China were upset by Turkey despite winning the first set. Brazil, Italy and United States would all go through in straight sets

With forty laps to go in the points race Thomas had gone into the overall lead but the top three were separated by just four points.

Netherlands came from 9-6 down to stop United States from winning a water polo medal, the first time since the event made the Olympics.

France would lead by double digits in the third-quarter after a 10-0 run. With 92 seconds left France were a point down.

Amongst the drama of a spying scandal, Canada would win all three group games but were docked six points. 

The acrobatic section was closer but again it was China who led. United States were second to guarantee themselves silver. 

The French pair were able to come through the semi-finals and set up an all-French final. Brunet would beat Balzer 15-12.

Steve Guerdat (Switzerland) would be the third man clear. The three riders would go into a jump-off for gold.

On the final lap, Beaugrand would slowly attack, getting a bit of distance from the rest of the group,

The lead would begin to close and after looking like they were running out of water, Britain was able to steal the gold by 0.15. 

France, led by an incredible assist and two tries from Antoine Dupont managed to take gold and become the first team to beat Fiji

United States  ? 41 32 China ? 40 41 32 China 🇨🇳 39 32 18 GB 🇬🇧 25 26 23 France 🇫🇷 23 21 33

This feels like a big four of Errigo, Kiefer, Thibus and Volpi. Fencing is not necessarily an event where the favourites prevail.

Netherlands have dominated, winning three of the last four, losing the other by penalty shootout and winning the last three World Cups.

France will line up with strong chances here in the form of the last two world champions. Dorian Coninx (France) won the title in 2023.

This does feel like quite an open tournament. Overall I do think Italy and Spain have been the strongest.

There will be a new Olympic champion in Paris. China will expect to win a gold medal here. The weakness could be the technical

They have also recruited Antoine Dupont, a former world rugby player of the year and early signs suggest he will be just as good at sevens.

This is perhaps more in question than any time in recent history as some of the best players in the world are from other countries.

Once again, it took an expected route with the United States averaging 104 points in their group stage games.