Just two days remain in the Olympics, but Day 14 of the Paris Games promised a hectic Friday with 35 gold medals to be won. The main event was the soccer final, where host nation France was aiming for the championship. Medals were also to be awarded in various sports including athletics, boxing, wrestling, and track cycling.
Despite France's 5-3 loss to Spain in the men's soccer final, they nearly clinched their first gold in 40 years. They rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the closing moments to force extra time. Meanwhile, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif overcame significant gender controversy to claim gold at the Paris Olympics, delighting the Roland Garros crowd.
Khelif secured her first Olympic medal with a unanimous points decision over China's Yang Liu in the women's 66kg final. The US women's 4x400m relay team, including Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabrielle Thomas, and Sha'Carri Richardson, celebrated their victory. Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands also rejoiced after winning the men's cycling sprint finals.
Athletes participated in the men's 10km swimming marathon in the Seine river. Darja Varfolomeev of Germany was emotional after winning gold in rhythmic gymnastics. Viktor Rassadin of Tajikistan faced off against Feng Lu of China in the men's wrestling freestyle 74kg quarterfinal. Valentin Bontus of Austria competed in the men's kite sailing final. Zhendong Fan of China was in a tense match against Truls Moregard of Sweden in men's table tennis.
Rocio Sanchez Moccia of Argentina was lifted by her teammates in celebration of winning the women's hockey bronze medal match. Spectators peered through a fence to catch a glimpse of the men's 10km swimming marathon. Anastasia Bayandina and Romane Lunel of France showcased their skills in the artistic swimming duet technical routines.
