Brazil leads the regional contingent with 14 competitors, the largest ever for the South American nation at a Winter Olympics, competing in five sports including alpine skiing, skeleton and bobsleigh. Argentina follows with around eight athletes in events such as alpine and cross-country skiing, luge and more. Mexico is also notable with several competitors, including figure skater Donovan Carrillo, who previously helped break a decades-long absence in Olympic figure skating finals and continues to be a focal point of Latin America’s winter sport narrative.

Smaller delegations from Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay and Puerto Rico round out the Latin American presence, each represented by one or two athletes in sports ranging from skeleton and cross-country skiing to alpine events. Colombia, for example, fields athletes in both cross-country skiing and skeleton, reflecting the broadening base of participation across the region.

For many of these competitors, reaching the Winter Olympics involves extensive preparation abroad, often training in snowy climates far from home while balancing limited local infrastructure and funding. Carrillo’s journey, training in Canada under elite coaching and returning as one of the region’s most visible competitors, illustrates both the challenges and aspirations of Latin American winter athletes.

The record delegation comes as the Games bring together more than 3,500 athletes from 93 nations, competing for medals in 16 disciplines, including figure skating, alpine skiing and luge. Latin America ’s expanded representation, although still modest compared with traditional winter sport powerhouses, reflects increasing ambition and investment in non-traditional sporting arenas.

While no Latin American competitor has yet won a Winter Olympic medal, the milestone of sending a record number of athletes in 2026 carries symbolic significance for the region. It highlights not only personal achievements but also the potential for broader development of winter sports culture across countries historically associated with warm climates. As the Milan-Cortina Games unfold, Latin American athletes continue to capture attention, fostering inspiration for future generations and signalling that ice and snow have a place in the region’s sporting story.

Tony Estanguet, the chief organiser for Paris 2024, hailed the past six weeks as a "historic summer" for France, noting how the Games helped heal recent political divisions. "This summer will remain etched in people's memories," Estanguet was quoted by AFP.

The ceremony included the extinguishing of the Paralympic flame and a high-energy concert with performances by French electronic music legends Jean-Michel Jarre, Cassius, Busy P, and Kungs. DJ Martin Solveig wrapped up the night with hits like "Hello" and Daft Punk’s "One More Time."

China led the medal standings with 94 gold medals. Great Britain finished second with 49 golds, while the USA secured third place with 36. Ukraine placed seventh with 22 golds, and France ended eighth with 19 golds.

On the final day, Switzerland won both wheelchair marathons, with Catherine Debrunner triumphing in the women’s race and Marcel Hug in the men’s. The Netherlands retained their women’s wheelchair basketball title with a 63-49 win over the USA. The American women, last champions in Rio 2016, will have to wait until Los Angeles 2028 for their next chance.

Oluwafemiayo's record-breaking lift secured her the gold medal , while China’s Deng Xuemei took silver with a lift of 155kg. Egypt’s Nadia Ali earned the bronze with a 145kg lift.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, congratulated Oluwafemiayo on her historic achievement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Enoh praised her exceptional performance: "Our very own Folashade Oluwafemiayo has delivered an outstanding performance at the Paralympics. She achieved something no other woman has done in powerlifting at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France."

"After this Paralympic Games I have to rest, then go back to training. I have to rest for many months, so next year I do my training, Oluwafemiayo was quoted by the Para Powerlifting Federation on X.

Oluwafemiayo’s gold adds to her impressive list of achievements, which includes gold medals from the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo and World Championships in Mexico (2017), Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (2019), Tbilisi, Georgia (2021), Dubai, UAE (2023), and Birmingham, England (2022).

With this latest victory, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the 2024 Paralympics has reached seven, including two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

Goverdhan, draped in the national flag, marigold garlands, and traditional Buddhist scarves, was overwhelmed by the reception. "I kept my promise, I brought a medal back home. This achievement is not just for me, but for everyone," Goverdhan said in her speech, which was quoted by AFP.

Her return was marked by traditional music and an army band, with many young taekwondo enthusiasts among the hundreds who gathered to welcome her.

Goverdhan also secured a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Taekwondo Championship and finished fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Bolaji’s historic win came against Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna, whom she defeated 21-9, 21-9 to clinch the bronze medal.

In an emotional tribute, Bolaji dedicated her victory to her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident three years ago while she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics.

