Day three of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a spectacular one for Team GB, as they celebrated a rush of six medals, including their first two golds of the Games. The medals came from a variety of sports, showcasing the versatility and talent of British athletes.
First Golds of the Games
Team GB’s first gold of the Paris Olympics was in the team eventing, where they defended the title they won at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. The eventing team, comprising Tom McEwen, Laura Collett, and Ros Canter, maintained their composure and skill through the dressage, cross country, and jumping phases to secure the top spot.
The second gold came from the thrilling men’s mountain biking event. Tom Pidcock, who faced a puncture and a challenging Parisian crowd, made a remarkable comeback to claim victory. Pidcock’s resilience and determination were evident as he fought his way back from ninth place to retake the lead and secure the gold medal.
Silver Medals Galore
Adam Burgess added to the medal tally with a silver in the men’s canoe slalom singles. Burgess, ranked 11th in the world, performed exceptionally well throughout the competition, qualifying fourth fastest for the final. His run of 96.84 seconds was impressive, though he was narrowly edged out by France’s Nicolas Gestin, who won gold.
In diving, Tom Daley, competing in his fifth and potentially final Games, secured his fifth Olympic medal. Daley, alongside Noah Williams, won silver in the synchronised 10m platform. The pair’s consistent and high-quality dives earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Later in the day, swimmer Matt Richards came agonisingly close to gold in the men’s 200m freestyle. Richards delivered a magnificent swim, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind Romania’s David Popovici to claim silver. This race mirrored the near-miss of Adam Peaty, who had finished just shy of gold in the 100m breaststroke earlier in the Games.
Challenges and Near Misses
Despite the success, there were some disappointments. The British men’s gymnastics team finished fourth in the team final, narrowly missing out on a medal to the USA. In the women’s rugby sevens, Team GB lost 17-7 to the American team.
Team GB’s boxing struggles continued as Delicious Orie, a medal hope in the men’s +92kg category, lost his opening-round bout. This defeat added to the string of losses for British boxers at the Games so far.
Other Highlights
In tennis, Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in their 60th and potentially final meeting, while GB’s Dan Evans was eliminated. Triathlon swimming training was again cancelled due to pollution in the River Seine.
Pidcock’s Dramatic Gold
Tom Pidcock’s victory in men’s mountain biking was one of the day’s most dramatic moments. Starting as the favorite, Pidcock faced a setback with a puncture that dropped him to ninth place. However, his determination saw him battle back through the field, eventually engaging in a thrilling duel with France’s Victor Koretzky. Pidcock’s final surge secured a historic gold medal for Team GB.
Equestrian Excellence
The equestrian team eventing was another highlight, with Team GB defending their title from Tokyo 2020. Tom McEwen, Laura Collett, and Ros Canter performed admirably across all phases. McEwen and Collett also competed in the individual jumping final, where Collett won bronze, adding to her team gold. Germany’s Michael Jung took gold in the individual event, while McEwen finished just off the podium in fourth.
Swimming Near Misses
Matt Richards’ silver in the men’s 200m freestyle was a highlight, though there were other near misses in the pool. Duncan Scott finished fourth in the same event, while Freya Colbert came fourth in the women’s 400m individual medley. Angharad Evans was sixth in the women’s 100m breaststroke final, and Oliver Morgan finished eighth in the men’s 100m backstroke.
Burgess Paddles to Silver
Adam Burgess’s silver in the men’s canoe slalom was another proud moment for Team GB. Following Kimberley Woods’ bronze in the women’s singles, Burgess delivered a stellar performance, although he was ultimately outpaced by France’s Nicolas Gestin.
Daley Completes Olympic Set
Tom Daley’s silver in the synchronised 10m platform, alongside Noah Williams, was a significant achievement. Competing in his fifth Olympics, Daley now has a complete set of Olympic medals, with three bronzes, one gold, and one silver. Daley’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill and dedication to the sport.
Day three of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a memorable one for Team GB, marked by triumphs, near misses, and the indomitable spirit of the athletes. As the Games progress, Team GB continues to inspire with their remarkable performances.
