2024 Olympics Highlights - Top Places to Eat, Drink, and Have Fun in Paris
INTRO
This article focuses on some recent highlights from the 2024 Olympic Games - specifically, a few of my favorite places to eat, drink and have fun.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games
When you hear the word "Paris," what springs to mind? Is it the iconic skyline—the Eiffel Tower piercing the sky, the Louvre guarding its treasures, the Arc de Triomphe defiantly interrupting 12 roads of heavy traffic simultaneously, or the gothic grandeur of Notre Dame? Maybe it’s the image of someone lazily savoring a coffee, croissant, or cigarette at a café, the quintessential Parisian tableau. Or perhaps it’s more visceral—a feeling of bliss brought on by the expert care of a seasoned hospitality professional.
But keeping it real, Paris isn’t just a postcard. For some, the city conjures a different set of emotions. Like the exasperation of stepping on fresh dog poop, seemingly left behind expressly for that purpose. Or the frustration of having your metro ticket or Navigo card conveniently erased by your cell phone’s magnetism. And then there’s the maddening joy of encountering a local who refuses to speak English, despite the fact that every French student has slogged through about a decade of English lessons during their Collège and Lycée studies. Or maybe you’ve just parked here before. In that way, Parisians aren’t so different from New Yorkers - just with a better wardrobe.
Women's gold medal final between Team USA and Le Bleu
To me, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, an absolute stunner of a choice to host the 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Yet, people had serious doubts it would pull it off, and not least among them were the Parisians themselves. Their skepticism wasn’t unfounded—Paris’s track record with recent international sporting events hasn’t exactly been stellar.
Even on the first day of the Games, sabotage groups threw a wrench in the works, disrupting major train lines heading north, east, and southwest toward Lille, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux. Whether it was far-left radicals with a bone to pick with Macron or a covert operation by Russian intelligence was anyone’s guess. After all, a Russian national had been detained just days earlier on suspicion of planning sabotage. With Russia formally banned from the Games due to its legacy of doping and its illegal war in Ukraine, only 16 Russian athletes were competing under neutral status, with another 40 competing under other flags as dual nationals.
In the end, Paris, in all its chaotic glory, managed to pull it off—proving once again that this city, like its people, is nothing if not resilient.
Pont Alexandre III with Eiffel Tower in the background.
EAT
Top Places to Eat in Paris During the Olympics
Paris is one of the best places in the world to eat, which comes at no surprise. The French deserve their elite culinary reputation.
But when I’m in Paris, I don’t usually focus on eating French or continental food. Paris is a seriously cosmopolitan city. As a result, you will find me eating Asian, African, or cuisine from other continents.
Mais pourquoi? But why? First, in order to operate any restaurant in Paris, one must be able to cook very well. Parisians will not stand for crappy food. Therefore, a restaurant with three out of five stars on Google maps in Paris is probably good enough to have five stars anywhere else.
Second, France was once a colonial power in Africa and Asia. Colonialism is a stain on any country’s history, but one positive impact of that dark history takes place on your plate. We are all privileged today to taste food prepared by a cadre of extremely talented chefs, many of whom have African and Asian roots.
Of course, Paris is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Chefs from around the world come here to train, test themselves, and create great food.
Yummy Non-French Fare
These are a selection of non-French restaurants I highly recommend:
Higuma
Japanese (noodle soup, gyoza)
32 Rue Sainte-Anne
Metro: Pyramides (M7, M14)
Gyoza at Higuma are other-worldly. You're doing yourself and the world a disservice if you don't get some.
Higuma is my go-to every time I land in Paris, and I’ll tell you why - one word: gyoza. Sure, everything on the menu is solid, but those gyoza? They’re the kind of addictive that keeps you coming back, trip after trip. Nestled on Rue Sainte-Anne, this spot is a cornerstone of the area’s vibrant Japanese and Korean food scene, where some of the city’s best hidden gems are found.