On social media, she shared, “It was an incredible round-up as I secured a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and Africa at large at the 2024 Paralympics. God willing, I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji.”

In a heartfelt follow-up post, she added, “How I wish Coach Bello Oyebanji were alive, but Allah knows best.”

Bolaji’s bronze medal is also Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her achievement has garnered widespread recognition across Nigeria, with commendations pouring in from the Nigerian presidency and various state institutions celebrating her accomplishment.

Brazil won 20 medals at the Games, including three gold, seven silver, and ten bronze, ranking 20th overall. The delegation of 276 athletes included many who benefit from the federal Athlete Grant welfare programme.

Lula used the occasion to emphasise the significance of investing in sports, especially for underprivileged youth. “Let's mark today as a new era for sport in this country,” he said. “I want to help this country be a country that bets big on kids who dedicate themselves to practising sport.”

He praised the athletes as inspirations for young Brazilians and, in a fun moment, invited two skateboarders to perform kickflips on the marble floor of the presidential palace.

The 25-year-old athlete was greeted by cheering crowds and chants of "Tahia Imane" (Long live Imane) at the airport.

Khelif has been the centre of a gender identity controversy. Her win over China’s Yang Liu led to intense debate and criticism, including comments from former US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Trump said he would "keep men out of women's sports", while Musk and others joined the debate.

Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, was previously disqualified from last year’s world championships due to gender eligibility issues. Despite this, both were allowed to compete in Paris. The International Boxing Association (IBA) claimed that Khelif and Lin had failed gender eligibility testing, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared them to participate.

In response to the online abuse she faced, Khelif has filed a complaint for cyberbullying, with her lawyer describing it as a "fight for justice".

This list highlights the top 10 countries that have achieved the most Olympic gold medals of all time, reflecting their dedication, talent, and enduring legacy in the world of sports.

According to NBC New York , here are the top 10 countries with the most Olympic gold medals of all time:

Botswana welcomed home first-ever Olympic gold medallist Letsile Tebogo with thousands of ecstatic fans. Tebogo set an African record time of 19.46 seconds in the men’s 200m event in Paris. The nationwide celebration also includes a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay, bringing the country’s total Olympic medal tally to four. President Mokgweetsi Masisi joined in the celebration, granting a half-day holiday for the historic occasion, APA News reports.

Stake in HB Antwerp

Botswana is seeking to acquire a larger stake in HB Antwerp, a diamond manufacturer, at no extra cost. The government initially planned to buy 24% of HB, but now wants a 49.9% stake. Rapaport reports that the acquisition aims to enable independent price discovery for Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company, create jobs, and give the country ownership of diamond-cutting technology. HB Antwerp was founded in 2021 by individuals with 105 years of industry experience. The company has not commented on the negotiations.

First 100 MW solar photovoltaic power station project

Botswana signed a power purchase agreement with Sinotswana Green Energy to launch its first 100 MW solar photovoltaic power station project. The project is part of Botswana's plan to increase its renewable energy use to 50 percent by 2036 and is expected to start power generation by the end of 2025. According to Xinhua , the consortium behind the project includes Chinese and Botswana companies, with China Habor Engineering Company controlling the stake. The initiative is in line with Botswana's energy policy goal to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Airlink apologises for premature flight sales

Airlink has apologised to Botswana's Civil Aviation Authority for prematurely advertising flights between Cape Town and Gaborone. The airline was fined for advertising flights before they were authorised and has since withdrawn the flights from its reservation system. The CEO of Airlink acknowledged the oversight and stated that the process of including the route on their permit is still being finalized. According to CH-Aviation , the CAAB has instructed Airlink to cease ticket sales and advertising for the route.

Botswana as an athletic powerhouse

Botswana's emergence as an athletics powerhouse was highlighted at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where sprinter Letsile Tebogo won gold in the men's 200m. This success was the result of a strategic plan for athletics development, including talent identification, high-performance training, national support programmes, and investment in sports science and technology. Graphic Business reports that Tebogo's rise has inspired a new generation of athletes and reignited a passion for athletics in Botswana. The country is committed to hosting international sports events to continue its growth as an emerging power in athletics.

The sprinter was greeted by excited crowds at the airport in Gaborone, where families, elderly people, and young supporters waved the national flag.

