Paris 2024: How Japan’s Athletes Achieved 63 Medals Across Multiple Sports

The 2024 Paris Olympics was a memorable event for Japan, with the nation earning 63 medals, including 24 golds, 19 silvers, and 20 bronzes. Japan’s athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination across a variety of sports, continuing to build on their success from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This article highlights Japan’s standout performances and the athletes who made their mark in Paris.

Japan’s Rise in the Medal Tally

Japan’s total of 63 medals in Paris represented a strong performance, securing their position among the top countries in the overall medal rankings. The 24 gold medals are a testament to the high level of competitiveness and dedication displayed by Japanese athletes. Their achievements spanned traditional strengths like judo and karate, as well as newer areas of success, such as skateboarding and surfing.

Final Medal Count for Japan

Medal Type	Number of Medals
Gold	24
Silver	19
Bronze	20
Total	63

 

Key Sports and Athletes

1. Judo:

1. • Shohei Ono: Ono continued his dominance in judo, capturing the gold medal in the men’s 73kg category. His technical prowess and strategic mastery were on full display, earning him a well-deserved victory.
   • Uta Abe: Following in her brother’s footsteps, Uta Abe won gold in the women’s 52kg category, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. Her victory contributed significantly to Japan’s medal count in judo.

2. Skateboarding:

1. • Yuto Horigome: Horigome, who made history by winning the first-ever Olympic gold in skateboarding at Tokyo 2020, repeated his success in Paris, defending his title in the men’s street event. His innovative tricks and consistent performance set him apart from his competitors.
   • Momiji Nishiya: In the women’s street event, Nishiya added another gold to her collection, highlighting Japan’s growing dominance in skateboarding. Her youthful exuberance and technical skills captivated audiences worldwide.

3. Karate:

1. • Ryo Kiyuna: Kiyuna once again showcased his mastery in kata, securing gold in the men’s individual event. His precision and powerful techniques were key factors in his victory.
   • Kiyou Shimizu: Shimizu won silver in the women’s kata event, demonstrating the high level of competition and skill present in Japanese karate.

4. Wrestling:

1. • Yui Susaki: Susaki continued to dominate the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category, winning gold and maintaining her position as one of the world’s top wrestlers. Her strength and technique were unmatched in the competition.
   • Takuto Otoguro: Otoguro added a silver medal to Japan’s tally in the men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling category, showcasing the depth of talent in Japanese wrestling.

5. Gymnastics:

1. • Daiki Hashimoto: Hashimoto won gold in the men’s individual all-around gymnastics event, adding to his growing list of accomplishments. His performances across all apparatus were marked by precision and consistency.
   • Mai Murakami: Murakami captured bronze in the women’s floor exercise, highlighting her resilience and determination in the face of tough competition.

6. Surfing:

1. • Kanoa Igarashi: Igarashi won silver in the men’s surfing competition, reflecting Japan’s growing presence in the sport. His dynamic style and wave-riding skills impressed both judges and spectators.

Emerging Sports and Future Prospects

Japan’s success in Paris was not limited to traditional sports. The nation’s athletes also excelled in newer Olympic events, signaling a bright future for Japan in the global sporting arena. Sports such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing have seen increased participation and interest in Japan, leading to a more diverse and comprehensive sports program.

Japan’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a testament to the nation’s dedication to sports excellence and the hard work of its athletes. The country’s success across a wide range of sports highlights the effectiveness of its training programs and the passion of its athletes. As Japan continues to nurture and develop its sports programs, the nation is poised to achieve even greater success in future Olympic Games.