No reservations here, just the usual long lines of people who know what’s good. But during the Games? It was a rare treat—no lines, as if the locals had skipped town and the tourists were totally oblivious as to the greatness of Higuma and the culinary treasure trove that is Rue Sainte-Anne.
Pho Tai
Vietnamese
13 rue Philibert-Lucot
Metro: Maison Blanche (M7, M14)
The pho at Pho Tai is amazing, along with everything else. Amazing food, great value.
Nestled in the 13th Arrondissement, right in the heart of Paris’s bustling Quartier Asiatique, Pho Tai is the kind of unassuming spot that food lovers dream about. It’s a humble Vietnamese gem that’s consistently earned its place on Michelin’s list of great places to eat every year, and for good reason. The menu is a love letter to Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes like bò bún, phở, and bánh cuốn that are nothing short of spectacular.
The flavors are authentic, the portions generous, and the atmosphere refreshingly unpretentious. Pho Tai is proof that sometimes the most memorable dining experiences aren’t found in the glittering brasseries of Paris, but in a cozy, down-to-earth restaurant where every bite feels like a culinary revelation. I’m not a big gambler, but I bet this is the most delicious and least expensive meal you may ever have in Paris.
Le 404
Moroccan
69 Rue des Gravilliers
Metro: Arts et Métiers (M3, M11)
Merguez sausage at Le 404.
Step into Restaurant 404, and you’re instantly transported to a different world - one where the vibrant flavors of Morocco meet the bohemian heart of the Marais. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory journey, from the moment you walk through the door and are enveloped by the dark, cozy décor that feels like a chic riad in the heart of the medina.
The food is exceptional, with tagines and couscous as you would expect. The Meguez is a personal favorite—spicy, savory, and bursting with flavor. The wine list is short but on point, featuring both Moroccan and Algerian gems that perfectly complement the rich, aromatic dishes. You will, of course, find French classics for the traditionalists. Restaurant 404 isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite, a vibrant escape to North Africa right in the heart of Paris.
Le Comptoir Général
West African
84 Quai de Jemmapes
Metro: République (M3, M11); Goncourt (M11); Jacques Bonsergent (M5)
Le Comptoir Général is great for drinks, hanging out, but also for brunch and seafood.
If you're craving a laid-back West African vibe, look no further than Le Comptoir Général. This spot is effortlessly cool, perfect for cocktails, dancing, and catching up with friends, but it’s got more than just a nightlife pulse—it’s also home to a killer fish restaurant and a weekend brunch that’s worth getting up for. Rum cocktails are the way to go here, trust me. But the real magic of this place lies in its maze of artsy halls, quirky rooms, lush courtyards, and hidden passageways. It’s like wandering through a living, breathing art installation. In my humble opinion, Le Comptoir Général is one of the coolest hangouts in the city—part bar, part cultural hub, and all-around chill vibe.
Aki Boulangerie
Japanese-French Patisserie
16 Rue Sainte-Anne
Metro: Pyramides (M7, M14)
Aki Boulanger is a Japanese-French fusion bakery. Your favorite pastries matcha style - and more.
Aki Boulangerie is the kind of spot that makes you question everything you thought you knew about French bakeries. Nestled in the heart of Rue Sainte-Anne, where the scent of soy sauce mingles with the aroma of freshly baked bread, Aki is where French tradition meets Japanese precision in the most delicious way possible. This isn’t your typical Parisian boulangerie—it's a fusion that’s both unexpected and utterly brilliant.
Walking in, you’re greeted by a dazzling array of pastries that look almost too perfect to eat, each one a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Japanese cuisine. In truth, biting into a matcha croissant, cookie, or millefeuille is like having a religious experience. The layers of buttery, flaky pastry give way to flavors that are at once familiar and entirely new, a symphony of textures and tastes that leave you wondering why this hasn’t been the norm all along.
