The first day of the Paris Olympics 2024 was marked by thrilling competitions and the awarding of the initial batch of medals, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating games.

Historic Wins in Swimming

In the Aquatics Centre, American swimmer Katie Ledecky continued her dominance in the pool by clinching the gold medal in the women’s 400m freestyle. Ledecky, already a multiple-time Olympic champion, set a new Olympic record with her time of 3:56.20, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. Australia’s Ariarne Titmus claimed the silver, and China’s Li Bingjie took home the bronze.

Shooting Glory for China

In shooting, China’s Wang Yaping won the first gold medal of the games in the women’s 10m air rifle event. Yaping’s near-perfect score of 252.1 was enough to edge out Anastasiia Galashina of Russia, who secured the silver. American shooter Mary Tucker earned the bronze, marking a strong start for Team USA in the shooting events.

Judo Champions Crowned

The judo mat saw its first Olympic champions of the Paris Games. Japan’s Naohisa Takato won the gold medal in the men’s 60kg category, defeating Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan in a thrilling final. Takato’s victory adds to Japan’s rich judo tradition, bringing pride to the host nation of the last Olympics. In the women’s 48kg category, Distria Krasniqi of Kosovo emerged victorious, winning her country’s first gold medal in Paris.

Cycling: A Day of Surprises

In road cycling, the men’s road race ended in a surprising victory for Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard. Known more for his prowess in the Tour de France, Vingegaard broke away from the peloton in the final kilometers, crossing the finish line ahead of Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar, who took silver, and Belgium’s Wout van Aert, who claimed bronze.

Emotional Wins in Fencing

Fencing saw an emotional win for Italy’s Alice Volpi, who secured the gold medal in women’s individual foil. Volpi defeated Russia’s Inna Deriglazova in a closely contested match, while Lee Kiefer of the United States took the bronze. Volpi’s victory was especially poignant as she dedicated her win to her late coach, whose influence and training she credited for her success.

Weightlifting Highlights

In weightlifting, the men’s 61kg category saw China’s Li Fabin win gold with a total lift of 318kg, setting a new Olympic record. Indonesia’s Eko Yuli Irawan took the silver, and Kazakhstan’s Arli Chontey earned the bronze.

Day One Wrap-Up

As the first day of the Paris Olympics 2024 draws to a close, the excitement is palpable. Athletes from around the world have already provided breathtaking performances and memorable moments, setting the tone for the days to come. With many more events on the horizon, the world eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama, triumphs, and stories that make the Olympics a truly global celebration of sport.