Hundreds of people gathered at the small airport to celebrate Tebogo, who won the men’s 200m in Paris on August 8 with an African record time of 19.46 seconds, defeating American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles.

Tebogo, 21, became the first African to win the men's 200m. He also won a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay, bringing Botswana’s total Olympic medals to four.

Traditional dancers in animal skins and beads performed outside the airport, with celebrations continuing at the national stadium. The holiday declared by Botswana's President in honour of Tebogo's win on August 9 allowed the nation of 2.3 million to join in the festivities.

Tebogo’s gold is only the second Olympic medal in the men’s 200m for an African athlete, following Namibian Frankie Fredericks’ silver in 1996.

As expected, the battle for the top of the medal table was fiercely contested between the United States and China. Both nations secured 40 gold medals, but it was the United States that clinched the number one spot, thanks to their superior haul of 44 silver and 42 bronze medals compared to China's 27 silver and 25 bronze.

Notable achievements by American athletes played a significant role in their success. Noah Lyles ended the 20-year drought in the Men’s 100-meter race by winning gold, a victory that broke the dominance of the Usain Bolt era. Gymnastics star Simone Biles added to the gold count, while basketball legends LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and the men's basketball team secured victory over the host nation, France, contributing to a 40 gold medal tally.

China also celebrated significant victories, with Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao winning the first gold medal of the 2024 Olympic Games in the 10m air rifle team event. Swimmer Zhang Yufei, although not winning a gold, became the most-awarded athlete at this year’s Olympics, earning one silver and five bronze medals, adding to China’s impressive total of 91 medals.

Japan finished in the same position as when they hosted the games in 2021 in Tokyo with 20 gold medals. Australia finished fourth, enjoying their best-ever medal haul of 53 with 18 of them being gold medals. Host France was fifth with 16 out of their total 64 medals being gold, their best medal haul since they hosted the event in 1900 where they ended at the top.

Over 9,000 athletes from 206 delegations paraded into the Stade de France, creating a colourful and joyous atmosphere.

The ceremony included breathtaking fireworks, a parade of flagbearers, and memorable moments such as French swimmer Léon Marchand carrying the Olympic flame and Hollywood actor abseiling before over 71,500 spectators.

The night was a fitting end to a Summer Games that brought excitement and unity to the world. Enjoy these captivating images that capture the essence of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.

The government of Panama has announced that three international airports will be handed over to a single company for administration under a concession. President Mulino stated that the airports have deteriorated and that the selected company must have experience in airport management and sufficient liquidity. According to BN Americas , interested parties will be given access to a database to obtain all the information they require on the airports to participate in the selection process.

Maduro rejects 'asylum'

Venezuelan President Maduro rejects Panama's offer of safe passage to a third country for a political transition. The Print reports that Panama's President offered safe passage to facilitate Maduro's departure, but Maduro accused Panama of being influenced by the United States. Venezuela's electoral results remain disputed, and several Latin American countries have cut diplomatic ties with Venezuela.

Police give out trauma kits

Panama City Police are equipping schools with mobile rescue units for emergency injuries. The kit's monitor offers instructions for treating various injuries, enabling almost anyone to provide care. “This system is designed to assist the untrained. With that being said, it is colour-coded for every item that is within it. It also comes with an iPad monitor so that you can just follow the prompts,” Panama City Police Captain Billy Carstarphen said as reported by My Pan Handle .

Olympic wins

Panama celebrated its first Olympic medal, won by a woman, as boxer Atheyna Bylon took home the silver in Paris in 2024. The entire country cheered her on as she fought in the heavyweight final. Bylon, a police officer, comes from a humble background and has quickly risen in the world of boxing. Her historic achievement is a significant milestone for Panamanian boxing, reports The Tico Times .

US urged to expedite resources for repatriating migrants

Panama's President has asked the US to expedite aid for repatriating migrants crossing through the dangerous Darien Gap. The US had agreed to fund the repatriation of migrants entering Panama without authorisation. This came after Panama implemented measures to reduce irregular migrant crossings through the Darien. According to Mint , the President expressed concern about a new wave of Venezuelan migrants and announced plans to repatriate Venezuelan migrants to Colombia. The US Embassy did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

For Saint Lucia, Julien Alfred won the country's first-ever medal by coming first in the women's 100m race and second in the women's 200m race.