And it’s not just the pastries. The savory options, like the bento boxes and sandwiches, are as thoughtfully crafted as any Michelin-starred meal, making Aki Boulangerie not just a bakery, but a culinary destination in its own right. It’s a place where the worlds of French and Japanese cuisine collide in the best possible way, and where every bite feels like a revelation.
Delicious Traditional French Food
Of course, there are traditional French culinary highlights that must be mentioned. If you’re in Paris and want to taste exceptional classic French flavors, check out the following:
These are some of my favorite traditional French culinary highlights.
Les Deux Magots
French café / brasserie
6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés
Métro: Saint-Germain des Prés (M4)
Call it a tourist trap. But it's a legend. And if you want bistro classics, Les Deux Magots meets and even exceeds expectation.
This café-restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it’s a legendary institution in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where the ghosts of intellectual heavyweights like Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Hemingway, Picasso, Joyce, and Brecht still seem to linger over every table. Sure, it’s a magnet for tourists who flock here for a taste of that history, so consider yourself warned. But let’s be honest - who wouldn’t want to dine where these giants once sipped their coffee and swapped ideas? The food? Classic brasserie fare that delivers on all fronts. The steak, foie gras, and snails are French staples done right, no frills needed. Yes, you’re paying a bit extra for the ambiance and the weight of history that hangs in the air, but when you’re sitting where legends once did, it’s hard to put a price on that.
L'Avant Comptoir
French small plates from the earth or from the sea (Avant Comptoir de la Terre, L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer)
3 Carr de l'Odéon
Métro: Odéon (M4, M10)
If you like food, then eat here. At L'Avant Comptoir, everything is amazing.
Not fine dining - it’s a stand up counter - but the quality of the food at L’Avant Comptoir is nearly impossible to beat. It was born in 2010 as a place to grab small appetizers and a drink as you waited for your table next at sit-down bistro sibling, Le comptoir du Relais. At L’Avant de la Terre, you’ll indulge in duck foie gras skewers, oxtail croquettes with red wine and horseradish, and crisp black pudding spring rolls, in addition to charcuterie and cheeses. C’mon. It’s heaven. Glasses of wine start at €3.30. Bottles start at €20. Their signature trademark is a 10 pound mound of communal butter to slather on fresh warm bread. I’m so happy this survived COVID.
L’Avant Comptoir is known to every Parisian. Now it has a sibling focused on seafood small plates next door - L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer. Bloody mary oysters, Cherbourg salmon croquettes with tartar sauce, and lime cod fritters. Wash it down with a crisp glass of Muscadet. Yes, please!
Stohrer
French patisserie (confectioner)
51 Rue Montorgueil
Métro: Les Halles (M4)
Stohrer is the oldest pastry shop in Paris. Almost 300 years later, it's still going strong.
Established in 1730, this iconic patisserie isn’t just the oldest in Paris - it’s a living testament to the art of French pastry, with a history as rich as its desserts. Founded by Nicolas Stohrer, a master baker who once crafted confections for the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Lithuania, this shop has been sweetening the streets of Paris for nearly three centuries. Stohrer opened his doors after accompanying the Polish king’s daughter to France, following her marriage to Louis XV. Strohrer is the home of a legendary French invention - the rum baba, a delicate sponge soaked in rum that’s nothing short of divine. But while the baba is the star, don’t sleep on the palmier—my personal favorite—its buttery, caramelized layers are pure perfection. Stohrer isn’t just a patisserie; it’s a piece of Parisian history, where every bite is a step back in time, and every flavor tells a story.
Pierre Hermé
French patisserie (focus on macarons and chocolate)
Locations: seemingly everywhere
126 Bd Saint-Germain; Métro: Odéon (M4, M10)
72 Rue Bonaparte; Metro: Saint-Sulpice (M4)
53 - 57 Rue de Grenelle; Metro: Rue du Bac (M12)
If you like macarons, you haven't lived until you've tried them at Pierre Hermé.
