This summer, approximately 10,500 athletes from around the globe will compete in 32 sports at the Olympic Games in Paris. Which global stars, compelling stories, and impressive statistics will shine the brightest at these Games?
Steph Curry (US) – Basketball
NBA superstar Steph Curry will make his Olympic debut in Paris, adding star power to the U.S. basketball team. Known for his exceptional shooting skills and leadership, Curry has been pivotal in the Golden State Warriors’ success. With four NBA championships and multiple MVP awards, Curry is eager to add an Olympic gold medal to his impressive resume. “Competing in the Olympics has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to represent my country on the biggest stage,” Curry stated.
Leon Marchand (France) – Swimming
Leon Marchand, a five-time world champion, is set to be one of the standout athletes at Paris 2024, with multiple gold medals within his reach. When not studying computer science at a U.S. university, Marchand has been smashing records, including breaking Michael Phelps’ 15-year-old 400m individual medley world record in 2023. As the son of two Olympic swimmers, Marchand holds world titles in the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, and 200m butterfly. He aims to become the first swimmer to win the 200m breaststroke and 200m butterfly double at the Olympics, potentially securing four individual gold medals in front of his home fans. Marchand’s former coach, who also coached Phelps, has high expectations for his performance.
Simone Biles (US) – Gymnastics
Three years ago, many thought Simone Biles had competed in her last Olympics after she withdrew from several events at Tokyo 2020 due to the ‘twisties.’ However, Biles made a triumphant return, winning bronze on the beam, bringing her total to seven Olympic medals. After taking a break from the sport, Biles returned to competition in June 2023, adding five World Championship medals, including four golds. She has worked regularly with a therapist to overcome her challenges. “I feel very confident with where I’m at mentally and physically, that [Tokyo] is not going to happen again just because we have put in the work,” Biles stated this year.
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) – Tennis
An Olympic gold is the only major title missing from Novak Djokovic’s illustrious career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has openly stated that winning gold at Paris 2024 is his primary goal this year. At Tokyo 2020, Djokovic was on course for a ‘Golden Slam’ but lost in the semi-finals and the bronze medal match. Despite not having his best year, with injuries and a lack of titles, Djokovic is determined to improve on his bronze medal from Beijing 2008. “Being on top of the podium in Paris is my main focus,” Djokovic has declared.
Katie Ledecky (US) – Swimming
Set to compete in her fourth Olympic Games, 27-year-old Katie Ledecky is just one gold medal away from tying Jenny Thompson as the most successful female Olympic swimmer. Ledecky is expected to compete in four events: 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, and 4x200m relay. With 10 medals already, Ledecky aims to break Thompson’s record of 12 medals for an American woman. She is favored to defend her titles in the 800m and 1500m freestyle events, where she also holds world records. However, a recent defeat in the 800m freestyle final to Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh shows that competition remains fierce.
Noah Lyles (US) – Athletics
Noah Lyles has set his sights on becoming the first man to win four gold medals in track events at a single Olympics. He aims for success in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m, and 4x400m relays. Lyles won gold in the first three events at last year’s World Championships and hopes to join the 4x400m team after debuting in the event at the indoor Worlds. Additionally, Lyles has expressed his ambition to break Usain Bolt’s 100m and 200m world records. Since winning bronze in the 200m at Tokyo 2020, Lyles has dominated the sprints globally, embodying the talent and charisma needed to fill the void left by Bolt’s retirement.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – Athletics
Faith Kipyegon, a double Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder, is aiming for two gold medals in Paris. She seeks to replicate her 1500m-5,000m double from last year’s World Championships. Kipyegon, who began her career at 16 and won her first global title barefoot, has continued to excel since becoming a mother in 2018. “I’m looking forward to a bright summer,” Kipyegon remarked, highlighting her determination for the upcoming Games.
Antoine Dupont (France) – Rugby Sevens
Antoine Dupont, regarded as the best XV player globally, made headlines when he switched to rugby sevens to fulfill his Olympic dream. Skipping this year’s Six Nations to focus on the World Rugby Sevens circuit, Dupont led France to their first men’s sevens title in 19 years in Los Angeles. “We’re a very ambitious squad aiming for a gold medal,” Dupont stated. Despite stiff competition from teams like Fiji, Dupont’s skills and leadership make him a key figure to watch at Paris 2024.
Neeraj Chopra (India) – Athletics
Neeraj Chopra, India’s first Olympic track and field gold medalist, aims to defend his javelin title in Paris. Chopra’s success at Tokyo 2020, where he also became the first Asian athlete to win Olympic javelin gold, has been followed by a world title. His primary rival is Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan, who made history as the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for an Olympic track and field final at Tokyo 2020. With nine million Instagram followers, Chopra’s influence and star power continue to grow.