Dominica did not miss out on this chance as Thea Lafond grabbed gold in the women's triple jump. The country's first-ever Olympic medal.

Despite his excellent record of 6.24m, Swedish vaulter, Armand Duplantis set a new record of 6.25m in the men's vault pole.

Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani javelin thrower also made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m. This achievement marks him as the first individual Olympic champion from Pakistan.

Aleksandra Miroslaw, on the other hand, broke two records on the same day and won the first women's speed climbing competition at the Olympics for Poland.

The 34th Summer Olympics began on July 24, with the opening ceremony held on the River Seine on July 26.

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held at Stade de France on August 11, 2024. Titled 'Records,' it will feature over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists.

"It's going to be very special. What I can tell you is that 1,000 more athletes than expected will be there. We've had a lot of discussions with all the delegations over the last few weeks and, in the end, the athletes wanted to stay a little longer and take part in the closing ceremony, which shows that they've really enjoyed these Olympics. We're delighted to be able to welcome them tomorrow evening and thank them because, frankly, they've made these Games great for us," Tony when asked by AFP about what to expect for the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony to be held at Stade de France is set to celebrate not only the achievements of the athletes but also the rich cultural heritage of Paris.

Spectators can expect a blend of traditional and contemporary performances, showcasing the best of French art, music, and dance. T

Expected to kick off at 9 p.m. CEST, or 3 p.m. ET, on Sunday, Aug. 11, spectators will be thrilled with performances from Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers and H.E.R.

Viewers in the Central Daylight Time zone can watch the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Those in the Mountain Daylight Time zone can tune in at 1 p.m., and it will start at noon for those in the Pacific Daylight Time zone.

In addition to the artistic performances, the ceremony will feature a parade of athletes, a symbolic handover to the next host city, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Despite initial criticisms , the opening ceremony became the most-watched TV event in French history, drawing over 24 million viewers. This achievement is complemented by a record 9.4 million ticket sales.

The influx of tourists has also positively impacted the city's economy. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, have experienced a significant boost in revenue.

Many tourists who spoke with AFP shared that France excelled in their preparation for the Olympic Games.

"Honestly, I expected less. It exceeded my expectations," said Massimo Baraldi, an Italian tourist, posing with his wife in front of the Olympic rings at Place de la Bastille.

"We were won over," confirmed a French couple who attended the Games with their children and are now returning to their native Cantal "to find a bit of peace and quiet."

With the closing ceremony slated for Sunday, August 11, The Paris 2024 Olympics have truly left a lasting impression on all who attended, showcasing France's ability to host a world-class event.

Lopez's victory was celebrated in his hometown of Herradura, located in the Pinar del Rio province, 140 kilometres from Havana. The town's residents took the day off to support their local hero, who had honed his wrestling skills on Herradura's dusty streets.

The soon-to-be 42-year-old athlete was cheered on by family members and friends, including his 66-year-old mother, Leonor Nunez.

Leonor Nunez, overwhelmed with emotion, shared her thoughts on her son's achievement. "There are two biggest challenges Mijain had to fight: his weight and his sport. When I saw him beat his weight, I just thought the second thing would be...as he says, he is 'The Invincible,' and no one will beat him," she told AFP.

Nunez also spoke about the unique challenge of facing Yasmani Acosta, a childhood friend who now represents Chile. "I told him that they are both Cuban, but that Yasmani represents Chile. They have been lifelong friends, so he should apologise off the mat, but on the mat, he has to win," she recounted.

Lopez's journey to this historic win came after a three-year absence from the mat due to retirement. He defeated world champion Amin Mirzazadeh in the quarter-finals before facing his “lifelong” friend  Acosta to set the record.

Before his latest triumph, Lopez shared the record of four consecutive gold medals with legendary athletes like Carl Lewis (athletics/long jump), Michael Phelps (swimming/200m medley), Katie Ledecky (swimming/800m freestyle), Al Oerter (athletics/discus), Paul Elvstrom (sailing), and Kaori Icho (wrestling).

“The Giant of Herradura” has only lost one of his 23 Olympic contests. This defeat came in the quarter-finals of the 2004 Athens Games.

The athletes' arrival at the Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower, was a highlight, where the official protocols were carried out, and the Olympic cauldron was lit.

Below are pictures from the ceremony that will help you relive the night!