The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have come to a close, with the United States of America taking home the gold in women’s basketball after a thrilling match against France. This victory solidified the USA’s position at the top of the medal tally, surpassing China with 40 gold medals. While China also boasts 40 gold medals, the USA claimed more silver and bronze medals, securing the top spot.
The host nation, France, finished a respectable fifth in the overall standings, accumulating a total of 64 medals, including 16 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze. Throughout Olympic history, host nations have secured the top spot in the medal tally on nine occasions.
However, the 1976 Montreal Olympics saw the host nation, Canada, experience the worst performance by a host country, ending the games in 27th place.
Here is a breakdown of the best and worst performances by host nations in the Summer Olympics:
Best Performances
* 1900 – France – 1st
* 1904 – USA – 1st
* 1908 – Great Britain – 1st
* 1932 – USA – 1st
* 1936 – Germany – 1st
* 1980 – Soviet Union – 1st
* 1984 – USA – 1st
* 1996 – USA – 1st
* 2008 – China – 1st
Worst Performances
* 1976 – Canada – 27th
* 1968 – Mexico – 15th
* 2004 – Greece – 15th
* 2016 – Brazil – 13th
* 1948 – Great Britain – 12th
For a comprehensive overview of host nation medal tally finishes, here is a list sorted by year:
* 1896 – Greece – 2nd
* 1900 – France – 1st
* 1904 – USA – 1st
* 1908 – Great Britain – 1st
* 1912 – Sweden – 2nd
* 1920 – Belgium – 5th
* 1924 – France – 3rd
* 1928 – Netherlands – 8th
* 1932 – USA – 1st
* 1936 – Germany – 1st
* 1948 – Great Britain – 12th
* 1952 – Finland – 8th
* 1956 – Australia – 3rd
* 1960 – Italy – 3rd
* 1964 – Japan – 3rd
* 1968 – Mexico – 15th
* 1972 – West Germany – 4th
* 1976 – Canada – 27th
* 1980 – Soviet Union – 1st
* 1984 – USA – 1st
* 1988 – South Korea – 4th
* 1992 – Spain – 6th
* 1996 – USA – 1st
* 2000 – Australia – 4th
* 2004 – Greece – 15th
* 2008 – China – 1st
* 2012 – Great Britain – 3rd
* 2016 – Brazil – 13th
* 2020 – Tokyo – 3rd
* 2024 – France – 5th
