Top Athletes to Watch at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
More than 10,000 athletes from all around the world will be competing in the Summer Olympics in Paris. Here are 25 who we will be keeping a close eye on as the Games progress.
Household Names and Emerging Stars
Some of these athletes, such as Simone Biles, are already well-known, while others may be appearing on the world stage for the first time.
Featured Athletes
Caeleb Dressel (United States)
Dressel is widely considered one of swimming’s all-time greatest sprinters, winning gold medals in five events at the Tokyo Olympics, including the 100-meter butterfly and the 50- and 100-meter freestyle.
Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
Alcaraz comes into the Olympics fresh off his second consecutive Wimbledon title. This year’s Olympic tournament will take place on clay, where he previously won the French Open.
Sha’Carri Richardson (United States)
Richardson, the world champion in the 100 meters, aims to be one of the favorites in Paris after posting the fastest 100 time globally this year.
Katie Ledecky (United States)
Ledecky is a dominant force in swimming, with multiple Olympic medals and world records to her name. This is her fourth Olympic appearance.
Victor Wembanyama (France)
Wembanyama, the first NBA Rookie of the Year from France, brings his incredible skills to the Olympic stage.
Diana Taurasi (United States)
Taurasi aims to achieve an unprecedented sixth Olympic gold medal as part of the US women’s basketball team.
Dominika Banevič (Lithuania)
The world champion in breaking, Banevič makes her Olympic debut in Paris.
Zheng Haohao (China)
Zheng, at just 11 years old, will be the youngest Olympian in Paris, competing in the skateboard park event.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (United States)
McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning world record holder, is a key figure in the US track team.
Ariarne Titmus (Australia)
Known as the “Terminator,” Titmus looks to defend her gold medals from Tokyo.
Lasha Talakhadze (Georgia)
Talakhadze aims for his third consecutive Olympic gold in weightlifting, holding impressive world records.
Teddy Riner (France)
Riner is seeking to add a sixth Olympic medal to his collection in judo.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya)
Kipchoge aims to be the first athlete to win three gold medals in the marathon.
Darja Varfolomeev (Germany)
Varfolomeev is a rising star in rhythmic gymnastics after winning every event at last year’s World Championships.
Tom Daley (Great Britain)
Daley aims for success in his fifth Olympics after winning gold in Tokyo.
Stephen Curry (United States)
Curry joins Team USA, aiming to maintain the dominance that has defined American men’s basketball.
Daiki Hashimoto (Japan)
Hashimoto, the reigning all-around champion, seeks to defend his title as Japan continues its gymnastic legacy.
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis (Sweden)
Duplantis, a pole vault sensation, seeks to break his own world record while defending his Olympic gold.
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)
Bonmatí was instrumental to Spain’s World Cup victory and has now been recognized as the world’s best player.
Quan Hongchan (China)
At 14, Quan became one of the youngest Olympic champions in diving and will look to replicate that success.
Noah Lyles (United States)
Lyles, the fastest man in the 200 meters, aims to achieve another championship feat at the Paris Olympics.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica)
Fraser-Pryce, a three-time Olympic champion, is expected to retire after this Games, making it a significant farewell.
Trinity Rodman (United States)
Rodman, daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, emerges as a key player on the US women’s soccer team.
Xander Schauffele (United States)
Schauffele, the defending Olympic champion, is enjoying a stellar year after winning two major titles.
Conclusion
The Paris Olympics is set to be an unforgettable spectacle, featuring both renowned athletes and promising newcomers. With so much talent on display, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the action. Stay tuned for updates on these remarkable athletes as they strive for glory in Paris.
