On Saturday, the Olympics saw a thrilling array of performances from American athletes, with standout moments from Sha’Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, and the USWNT.
Sha’Carri Richardson competed fiercely in the women’s 100 meters, aiming for gold after missing out in Tokyo. Despite her high profile, Richardson was narrowly edged out by Julien Alfred from St. Lucia, who claimed the gold.
Alfred’s victory marked St. Lucia’s first Olympic medal. Richardson secured the silver, with Melissa Jefferson adding to the U.S. tally with a bronze. The race was missing two-time gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who withdrew due to a hamstring injury.
Katie Ledecky cemented her place in Olympic history by winning the 800-meter freestyle, defeating Australia’s Ariarne Titmus. This victory was Ledecky’s ninth gold medal and 14th Olympic medal, tying her with Soviet gymnast Laris Latynina for the most gold medals won by a female Olympian.
Ledecky’s consistent dominance in this event, having won it four consecutive times, places her alongside Olympic legends like Michael Phelps. She expressed interest in competing in the 2028 Games, where she would aim for a fifth gold at 31 years old.
Simone Biles continued to enhance her legacy by winning her seventh Olympic gold in the women’s vault final, alongside teammate Jade Carey who earned bronze. Biles’ achievement further solidifies her status as one of the greatest Olympians.
In men’s gymnastics, Stephen Nedoroscik took bronze in the pommel horse, with Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan and Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov taking gold and silver, respectively.
The U.S. women’s soccer team had a gritty match against Japan, where a scoreless tie led to extra time. Trinity Rodman’s decisive goal in the final moments secured the victory and a spot in the Olympic semifinals, where the team will face Germany.
This win underscores the U.S. women’s consistently strong performance, advancing to the semifinals for seven out of eight tournaments.
In men’s basketball, the U.S. team finished group play with a convincing 104–83 victory over Puerto Rico. Anthony Edwards led with 26 points, supported by Joel Embiid’s 15 points and notable performances from Jayson Tatum and LeBron James.
The U.S. emerged undefeated from group play and will enter the quarterfinals as the No. 1 seed with the highest point differential.
In other highlights, Thea LaFond from Dominica won a gold medal in the women’s triple jump, marking the country’s first Olympic medal. Additionally, the American mixed 4×400 relay team, who had set a world record in prelims, was narrowly beaten by the Netherlands in the final due to a remarkable final leg by Femke Bol.
