The Paris 2024 Games had its share of triumphs and surprises, but not every nation hit the mark. Many countries, big and small, went home without a single Olympic gold medal.
Here’s a look at eight of the biggest countries, based on population, that left the City of Light without a top podium finish.
1. India
Population: 1.4 billion
Paris 2024 medal count: Six
While it is the most populous nation on Earth, India sent only 117 athletes to Paris 2024.
The country secured six medals, narrowly missing its record haul of seven from Tokyo 2021. Its sole silver came courtesy of Neeraj Choprat in the javelin throw final.
However, with cricket returning at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the country’s gold medal prospects look promising, given the sport’s national significance and India’s dominance in it.
2. Nigeria
Population: 229 million
Paris 2024 medal count: None
Nigeria, the sixth-most populated country in the world, sent a total of 88 athletes across 12 sports to the Games in Paris.
While they set a new high for participants, they were unable to secure a single medal, keeping their total count at 27.
3. Bangladesh
Population: 174 million
Paris 2024 medal count: None
Bangladesh has competed in every Summer Games since 1984 but still seeks its first Olympic medal.
They sent just five athletes to Paris, limiting their chances.
4. Russia
Population: 143 million
Paris 2024 medal count: One individual
Once an Olympic powerhouse, Russia was absent from Paris 2024 due to doping scandals and international condemnation.
However, 15 Olympians with Russian passports competed for the Individual Neutral Athletes team, though none won gold.
5. Mexico
Population: 127.5 million
Paris 2024 medal count: Five
Mexico, which hosted the 1968 Olympics, has a total of 13 Olympic gold medals. Although its athletes didn’t add to this tally in Paris, there were notable close calls, such as boxer Marco Verde’s silver medal in the welterweight final.
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Population: 105 million
Paris 2024 medal count: None
With no Olympic medals to its name, DR Congo sent six athletes to the most recent Olympics.
They are the second most populous country in the world to never hit the podium, trailing only behind Bangladesh.
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7. Vietnam
Population: 99.5 million
Paris 2024 medal count: None
Vietnam left Paris empty-handed, unable to add to its Olympic medal count. The country’s only gold was won by Hoàng Xuân Vinh in the 10m air pistol at Rio 2016.
8. Turkiye
Population: 86.2 million
Paris 2024 medal count: Eight
Turkiye had one of the most talked-about Olympians, Yusuf Dikec, whose laid-back demeanour made headlines and led to the creation of countless Olympic memes. He came close to gold, earning a silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event.
However, despite its strong Olympic history — especially in wrestling — Turkiye couldn’t capture a gold medal at Paris 2024.