ASC congratulates Australia on best ever Olympics in Paris

After more than two weeks of competition across 32 sports involving more than 10,000 athletes at the Paris Olympics, Australia enjoyed their best-ever medal haul, finishing fourth with 18 golds and with the Australian Sports Commission congratulating the achievement.

The US finished the Paris Olympics top of the medal table once again, although they required victory in the final event of the Games to do so.

The US were on a 60-game winning streak at the Olympics and were chasing their eighth straight title. They did so via the USA women’s basketball team surviving a thrilling final against France to win 67-66.

The final medal tally for the Paris Olympics saw the US and China level on 40 golds each, with the Americans edging into first on silvers won, 44 to 27.

Japan were in third place with 20 golds, the same position they finished in 2021 in Tokyo. Host France were fifth with 16 golds, their best result since they topped the table in 1900, when Paris also hosted the Games.

New Zealand finished in 11th place with 10 golds.

Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Kieren Perkins says Australia’s record-breaking Olympic performance in Paris reflects the nation’s united sports system and should leave all Australians excited about the future of sport in this country.

Just eight years out from the home Games in Brisbane in 2032, Australia’s best ever Olympics result saw the team finish in fourth place on the medal tally with record 18 gold, as well as 19 silver and 16 bronze.

Perkins notes “we saw the very best of Australia and sport over the past two weeks. However you measure it, it has been an overwhelming success. 

“From the heartwarming scenes involving the Fox sisters, to the heroic performances in the pool, to Saya Sakakibara’s domination in BMX. Paris will live on in the memories of all Australians. 

“Some of our best performances in Paris came from emerging sports such as skateboarding and BMX which is pleasing to see as we broaden the base of medal winning sports.

“This is part of building an inclusive and sustainable sport system which is the cornerstone of Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy.

“The results we saw in Paris have been years in the making, not only by our incredible athletes but also their support teams who fulfill a variety of roles.

“The Australian High Performance Sport System is more united than ever before thanks to our shared vision to win well and inspire Australians. 

“The ethos that how we win is just as important as when we win and that wellbeing unlocks true potential will continue to be our north star as we look towards the Winter Olympics in 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and of course Brisbane in 2032. 

“On behalf of Australian sport, I would like to thank the Australian Government not only for your support of our athletes, but for believing in the value of sport. 

“The record funding for high performance sport, the increased financial support going direct to athletes, and commitment to upgrading our national home of sport, the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, provides us a strong platform for future success.

“To Australian Olympic Chef de Mission Anna Meares, Australian Olympic Committee CEO and President Matt Caroll and Ian Chesterman, and all the staff in Paris – thank you. You have done a remarkable job supporting our athletes to achieve their dreams.

“With the Olympics now behind us, I encourage all Australians to ensure they cheer on our Paralympic team with the same passion when they represent our country later this month.

“To the 160 athletes who will proudly wear the green and gold at the Paralympics, we wish you all the best. Australia is right behind you.”