China, Japan, South Korea shine as top-performing Asian countries in 2024 Paris Olympics
China delivered its best-ever performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, tying with the United States for the most gold medals. Both nations secured 40 golds, marking the first time the gold medal count has been tied at a Summer Olympics. Despite this achievement, the U.S. edged China in the overall medal tally, amassing 126 medals to China’s 91.
China’s dominance in events such as shooting and diving initially placed it ahead of the United States. Still, the American team caught up during the track and field events, ultimately surpassing China in total medals. The Chinese media and public celebrated this extraordinary performance, viewing it as a testament to the nation’s growing strength and modernization.
Commemoration of Paris Olympics 2024
Japan sets new record for gold at Paris Olympics
Japan also had a remarkable run in Paris, winning 20 gold medals — the most it has ever secured at an Olympics outside its home country. This achievement topped Japan’s previous overseas record of 16 gold medals in Athens 2004 and marked the nation’s second-highest gold medal haul overall, following the 27 golds won at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
Japan’s success was highlighted by standout performances in wrestling and other key sports. Kotaro Kiyooka’s victory in the men’s 65-kilogram freestyle wrestling and Yuka Kagami’s gold in the women’s 76-kilogram freestyle were among the highlights of Japan’s campaign, which saw the country earn a total of 45 medals.
South Korea defies expectations with strong medal haul
South Korea surprised many by securing 32 medals, including 13 golds. This was the first time in 12 years that the country exceeded 30 medals in a single Olympics. The team’s success was driven by strong performances in shooting, fencing, and archery.
Notably, South Korean archers claimed gold in all five archery events, and Kim Woo-jin became the most decorated South Korean Olympian with five career golds. The success of young athletes, including 16-year-old shooter Ban Hyo-jin, who won Korea’s 100th Summer Olympic gold medal, was a key factor in the nation’s impressive showing.
Philippines emerges as Southeast Asia’s top performer
In Southeast Asia, the Philippines stood out again, earning the distinction of the best-performing nation in the region for the second consecutive Olympics. The Philippines secured two gold and two bronze medals, with artistic gymnast Carlos Yulo claiming both golds in the floor exercise and vault. Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas added bronze medals, helping the Philippines match its four-medal haul from the Tokyo 2021 Games.
This marks the first time the Philippines has won multiple gold medals in back-to-back Olympics, further solidifying its position as a rising power in Southeast Asian sports. Despite strong performances from neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand, the Philippines maintained its lead, showcasing its growing prowess on the international stage.
