DMV athletes shine at the Paris Olympics
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Bethesda's Katie Ledecky is now the most decorated female Olympian swimmer of all time. Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The end of the Paris Olympics is in sight, and DMV athletes have scored some memorable moments.
Why it matters: The closing ceremony is Sunday, so this weekend is the last time you can cheer on your favorite local Olympians.
The big picture: The U.S. is currently leading the way with the most overall medals, followed by China and France.
State of play: The DMV sent over 30 athletes to the games, and many have snagged medals in dramatic moments or reached significant career milestones.
Here are some highlights:
🏊 Katie Ledecky: The Bethesda swimmer is now the most decorated female Olympian swimmer of all time. She took home four medals in Paris for a total of 14 over her career.
👟 Noah Lyles: The Alexandria track-and-field star is now known as "the fastest man in the world" after winning gold in the men's 100-meter race last weekend. He also placed bronze yesterday in the 200-meter race after testing positive for COVID. Lyles announced on social media that he would not be on the 4x100 meter relay team this afternoon.
🏀 Kevin Durant: The local basketball star has scored the most points out of any U.S. basketball player across the Olympics — a record he cinched in this week's faceoff with Brazil.
🏊 Torri Huske: The Arlington native was a breakout star in Paris, bringing home five medals.
👟 Quincy Wilson: The 16-year-old Bullis School student made his Olympic debut today in the men's 4x400 meter relay race — becoming the youngest American male to compete in a track-and-field event.
‼️ Fun fact: Potomac swimmer Erin Gemmell won silver alongside Ledecky in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay, but the teammate's connections go deeper.
- Gemmell's dad used to coach Ledecky, and she once dressed up as the Bethesda swimmer for Halloween.
What's next: Don't worry, you can still catch some local athletes before Sunday's end.
- Durant and the U.S. men's basketball team will face off with France on Saturday for the gold medal.
- Washington Spirit players Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, and team alternates Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt will suit up alongside the U.S. women's soccer team to take on Brazil on Saturday.
Plus: Ledecky will be a flagbearer at the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Editor's note: This story was updated to show Wilson competed in the 4x400 meter relay.