The 2021 Olympics took place on July 21 and was hosted by Tokyo. The United States concluded the international event on Aug. 8 by winning 113 medals: 39 gold, 41 silver, and 33 bronze, placing them first among all other countries in Tokyo. This year over 600 athletes represented Team USA, including well-known athletes such as Simone Biles, Luca Cupido, Megan Rapinoe, Diana Taurasi, and various others. 

This year was the first since 1996 that swimmer Michael Phelps did not represent Team USA; however, a class of champion swimmers was led by medalist Katie Ledecky. The team also carried Katie Grimes, who at only 15 years old represented the USA swim team. According to ESPN,, “She is the youngest swimmer to qualify since Ledecky in 2012. Grimes will make her debut in the 800-meter freestyle.” 

In the Track and Field world, Olympian Allyson Felix represented Team USA  for the fifth time this year. Felix earned the title of the most medals won by an American Olympian in track and field by winning her eleventh medal, crushing the record formerly held by Carl Lewis. Gymnast Simone Biles also had much to celebrate. Biles tied with former Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller “as the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history,” as stated by  Team USA.

With success comes defeat. Team USA men’s basketball lost to France 83-76. This defeat ended the 17-year-long victory streak. According to The Guardian,, “for the first time since 2004, the US men’s basketball team have lost in the Olympics… The US had won 25 consecutive Olympic games, last losing at the Athens Games 17 years ago, when they had to settle for the bronze medal.” However, Team USA will be able to reclaim their triumph when they compete in the 2022 Olympics, which will take place in Beijing, China.