Key events
A carefully curated collection of stunning images from yesterday’s events features another highlight from the boxing arena.
Badminton kicks off our day with matches starting at 08:30 local time. The action continues at 09:00 with beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, golf, volleyball, handball, and shooting.
It has taken nearly a week, but the two giants of global sport have finally ascended to the medal table’s summit. China currently tops the gold medal count due to impressive performances in shooting and diving, while the USA leads the overall medal tally, despite only securing a quarter of those as gold.
The swimming competitions illustrate Team USA’s performance thus far, with a commendable total of 20 medals but merely four of those being gold. Australia sits in a strong position with five golds claimed so far, presenting a solid chance of winning the meet.
Historically, France has not finished in the top five at the Olympics since London 1948, but the host nation appears poised for a remarkable result thanks to a strong start.
A total of 29 national anthems have echoed across events, as 50 NOCs have received medals. Among these achievements is Guatemala, which has participated regularly since 1968 with just a single silver to its name—until this week. Firstly, trap shooter Jean Pierre Brol became the country’s first bronze medallist, and then trap shooter Adriana Ruano secured Guatemala’s inaugural Olympic gold.
Interestingly, Ruano initially trained as a gymnast, representing her country at the 2010 Pan American Championships, but a severe back injury redirected her competitive focus to shooting.
Preamble – Day Seven Schedule
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everyone! We are excited to bring you live coverage on the seventh official day of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Day six showcased another impressive performance by Simone Biles, who took home gold in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around. Not to be outdone, Katie Ledecky also shone in the pool, with Australia securing more gold, and Summer McIntosh’s second win of the Games as she emerged as the next big star in the sport.
Yet, amidst the achievements, we faced several controversies and upsets. Andy Murray experienced a career-ending defeat in men’s doubles at Roland Garros, while Rafael Nadal also faced potential career-ending challenges, not to mention the surprise defeat of top contender Iga Swiatek in the women’s singles semi-finals. Women’s boxing gained prominence due to a boxer previously flagged for failing gender eligibility tests. The Covid cluster continues to expand, although concern appears limited, and scrutiny regarding Chinese swimmers remains persistent.
What thrilling events are on the horizon for us today?
Medal Events
🥇 Shooting – women’s 50m rifle three positions (from 9:30)
🥇 Rowing – men’s & women’s pairs / men’s & women’s LWT double sculls (from 10:42)
🥇 Diving – men’s 3m springboard synchro (from 11:00)
🥇 Sailing – women’s & men’s skiff / women’s & men’s windsurfing (from 12:13)
🥇 Trampoline – women’s (from 13:50)
🥇 Equestrian – team jumping (from 14:00)
🥇 Badminton – mixed doubles (from 15:00)
🥇 Archery – mixed team (from 16:43)
🥇 Judo – women’s 78kg & men’s 100kg (from 16:00)
🥇 Tennis – mixed doubles gold (from 19:00)
🥇 Fencing – men’s epee team (from 19:30)
🥇 Trampoline – men’s (from 19:50)
🥇 Swimming – men’s 50m freestyle, 200m IM / women’s 200m backstroke (from 20:30)
🥇 Athletics – men’s 10,000m (from 21:20)
🥇 BMX Racing – men’s & women’s (from 21:35)
*(All times are listed in Paris local time)
Simon Burnton’s day-by-day guide:
Trampoline
Most Olympic events require a significant amount of effort, showcasing relentless running and skill. Yet, trampoline stands out for its sheer joy; simply watching it invigorates the spirit. However, it occurs in a single day, so enjoy it while it lasts, as Team GB’s Bryony Page aims to add a gold to her silver from Rio and bronze from Tokyo.
Windsurfing
There’s been a notable shift since the last Olympics—the RS:X is gone, replaced by the striking iQFoil, which rides on hydrofoils that lift the board out of the water at high speeds. Although the Dutch usually excel in this arena, don’t miss France’s Nicolas Goyard, whose brother Thomas clinched silver in Tokyo, and Britain’s Emma Wilson, targeting an upgrade from her bronze three years ago.
Judo
Legendary French judoka Teddy Riner, a three-time Olympic and unprecedented 11-time world champion, is seeking another medal. Judo has a massive following in France, with around 10% of eight-year-olds involved in the sport regularly. Regardless of outcomes, Riner will always be hailed as a legend. The 35-year-old has made it clear he intends to continue to Los Angeles: “Why would I stop when I love what I do?”
Additionally, don’t miss the inaugural glimpse of the athletics track inside the Stade de France. The only track and field medal at stake today is in the men’s 10,000m, with highlights including the start of the decathlon alongside qualifications in the competitive women’s high jump and triple jump.
In the swimming arena, Kaylee McKeown will chase her fifth career gold in the 200m backstroke. The BMX Racing finals promise excitement and thrilling narratives, highlighting competitors like Mariana Pajon, Alise Willoughby, and Saya Sakakibara. The men’s football quarter-finals include a high-stakes clash between France and Argentina, while over at Roland Garros, both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are competing in the semi-finals.
I apologize if I’ve missed any significant events in this brief overview. Please share your thoughts on what you’re looking forward to via email at: jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com or find me on X @jphowcroft while you’re navigating the aftermath of Twitter.
I’ll be present for the first few hours of the blog here in Australia before handing over to Martin Belam in the UK.
