1 month ago
7
The last day of the Paris Olympics will end with the closing ceremony, but 14 gold medals will be handed out first. read more
 "US women chase record basketball gold, closing ceremony")
USA women basketball team will target gold when they take on France at the Paris Olympics. AP
The all-conquering US women’s basketball team chase a historic eighth straight Olympic gold against France, fuelled by the “love” of their fans. Sunday (Day 16, August 11) is the final day of the Paris Olympics.
Paris Olympics: News, schedule, medals tally and more
The day will end with the closing ceremony at Stade de France, but 14 gold medals will be handed out first.
It begins with the women’s marathon in the morning and continues with the men’s handball final between Denmark and Germany. The women’s volleyball final sees the Americans defending their title against first-time finalist Italy.
USA vs France in women’s basketball final
The US women have won basketball gold at the past seven Olympic Games, starting at Atlanta in 1996.
An eighth straight triumph would give them the record for most consecutive gold medals in any team sport at the Olympic Games – breaking a tie with the US men, who won seven basketball titles in a row from 1936 to 1968.
“I think the gold medal is the standard,” US forward Alyssa Thomas said. “No matter where we are in the world, it’s our goal and that’s what we came here for.”
It promises to be an emotional affair at Bercy Arena, where for the first time in Games history the men’s and women’s finals featured identical match-ups.
Delirious fans erupted in joy when France’s women polished off European Champions Belgium in overtime in the semi-finals, Gabby Williams scoring nine of her 18 points in the extra session as the hosts rallied from a 17-point deficit.
“It’s a love letter to our fans and supporters,” said an ecstatic Williams, who won two US collegiate titles with the University of Connecticut and a EuroLeague Women championship with Sopron Basket in 2022.
France won bronze at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games three years ago. Now, they are back in the final for the first time since 2012, with a chance to grab the last gold medal of the Paris Games.
“The atmosphere has made us want to cry every single game,” said Williams.
“What I love is our connection between us and our love for each other. If anything is going to bring gold, it is going to be that.”
The USA vs France final, a repeat of the 2012 gold medal match, will begin at 7pm IST (3:30pm local).
Women’s marathon
Breaking from tradition, the women are running the Olympic marathon on the last day instead of the men, who raced Saturday.
The marathon route has both a symbolic and historic feel since it traces the footsteps of the historic Women’s March on Versailles, which took place during the French Revolution in 1789.
Kenyan runners have won the past two editions. The race begins at 11:30am IST (8am local).
USA vs Italy in women’s volleyball
The US women defend their gold against Italy, who are appearing in their first final and are guaranteed a first medal. Their previous best finish was fifth.
Outside hitters Myriam Sylla and Loveth Omoruyi will look to cause an upset. The match starts at 4:30pm IST (1 pm local).
Modern pentathlon includes equestrian for the final time
The picturesque Palace of Versailles sees the conclusion of the women’s individual final at 4:10pm IST (12:40 pm local).
Showjumping features at the Olympics for the last time in pentathlon before being scrapped in favor of an American Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course race.
There’s also fencing, swimming and a laser run — a dynamic event combining laser pistol shooting and running laps.
Elsewhere
Denmark target their second Olympic title in men’s handball when they face 2016 bronze medalist Germany at Pierre Mauroy Stadium at 5pm IST (1:30pm local).
Two-time defending Olympic champions Serbia take on 2012 champions Croatia for gold in water polo at 5:30pm IST (2pm local).
Track cycling concludes with the women’s sprint and omnium and with the men’s keirin at the record-breaking Olympic velodrome, all starting between 4:45pm and 5:30pm IST (1:15pm and 2pm local).
After the flamboyant opening ceremony, the focus will shift to the closing affair on what Paris 2024 has conjured for athletes and billions of viewers.
The closing ceremony features the athletes’ parade and the handover of the Olympic flag to the organisers of the next edition - Los Angeles 2028 in this case.
It will also include over 100 performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists on a huge stage.
The closing ceremony starts at 12:30am IST (Monday, August 12) or 9pm local.
(with inputs)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
English (US) ·