Australia concluded its Paris Olympic campaign with remarkable achievements in basketball and cycling.
Finishing with 18 gold medals and 53 overall, Australia came fourth on the medal tally after the United States, China, and Japan.
The Opals
In one of the most poignant stories of the Games, basketball legend Lauren Jackson made a triumphant return to the Olympic stage at the age of 43.
Jackson, who had been forced into retirement due to knee injuries eight years ago, defied the odds to compete in what is likely her final Olympic appearance.
Having already secured three silver and one bronze medal in her previous Olympic campaigns, Jackson added another bronze to her collection as the Opals defeated Belgium 85-78 in the bronze medal match in Paris.
Despite her limited playing time in Paris, Jackson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the team once more.
"It's soaked in, every single minute, and I will remember it for the rest of my life," Jackson said.
She also shared a light-hearted moment about her son Lenny, who questioned why she wasn’t getting more court time.
"Lenny’s always like, 'Mum, why aren’t you getting on the court?'"
Lauren Jackson defied the odds to compete in what is likely her final Olympic appearance. Source: Getty / Gregory Shamus
Jackson’s influence on the team, even from the sidelines, was palpable.
The Opals' bronze medal win was powered by a new generation of talent, with 24-year-old Ezi Magbegor delivering a standout performance that solidified her status as one of the team’s future stars.
Alongside her, 21-year-old Jade Melbourne and 19-year-old Isobel Borlase also made significant contributions, giving Australian basketball fans plenty to look forward to as the team sets its sights on the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Track cycling
While the basketball court was the scene of emotional farewells, the velodrome witnessed contests that added to Australia’s impressive medal haul.
Australia's Matthew Richardson after winning silver in the men's keirin track cycling race at the Paris Olympics. Source: Getty / Pete Dovgan
In a fiercely competitive race, Richardson finished just behind Dutch cycling great Harrie Lavreysen, who claimed the gold.
Australia's Matt Glaetzer came third.
Richardson’s silver was his third medal of the Games — he also won silver in the men's sprint and picked up a bronze in the team sprint.
For Glaetzer, competing in his fourth and final Olympics, his keirin bronze was particularly special. He had endured numerous challenges throughout his career, including injuries and near-misses at previous Games. His perseverance paid off in Paris, as he finally stepped onto the podium in an individual event.
Glaetzer was also part of the team sprint outfit that secured bronze.
Australia's final medal tally in Paris 53, including 18 golds, 19 silvers, and 16 bronzes.
In Paris
Meanwhile, a climber scaled the north face of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on the last day of the Olympics, before he was met by police mid-way up, French media said.
Videos posted on social media showed the bare-chested climber skirting the Olympic rings as he made his way up the 330m tower without ropes.
In one video, the grinning climber can be heard saying to bystanders "bloody warm, innit?" as he is escorted off the viewing platform by police.
