Paris Olympic ends without medals for the Bahamas in 36 years. We’ll be back in 2028

The curtains closed on the Paris 2024 Olympics with a historic outcome for the Bahamas, as the nation concluded the games without a medal for the first time in over three decades.

Despite a series of commendable performances, with hurdler Devynne Charlton shining as the sole finalist from the Bahamas, the medal streak dating back to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, stopped.

The United States led the medal tally with a whopping 126 medals, outpacing China’s 91 and Britain’s 65, with the host nation France securing 64. Notably, China matched the U.S. in the gold medal count, clinching 40. The U.S. also bagged 42 silver and 44 bronze medals.

Regarding individual achievements, China’s Zhang Yufei and France’s Leon Marchand stood out, with Zhang collecting six medals and Marchand securing five, including four golds.

Charlton, the Bahamas’ beacon of hope, finished sixth in the women’s 100m hurdles, while other Bahamian athletes faced withdrawals or semifinal exits.

Despite her disappointment, Charlton expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from the Bahamas.

In a surprising turn, Bahamian Olympian Steven Gardiner, along with Shaunae Miller-Uibo, faced setbacks, with Gardiner bowing out due to ankle issues and Miller-Uibo finished last place in her repechage heat, due to injury.

The Bahamian spirit, however, remains undeterred, looking ahead to future triumphs at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“The work for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles starts now, and we believe that with continued perseverance and support, many more Bahamians will have the opportunity to represent our nation on the world stage,” the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said.