Despite its enormous rise in popularity and growth (there are small stores everywhere now - even at airports), I think Pierre Hermé macarons are some of the best. Monsieur Pierre Hermé is only in his early 60s. He was the youngest person to be named France’s Pastry Chef of the Year. In 2016 he was recognized as the World’s Best Pastry Chef. His first shops opened in Tokyo and Paris in 1998 and he’s never looked back. Excellent chocolate too.
Great Places to Drink in Paris During the Olympics
Candelaria
Taqueria and Tequileria
52 Rue de Saintonge
Métro: Saint-Sébastien - Froissart (M8)
Candelaria is the kind of place you almost don't want to tell anyone about, but can't help raving about. Tucked away in the Marais, it’s got this cool, unpretentious vibe - like the universe's most perfect little taco joint that’s stumbled into the wrong city. Up front, you’re at a retro lunch counter chowing down on some killer tacos, the kind that taste like they’ve been plucked straight from a street vendor in Mexico City.
But then, there's the hidden door. Push through, and boom - you're in a dimly lit, secret speakeasy that feels like you've discovered a new world. The bartenders are not just mixing drinks; they’re crafting ridiculously good cocktails that make you rethink what booze can do. The tequila and mescal selection may be unparalleled in the City of Light.
Candelaria is a contradiction in the best way possible—simple yet sophisticated, laid-back yet totally on point. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special, like you’re in on a secret that’s too good to keep to yourself, but too damn cool not to share.
Moonshiner
Hidden Speakeasy
5 Rue Sedaine
Métro: Bréguet - Sabin (M5)
Moonshiner is like stepping into a time warp, where the gritty allure of Prohibition-era America meets the effortless cool of modern-day Paris. Hidden through the fridge of Pizzeria Da Vito - a nondescript, functioning pizzeria front, this place is the ultimate in low-key, high-reward experiences.
Push past the metal door of the cold room, and you’re suddenly in a dimly lit speakeasy that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a 1920s gangster flick. The vibe is pure vintage, from the period wallpaper, dark wood, leather sofas, and jazz playing softly in the background.
As to the drinks - the bartenders here are mad scientists, mixing up cocktails that are as inventive as they are smooth. Each drink is a masterpiece, with layers of flavor that unfold in your mouth like a well-kept secret. Last time I was there, they were all Italians, which means they were friendly and attentive. It is a spot where I have lost track of time … and more than once. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
L'Hotel
Hotel bar
13 Rue des Beaux Arts
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (M4)
The bar at L'Hotel in Paris is steeped in the kind of history that makes you feel like you’re sipping on more than just a cocktail - you’re drinking in the very essence of bohemian Paris. Tucked away in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this isn’t just any old hotel bar; it’s a hallowed ground where the spirit of Oscar Wilde still lingers in the air.
The space is intimate, almost reverent, with its plush velvet chairs, dim lighting, and that undeniable air of old-world elegance. It’s the kind of place where you expect Wilde’s ghost to be lounging next to you with a glass of absinthe, tossing off witticisms like confetti. Not implausible because he died right here in a room upstairs.
The cocktails here are a nod to the past, classic and perfectly balanced, yet with a twist of modern flair that keeps things interesting. The bartenders are more like curators, guiding you through a menu that feels as decadent and refined as the surroundings.
At L'Hotel, you’re not just having a drink; you’re part of a legacy, a story that’s been unfolding in this very room for over a century. It’s a place that whispers secrets, invites you to linger, and leaves you with the sense that you’ve just touched the edge of something timeless and extraordinary.
FUN
So let’s begin this time with the fun in Eat Drink Fun. First, I want to address how impressed I was with the organization and execution of the 2024 Paris Games.
Great Organization and Execution
Overall, the organization and execution of the 2024 Paris Games seemed nearly flawless. Hats off to France and to the Olympic organizers.
