Athletes with local ties shine at 2024 Olympics, contribute to U.S. final medal tally

PARIS (WCYB) — Returning home with some gear, Team USA athletes are preparing to return to the United States after the Paris Olympics closing ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.

Although the United States finished the games tied with China for the most gold medals, with 40, it was the United States that had the most total medals, with 126.

Looking at our local connections, there were a number of athletes who helped contribute to this medal tally.

Former Tennessee Vols and Lady Vols represented with four medalists. For Team USA, it was Cierra Burdick helping the women’s 3-by-3 basketball team win bronze, Chris Bailey helped the men’s 4-by-400 relay win gold in track, and Kelsey Robinson Cook helped the USA volleyball team win the silver medal.

The Vols also had international student Mona McSharry take bronze for Ireland in the 100-meter breaststroke.

King University in Bristol, Tennessee, saw alumna Sarah Hildebrandt represent the Tornado as she led Team USA to gold in the 50-kilogram weight class in women’s wrestling.

The last local representative to bring a medal back to the United States was Brody Malone, who was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, and helped the men’s gymnastics team win bronze.