic history is being made, as no new event centers will be built for the games.
Due to LA’s extensive sports footprint, existing facilities can be used for all games.
Rakoczy stated, “I’m very interested to see the games from an American perspective, it will be cool to see them at home.”
As always, this was a great year for the Olympics. Four years from now will be even better, especially with being back on American soil for the first time since 2002.
