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The anticipation for the 2024 Paris Olympics is building, and sports enthusiasts around the world are eager to know which country will come out on top. According to the latest forecast from Nielsen’s Gracenote Sports, the United States is predicted to dominate the medal tables, both in terms of overall medal count and gold medals. This projection comes six months before the Games open on July 26, providing an early glimpse into the potential outcomes.
The Impact of Russian and Belarussian Athletes
One of the key factors influencing the predictions for the 2024 Paris Olympics is the absence of Russian and Belarussian athletes from international competitions since February 2022. Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, most of these athletes are likely to be excluded from the Games. Although some may be allowed to compete under the status of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), their limited participation makes it challenging to accurately predict their performance.
United States: A Dominant Force
Gracenote’s forecast envisions the United States as the frontrunner, projected to win a staggering 129 medals, including 37 gold medals. This would mark the eighth consecutive Summer Games in which Team USA finishes at the top of the medal table. The United States has consistently excelled in a wide range of sports, and the 2024 Paris Olympics should be no exception.
China: A Strong Contender
While the United States is expected to lead in overall medals, China is projected to give them a run for their money in the gold medal count. Gracenote forecasts China to secure 35 gold medals and a total of 85 medals. This performance would be just four medals short of China’s total in the previous Olympics in Tokyo. With strong showings in sports like diving, shooting, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, and artistic gymnastics, China poses a significant threat to the United States’ dominance.
Great Britain and Japan: Consistent Performers
Great Britain and Japan are expected to maintain their medal-winning performances from the previous Olympics. Gracenote’s Virtual Medal Table predicts that Great Britain will secure 64 medals, the same number as in Tokyo, with a projected 17 gold medals. Japan, the host nation of the previous Olympics, is forecasted to win 56 medals, just two fewer than in Tokyo. However, Japan’s gold medal count is expected to experience a significant drop from 27 to 17.
France: A Strong Contender on Home Soil
As the host nation, France is poised to make a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gracenote’s forecast indicates that France will significantly increase its overall medal haul compared to the previous Olympics, aiming for a total of 53 medals. This would be a substantial improvement from the 33 total medals won in Tokyo. With a projected 26 gold medals, France is expected to secure the third-highest number of golds, trailing only the United States and China.
Other Prominent Contenders
While the United States, China, Great Britain, Japan, and France dominate the predictions, other countries are also expected to perform well at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Australia, renowned for its success in swimming, is projected to win 48 medals. Italy, buoyed by its best-ever performance in Tokyo, is forecasted to achieve an even better outcome with a record-breaking 47 medals. Germany, the Netherlands, and Korea Republic are also expected to secure a significant number of medals.
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A Closer Look at Australia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Korea Republic
Australia’s performance in recent Olympics has been marked by ups and downs. After disappointing showings in 2012 and 2016, Australia is expected to improve in Paris with a projected 48 medals. The success of the Australian swimming team will play a vital role in achieving this outcome.
Italy, which had its best-ever Olympics in Tokyo, is forecasted to perform even better in Paris. With potential breakthroughs in swimming, Italy is projected to win a record-breaking 47 medals across 19 different sports. Their gold medal count may challenge their 40-year-old best record set at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Germany’s medal tally has witnessed a decline in recent Summer Olympics, with the exception of London 2012. However, Paris 2024 is expected to reverse this trend, with Gracenote’s Virtual Medal Table projecting 39 medals for Germany, two more than in Tokyo. The German team is expected to secure medals in 20 sports, although no particular sport dominates their performance.
The Netherlands, following their best-ever Summer Olympics in Tokyo, is forecasted to produce a similar performance in Paris. With medals projected across 11 to 13 sports, the Dutch team aims to maintain their success in rowing, cycling, and athletics.
Korea Republic had a disappointing showing at the Tokyo Olympics, but the forecast for Paris 2024 looks more promising. Korean competitors are expected to win 23 medals, including seven golds. Although this falls short of their achievements from 2004 to 2012, it indicates a step in the right direction.
Conclusion
As the Olympic Games draw nearer, predictions for the 2024 Paris Olympics offer a glimpse into the potential outcomes. While the absence of Russian and Belarussian athletes creates uncertainty, the United States is forecasted to dominate the medal tables, both in terms of overall medal count and gold medals. However, China, Great Britain, Japan, and France are expected to give the United States a tough competition. Australia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Korea Republic also aim to secure a significant number of medals, contributing to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will undoubtedly showcase the world’s best athletes, pushing the boundaries of human achievement and inspiring generations to come.