Public Transit to Olympic Venues
When I lived in Paris a decade ago it was normal to get frustrated with the metro. Pain points included confusing signage and flimsy paper tickets that could easily zero out during your journey. But my public transit experience during the Olympics was flawless.
First, the organizers created a Paris 2024 transportation app (Apple / Android) that worked seamlessly with the Navigo RFID system (Apple Wallet). Normally, only residents can buy a Navigo pass, but at least during the Olympics visitors can use their cell phones to purchase single day or multi-day tickets good for all 5 zones. We saved a little cash by purchasing consecutive day tickets - a single day is €16, two days is €30, and so forth until you get to 7-days for €70. That covers ALL public transit (commuter rail, metro, and buses), including Olympic venue shuttles.
Signage
Second, the signage was impressively simple and accurate. Every train clearly highlighted the stops where guests could access Olympic venues. Train stations and metro stops posted helpful signs and banners that illustrated optimal routes to navigate the city and key sites. Paris 2024 branding in pale pink and lavender made it quickly and easily find the information you needed.
Volunteers
Third, the volunteers were amazing. I’m not sure what training program the International Olympic Committee uses, but it must be good. The volunteers were enthusiastic, courteous (even friendly), and very helpful. It felt a little Disney-ish with all the smiling and dancing. Whatever, it made the commutes easier. They used big #1 foam fingers to ensure you were headed in the right direction. And they applied common sense and kindness. One plain example was the ability to bring in outside food and drink to public venues, like the Parc of Champions. People were eating their own baguette sandwiches, cheese, and fruit juices. I simply do not foresee this kind of chill leniency occurring in LA. Call me crazy.
Outstanding Olympic Performances from Paris 2024
Team USA delivered an exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, recapturing their dominance on the global stage. With a stunning haul of medals across a wide range of sports, the American athletes showcased their grit, talent, and determination. From thrilling victories in track and field to standout performances in swimming, gymnastics, and team sports like basketball and soccer, Team USA left no doubt about their excellence.
But there were also incredible performances from other competitors. Like Miltos Tentoglou of Greece, who took the long jump gold for the second consecutive time, having won it in Tokyo in 2020. And Armand Gustav "Mondo" Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter who is widely considered the greatest in history. He was so stoked to break his own world record for the 8th time at 6.25 meters, I thought he was going to break his girlfriend in half.
Then there was Yusuf Dikec, the Turkikye’s silver medalist who redefined cool in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, wearing his everyday glasses and putting his hand in his pocket . His memes are why the internet exists.
Our Tickets
We'd been planning this trip for what felt like forever—over a year in the making, with some of our most coveted tickets locked down more than 12 months ahead. Among those prized stubs? The women's gold medal matches for soccer and basketball, because let's be real, who wouldn’t bet on Team USA making it to the finals in those?
But once we landed in Paris, it was like Christmas came early. More events started popping up, especially when the second-hand ticket platform went live. Next thing you know, we’re scoring tickets to the men’s golf gold medal round and some top-tier athletics at prices that didn’t make us wince.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we squeezed every drop of fun out of the free events too, hitting up the mixed triathlon relay and spending a day at the Parc des Champions—the Park of Champions—because who says the best things in life aren’t free?
These are the highlights:
Golf National
The final day of the 2024 Olympic men’s golf gold medal match at Le Golf National was one of those beautiful, scorching hot Parisian days where the sun seems to hang in the sky like it’s got nowhere else to be. The kind of day that calls for something indulgent, so naturally, it began with a Korean fried chicken bowl that was as crispy as it was spicy, followed by a foot-long hotdog that was pure, unapologetic decadence - meat in tube form, just the fuel needed for a day of top-tier golf.
But the real heat came from the course, where Scottie Scheffler delivered a performance for the ages. The man was on fire, pulling off one of the most thrilling comebacks in Olympic golf history. Starting the day trailing by what felt like an insurmountable margin, Scheffler went on an absolute tear, shooting a blistering -9 on Sunday’s final round. The crowd was electric. We posted up on high ground overlooking the 18th and 15th greens, watching as he systematically dismantled the competition, one birdie at a time. Scheffler clinched the gold with an unbelievable -19 overall.
