The Paris Olympics are ending this weekend after more than two weeks of fierce competition, with New Jersey athletes among those excelling.
At the end of the week, the USA team reached the 100-medal mark, the most of any nation competing. The Garden State made a name for itself at the 2024 Summer Olympics, with seven New Jersey natives or residents racking up multiple gold, silver and bronze medals — and one even making history.
Central Jersey’s superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in her signature event the 400-meter hurdles. She obliterated her competition, crossing the finish line in 50.37 seconds, solidifying her seat as track royalty. In addition, Morristown native Nic Fink brought home one gold and two silver medals in an incredible week, acing his signature breaststroke. Teammate and Mendham native Jack Alexy helped secure a silver in the 4×100-meter medley relay for Team USA.
And it was redemption for fencer Jackie Dubrovich. The Maplewood resident closed out a two-decade-long fencing career with a gold medal in women’s foil fencing.
Spring Lake’s Morgan Pearson dug to help the Americans rally during the triathlon, bringing home a silver medal. And Ridgewood native Scottie Scheffler also brought home gold in the men’s golf tournament, where he pulled off an incredible comeback.
“Anytime you’re able to represent your country is pretty special,” Scheffler said in a post-event interview. “This was a fun week. And it was great representing the USA, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal.”
These summer games also marked a first for many athletes, including Oradell native and 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who debuted at the Paris games. Rivera proved a great asset to the Team USA gymnastics team in the qualifying rounds, helping to secure a spot in the team finals. Rivera brought home gold alongside one of the greatest gymnastics athletes of this time Simone Biles.
The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET and will air on NBC and stream on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.
