Finishing with 18 gold medals and 53 overall, Australia came fourth on the medal tally after the United States, China, and Japan.
The Opals
Having already secured three silver and one bronze medal in her previous Olympic campaigns, Jackson added another bronze to her collection as the Opals defeated Belgium 85-78 in the bronze medal match in Paris.
“Lenny’s always like, ‘Mum, why aren’t you getting on the court?'”
Lauren Jackson defied the odds to compete in what is likely her final Olympic appearance. Source: Getty / Gregory Shamus
But for the basketball icon, the real joy came from watching her teammates, particularly the younger players, rise to the occasion.
Alongside her, 21-year-old Jade Melbourne and 19-year-old Isobel Borlase also made significant contributions, giving Australian basketball fans plenty to look forward to as the team sets its sights on the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Track cycling
While the basketball court was the scene of emotional farewells, the velodrome witnessed contests that added to Australia’s impressive medal haul.
Australia’s Matthew Richardson after winning silver in the men’s keirin track cycling race at the Paris Olympics. Source: Getty / Pete Dovgan
Matt Richardson emerged as one of the standout performers in track cycling, securing a silver medal in the men’s keirin.
For Glaetzer, competing in his fourth and final Olympics, his keirin bronze was particularly special. He had endured numerous challenges throughout his career, including injuries and near-misses at previous Games. His perseverance paid off in Paris, as he finally stepped onto the podium in an individual event.
Australia’s final medal tally in Paris 53, including 18 golds, 19 silvers, and 16 bronzes.
In Paris
Meanwhile, a climber scaled the north face of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on the last day of the Olympics, before he was met by police mid-way up, French media said.
In one video, the grinning climber can be heard saying to bystanders “bloody warm, innit?” as he is escorted off the viewing platform by police.
Source Agencies