It was the kind of performance that reminds you why you love sports - the drama, the intensity, the sheer brilliance of an athlete at the top of his game. By the time Scheffler sunk his final putt, John Rham had collapsed and Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood . On a day as hot as Scottie Scheffler’s game, Golf National had just witnessed something truly extraordinary from the world number one.
Mixed Triathlon Relay
The day started early - way too early for a free event, but that’s what you do when you want a front-row seat to the mixed relay triathlon at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Of course, I wasn’t the only one with this brilliant idea. By week two, it seemed like every Parisian who’d fled the city for the opening days had returned, and they all decided to show up for this. Consequently, we weren’t able to see the swimmers dive into the Seine directly - only on the big screen. What a spectacle, though.
The race itself was pure adrenaline—a blur of Seine water, bikes, and running shoes, with teams pushing the limits at every transition. The Americans came out strong, but the Germans were right there, drafting in the background.
In the end, the Germans executed their plan to perfection, pulling ahead of the Americans and the Brits, who had been leading. The atmosphere was tremendous - thousands crowded the streets - and it was the kind of race that in the Olympics, every second counts, every move matters.
Athletics
We scored two reasonable tickets for the athletics competition at Stade de France. Watching track and field is like stepping into the heart of Olympic energy. Nearly every seat filled with fans ready to witness some of the fastest and strongest athletes on the planet.
We began with the women’s heptathlon, and the first of their seven events was the 100m hurdles. It was incredible to see human beings that fast and agile flying over the hurdles. I think I partially tore a hamstring just watching.
Then we saw the preliminaries for the women’s and men’s 4x100 meter relay races. Totally electric. Sha'Carri Richardson lined up right in front of us to bring it home on the final leg. She started without the lead but closed so quickly, leaving the second place runner 3 or four lengths behind.
During the men’s relay, there were some sloppy baton passes, but our guys still advanced. Unfortunately, only the women went on to win gold the next day. The men were disqualified for passing outside the zone, only adding to a recent history of baton drops and disqualifications. The US men have not medaled in the 4x100 relay since getting silver in 2004 in Athens and their last gold was in 2000 at the Sidney Games. This used to be an event we dominated, having won it 15 times. According to Carl Lewis, it’s time to blow up the men’s relay system.
Over in the throwing circle, the women’s shot put was a stark demonstration of raw power. It was hard to believe you were watching real life and not some superhero movie.
Again, kudos to the organizers for making it possible to buy resold tickets at face value, and enabling normal fans to see their stars in person, even if it’s just a preliminary race.
Parc des Champions (Park of Champions)
Walking into the Parc des Champions (Park of Champions) during the Paris 2024 Olympics felt like stepping into a dream. You turn the corner through a gate on the Trocadero and there’s the Eiffel Tower looming over two rows of stands facing each other. On the periphery of both sides you found food and beverage stalls and a sprawling, interactive playground. You could also just chill on the grass and take a nap, as some people did. And because it isn’t a sports venue, they were serving beer! It was 1664, which is still technically beer.
There were multiple giant screens broadcasting live events so you didn’t miss any ongoing big matches or performances. We watched France’s LeBrun brothers, 17 and 20 year-old, take bronze in men’s team table tennis. The place went crazy.
And then there was the live entertainment. A very interesting dance routine by famous choreographer Mourad Merzouki that basically reminded me of après ski at La Folie Douce in Meribel. It definitely felt like a party.
The medal awards ceremonies were opened by the aforementioned American 9-time gold medalist Carl Leweees (Carl Lewis in English).
It began with medal reallocations. These medals are awarded to past Olympians who were denied recognition because other athletes had cheated and were later disqualified. You can imagine that this was maybe the most poignant part of the day, as athletes from the London, Rio, and Tokyo games finally enjoyed the opportunity to be cheered and honored by an Olympic crowd. The reallocated gold medal recipients even heard their anthem played.
