Heading to Paris 2024: The Favorites for the Olympic Podium and the U.S. Challenge for the Top Spot

As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach, projections indicate that the United States will lead the virtual medal tally with 121 medals, surpassing the 113 obtained in Tokyo 2020. This forecast, provided by Gracenote, represents a significant increase from the U.S. team's performance in 2021, with projected medals in 26 different sports. Although three sports fewer than the record of 29 in Tokyo, athletics and swimming remain crucial to success, contributing to almost half of the projected medals.

China, having recovered from its 70 medals in Rio 2016, projects 85 medals in Paris 2024, maintaining a similar performance to Tokyo 2020. Diving, shooting, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, and artistic gymnastics are the pillars of China's aspirations, and the threat of 37 gold medals could challenge the United States' position as the leader in that aspect.

Great Britain, with a projection of 65 medals, aims to maintain its success at the Summer Olympics for the fourth consecutive time. Their diversified performance in more than 20 sports has been key in the last few Games, continuing this trend according to Gracenote's Virtual Medal Table.

Japan, after its record-breaking performance in Tokyo, foresees obtaining 53 medals in Paris 2024, slightly fewer than the 58 from the previous Games. Despite a decrease in the total number of medals, Japan is expected to reach the mark of 16 gold medals. Diversification in 21 different sports remains a strength for the Japanese team.

France, as the host country, aspires to outstanding performance with a projection of 52 medals, a considerable increase from the 33 in Tokyo 2020. Diversification in 23 sports sets a new French record, anticipating the best Summer Olympics since 1900. The nation hopes to harness the energy of being the host to achieve unprecedented success in its Olympic history.

With these projections, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris promise to be an exciting and diverse competition, with the United States leading the way, closely followed by China, Great Britain, Japan, and the host nation, France.