With a total of eleven medals, including four gold, four silver and three bronze, Sweden is making a strong and solid impression at this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. The Swedish athletes have not only lived up to expectations, but in many cases have exceeded them with unexpected and somewhat historic performances.
The Summer Olympics in Paris were a success for the host country, France. In terms of both performance and attendance, this year’s games have been a huge success, despite some initial gnashing of teeth and skepticism from the local population.
For Sweden, many were convinced that Armand Duplantis and Sarah Sjöström would be the focus of this year’s Olympics, but behind the scenes the table tennis masters wanted something different.
One of the most remarkable performances came from Truls Möregårdh, who won a sensational silver medal in the table tennis singles tournament. Möregårdh, who was considered a long shot before the tournament, defeated some of the world’s best players on his way to the final.
He also helped his teammates Kristian Karlsson and Anton Källberg to a silver medal in the team competition. This success marks Sweden’s first Olympic medals in table tennis since 2000, making their efforts particularly memorable.
King Duplantis
In the world of athletics, Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis continued to make history by not only defending his Olympic gold medal in the pole vault – something that had only happened once before (Bob Richards; 1952/1956) – but also setting a new world record with an incredible 6.25.
Already one of the most celebrated Swedish athletes of modern times, Duplantis added to his status with this incredible feat.
Sarah Sjöström was once again at the top of her game when it mattered most. With gold medals in both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle, she once again proved why she is one of the world’s best swimmers.
Sjöström also made history by becoming the first Swedish swimmer to win two Olympic gold medals at the same championships, further cementing her legendary status.
Not to be outdone, beach volleyball players David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig saved the best for last. After a shaky start to the tournament, they stepped up their game in the playoffs.
The duo dominated the final and delivered a performance that no Swedish volleyball player had ever achieved before. Their triumph on the sand is a milestone that puts Swedish beach volleyball on the international map.
Sweden’s best Olympics since 2000
Sweden has won a total of eleven medals at the Olympic Games in Paris – the best result at a Summer Olympics since Sydney 2000.
The eleven medals reflect excellent performances by outstanding athletes such as Victor Lindgren, shooting (silver), Rebecca Netzler/Vilma Bobeck, sailing, 49er FX (silver), Jenny Rissved, mountain biking (bronze) and Tara Babulfath’s bronze in judo.
Together with the above-mentioned gold medals, it is fair to say that Sweden is one of the most successful nations at this year’s Olympics. Sweden finishes in a fine sixteenth place, which is the best result since Los Angeles in 1984.
This puts Sweden ahead of all our Nordic neighbors such as Norway (18th), Denmark (29th) and Finland, who did not win any medals.
USA and China lead the way
The three countries that have won the most gold medals at the 2024 Olympics are the United States (40 gold medals), China (40) and Japan (20).
The USA (126 in total) has continued its dominance with particular success in athletics and swimming, while China (91) has excelled in events such as table tennis, gymnastics and weightlifting. Japan (45), which has had a strong medal presence since the Tokyo Olympics, has continued to lead the way in judo and wrestling to secure its place among the most successful nations.
Host nation France has put in a strong effort with several impressive performances, especially in its traditionally strong sports such as judo and fencing. French athletes have shown a high level of competitiveness at home, resulting in a significant medal haul of 64, including 16 golds.
In addition, the organizers managed to deliver a well-organized and memorable Games, despite the high expectations and challenges of being the host nation. At the same time, the Paris Olympics were not without controversy, from the much-criticized Opening Ceremony to women’s boxing, where sometimes heated debates about hormone levels and gender identity enraged many.
Ethan Hunt wraps it up
The icing on the cake was provided by none other than Ethan Hunt (aka Tom Cruise), who, in true Mission: Impossible spirit, took the Olympic flag from Paris to the 2028 venue of Los Angeles.
Cruise is a renowned sports enthusiast and the combination of M:I and the Olympics is a stroke of genius, just as when James Bond 007, accompanied by Queen Elizabeth, opened the London 2012 Summer Games, Cruise brought the 2024 Summer Olympics to a magnificent and action-packed close.
Unlike the much-criticized opening ceremony, the closing ceremony was a dignified affair, generally free of any political messages. Not least, the tribute to the thousands of volunteers who made the complicated arrangements possible was a fine and appreciated gesture.
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in four years. Hopefully with new Swedish successes in the trophy cabinet.