The ceremony then turned to athlete medalists for these Paris 2024 games. Fans crowded around the stage to get close up pictures and take selfies with the medalists, shake their hands, and share the joy. It seemed the athletes could hang out and bask in the great vibes as long as they wanted. Very cool.
Attending the Parc des Champions was the perfect way to soak up the Olympic atmosphere. I am so glad I took the time to enjoy this experience and I hope this becomes a tradition that future games will carry forward.
Women’s Soccer (Football) Gold Medal Match
The Team USA women’s gold medal soccer game against Brazil was the kind of match that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first whistle to the final seconds. The stadium was packed and the atmosphere was electric - and not just because Tom Cruise was there.
This was a showdown between two incredible powerhouses of women’s soccer - the US previously bested the Brazilian women for gold medals in 2004 and 2008, but it’s been 12 years since the US ladies were on the top podium.
From the start, neither team was holding back. The Americans came out strong, but the Brazillians were aggressive and created incredible chances that only Brazilian soccer can deliver. Hats off to both goalies for making some incredible saves.
But in the second half Team USA turned up the heats. A beautiful pass threaded through the back line - one touch to set it up - then boom! Mallory Swanson put the ball in the back of the net.
Brazil fought back fiercely, including a heart stopping header on goal in stoppage time. But the US defense held and the American ladies took home their record 5th Olympic gold medal. One has to feel for Brazilian legend Marta - arguably the best women's player of all time. She has done everything in women's soccer except win a gold medal. This was her last Olympics.
As for Team USA, it looks like they are back on track, and I’m looking forward to the next World Cup in a few years.
Women’s Basketball Gold Medal Match
The women’s gold medal basketball game between the USA and France was everything you could want from a high-stakes showdown with the host country. The home crowd clearly outnumbered the US fans and the French team brought everything they had. At least I can say I was once under the same roof as Labron James, and at times it felt like it was just us supporting the US side.
The game was a nailbiter. Play was a frantic, sloppy battle at times with the U.S. shooting just 34% and France shooting 32%. The US turned the ball over 19 times.
The score was even at the half, but in the third period France went up by 10.
I was a bit nervous. The French players were feeding off the crowd’s energy, sinking crucial shots and playing tenacious defense. But at the end of the third quarter Team USA had crawled back to go two points ahead, 45 to 43.
Thank goodness A'ja Wilson showed up, scoring 21 points, pulling down 13 rebounds and blocking four shots.
Gabby Williams - a 2018 alumna of UCONN that year’s 4th overall pick - was on fire for France, scoring 19 points. Her last second shot even went in, but her foot was on the three point line. Two more inches and the game would have been going to overtime.
It was a hard fought victory for the US. A heartbreaking loss for France, who outplayed the US for much of the game. This is the US women’s 8th gold medal and they really had to fight for it in this final.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, for my first Olympic experience I was blown away. The organization was brilliant. The performances were spectacular - Team USA made up for a lack-luster showing in Tokyo by winning the overall medal count at 126 and tied our Chinese friends with 40 gold medals won.
As for the tickets we bought in advance, we were not let down by our Team USA ladies soccer and basketball teams - though they made it interesting.
Given that many locals were out on holiday and the olympic tourists may not have been as food or beverage savvy, I encountered easy access to my favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars.
I am eagerly looking forward to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo. I adore the Dolomites and I love planning trips for people to the arguably the most beautiful ski region on Earth. If you are interested in some insider assistance to organize a Custom Adventure to the Dolomites this year or during the 2026 Olympics, please reach out for a complimentary consultation. You can reach me directly at info@eatdrinkfun.com, DM me @eatdrinkfun on the socials, or head to the Eat Drink Fun website and click on Custom Adventures.
Until next time, please remember to eat well, drink better, and always have fun.
