The United States currently leads the overall medal count with 12 medals, while China tops the list for the most gold medals.

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 26: A general view as Members of Team United States pass water jets after going through the water curtain under the Austerlitz Bridge (not pictured) on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Opening Ceremony Controversy

The opening ceremony sparked significant controversy, with many critics calling it a “freakshow” that insulted both religious and cultural values. The ceremony received backlash from various quarters, including French citizens. One X user expressed their embarrassment, stating, “As a French woman, I am deeply embarrassed,” as reported by Fox News.

In response to the outcry, Paris Olympics organizers issued an apology to Christians over a parody of “The Last Supper” featured in the ceremony. A spokesperson for the Olympics stated, “If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry,” as reported by The Epoch Times.

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 26: American Singer-Songwriter Lady Gaga performs at the Sully bridge area before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

China Doping Scandals

China’s sporting reputation has been marred by a doping scandal involving 23 of its swimmers who tested positive for Trimetazidine just months before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, according to The New York Times.

TOPSHOT – (L-R) China’s Yan Zibei, Germany’s Lucas Matzerath, China’s Qin Haiyang, USA’s Nic Fink and Netherlands’ Arno Kamminga compete in the final of the men’s 100m breaststroke swimming event during the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka on July 24, 2023. (Photo by François-Xavier MARIT / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP via Getty Images)

Absence of Russia and Belarus

Russia and Belarus are absent from the 2024 Olympic Games, marking Russia’s fourth consecutive absence from the Olympics, including two summer and two winter games.

Canadian Team Spying Scandal

The Canadian women’s soccer team is embroiled in a spying scandal after being caught using a drone to monitor New Zealand’s closed practice session. The incident, reported to French police on July 22, led to swift investigations and severe repercussions.

TORONTO, ON – JUNE 04: Bev Priestman Head Coach of Canada looks on during an International Friendly match against Mexico at BMO Field on June 4, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Timeline of Events

July 22: New Zealand reports the drone incident to French police, who trace it back to Joseph Lombardi, a staff member of Canada Soccer.
July 24: The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) sends home Lombardi and Assistant Coach Jasmine Mander. Head Coach Beverly Priestman steps down voluntarily from coaching in the game and apologizes to New Zealand.
July 25: Canada defeats New Zealand 2-1, with Assistant Coach Andy Spence leading the team.
July 26: Canada Soccer’s CEO, David Blue, reveals that the incident is part of a “systemic culture” of spying. Priestman is banned from coaching for the remainder of the Olympics.
July 27: FIFA bans Priestman and the two staff members for one year and penalizes the Canadian team six points, jeopardizing their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Systemic Culture of Spying

Reports suggest that Canada Soccer has a history of attempting to view opponents’ closed practices. ESPN reported that U.S. Soccer has been aware of such behavior for years. Other incidents have been reported at various tournaments, including the CONCACAF Nations League, World Cup qualifiers, the Copa América, and the Tokyo Olympics, where Canada’s women’s team won the gold medal.

Reactions from Canadian Players

Canada Soccer executive David Blue asserted that no players viewed any footage obtained in France. Defender Vanessa Gilles expressed frustration and humiliation, stating, “As an athlete, it didn’t reflect our values and what we want to represent at the Olympic Games. We are not cheaters.”