US Women’s Medley Relay Sets World Record and Secures Top Spot on Medal Table #

The US women’s medley relay team set a world record in the last race of the Paris Games, securing Team USA’s position as the top medal earner in the pool. With eight gold medals and 28 overall medals, the US narrowly edged past Australia, maintaining their streak of winning more swimming golds than any other country since 1988. The US had a mix of highs and lows, with standout performances from Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke, but also disappointments like Caeleb Dressel’s failure to medal. Despite the victory, USA Swimming will need to address the underwhelming performance before the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Breakout Stars and Biggest Disappointments #

French swimmer Léon Marchand had a stellar performance, winning four individual gold medals, setting new Olympic records, and securing a bronze. On the women’s side, Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh captured three individual gold medals, becoming the face of women’s swimming. However, the American men had a disappointing meet, with Dressel failing to medal in the 50-meter freestyle and missing out on the 100-meter butterfly final. Other veteran and young American swimmers also fell short of expectations.

Unanswered Questions and Surprises #

The question of whether the meet was clean lingers following revelations earlier this year about 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive but still competed. Notable swims by Chinese swimmers and suspicions raised by non-Chinese swimmers have heightened scrutiny. On a positive note, Torri Huske, a relatively unknown member of Team USA, achieved outstanding success with three gold and two silver medals. Another standout, Katie Ledecky, solidified her status as the most decorated female Olympian in US history, earning her ninth gold medal and showcasing her dominance in distance swimming.

The future remains uncertain for Ledecky as she contemplates her events for the LA Olympics in 2028.