As the countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris begins, excitement is building around the athletes set to compete on the world’s biggest stage. Paris 2024 promises to be a spectacular showcase of both seasoned veterans and rising stars, each aiming to carve their names into Olympic history. Here, we highlight some of the top athletes to watch, spanning multiple sports and disciplines, as they prepare to light up the Paris Games.
1. Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics)
Simone Biles is already regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history. With 7 Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals to her name, she has redefined the limits of what is possible in gymnastics. Biles has not only mastered traditional moves but has also introduced new, near-impossible skills, several of which are now named after her. Her balance of power, agility, and artistic grace has made her a household name across the globe.
However, Biles' decision to prioritize her mental health during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was a watershed moment in the world of elite sports. Her withdrawal from several events to address mental health struggles brought attention to the pressures athletes face at the highest level. After a break from competitive gymnastics, Biles' potential return at Paris 2024 is one of the most anticipated storylines. If she competes, it could cement her legacy even further as both an athlete and a mental health advocate.
Fans are eager to see if Biles will unveil new routines, push the boundaries of the sport even more, and perhaps add to her already stunning medal tally.
2. Armand Duplantis (Sweden, Pole Vault)
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis is nothing short of a sensation in the world of pole vaulting. At only 24 years old, the Swedish-American athlete has already rewritten the history books, breaking the world record multiple times. Duplantis' 6.21-meter clearance at the 2022 World Championships stunned the world and further solidified his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters ever.
A key aspect of Duplantis’ success is his technique—he blends extraordinary speed, power, and control in the air, making his performances both technically brilliant and exciting to watch. He is the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, and expectations are sky-high for him to surpass his previous records at Paris 2024.
With youth on his side and an unrivaled work ethic, Duplantis will enter Paris 2024 as a heavy favorite, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can break yet another world record. His quest for greatness is a journey fans around the world are eager to witness.
3. Sky Brown (Great Britain, Skateboarding)
Sky Brown made waves at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, not just for her skill on the skateboard, but for her incredible story and young age. At just 13 years old, she won bronze in skateboarding, becoming Britain’s youngest Olympic medalist. Her mix of daring tricks, fearless attitude, and infectious personality has captured the imagination of fans, making her one of the brightest stars in action sports.
Brown's journey to the Olympics was not without adversity. In 2020, she suffered a horrific fall during training that left her with multiple fractures and a lengthy recovery process. Despite this, she bounced back with an inspiring determination to succeed at the Tokyo Games.
Now, with Paris 2024 in sight, Brown is poised to build on her success and continue pushing the boundaries of women’s skateboarding. As the sport gains even more popularity, Brown’s presence will be crucial in representing the next generation of athletes. Whether she’s performing gravity-defying tricks or connecting with fans off the board, Sky Brown is set to be one of the most exciting athletes to follow in Paris.
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4. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya, Marathon)
Eliud Kipchoge is synonymous with marathon excellence. Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge has dominated the sport for nearly a decade. His remarkable achievements include winning two Olympic gold medals (in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), as well as setting the official marathon world record in 2018 with a time of 2:01:39 at the Berlin Marathon.
Kipchoge’s most extraordinary feat, however, came in 2019 when he became the first human to run a marathon in under two hours, though this was in a specially organized event and not a race under official conditions. His discipline, focus, and philosophical approach to running have inspired millions around the globe, and he is seen as a living legend in the sport.
At 39, Kipchoge is aiming for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris, which would further solidify his place in history. Despite his age, his recent performances suggest that he remains in peak condition. Will Paris 2024 see yet another masterclass in marathon running from Kipchoge? Fans of endurance sports are counting on it.
5. Karsten Warholm (Norway, Track and Field)
In one of the most thrilling moments of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Norwegian hurdler Karsten Warholm shattered his own world record in the men’s 400-meter hurdles, running an astonishing 45.94 seconds. His victory in that race, widely regarded as one of the greatest races in Olympic history, captivated the world as he bested an elite field, including his American rival Rai Benjamin.
Warholm is known not just for his physical prowess but also for his aggressive race tactics and unyielding determination. His strength, speed, and hurdling technique are unmatched, and his rivalry with Benjamin has brought new attention to the 400-meter hurdles.
As Warholm looks toward Paris 2024, the question is not just whether he can defend his title, but whether he can break his own seemingly untouchable world record once again. The ongoing rivalry between Warholm and Benjamin is sure to create more fireworks in Paris, making this event one of the must-watch competitions of the Games.
6. Naomi Osaka (Japan, Tennis)
Although tennis is not typically the focal point of the Olympics, the presence of a global star like Naomi Osaka at the Paris 2024 Games adds a special allure. A four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka is one of the most recognizable and influential athletes in the world, known for her powerful baseline game and her off-court activism.
Osaka lit the Olympic cauldron in Tokyo 2020, but she did not have the tournament she hoped for, losing early in singles competition. However, with Paris 2024 on the horizon, Osaka will be determined to bounce back and pursue an Olympic medal. As a symbol of both athletic excellence and social awareness, Osaka's journey to the Paris Games will be closely followed by fans worldwide.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympics are shaping up to be a spectacle of athletic excellence, with stars across multiple disciplines aiming to make history. From Simone Biles' anticipated return to Armand Duplantis’ record-breaking ambitions, the Games will feature a blend of experience, youth, and star power. These athletes represent the pinnacle of their sports, each with their own compelling stories of triumph, resilience, and excellence.
Whether it’s the grace of gymnastics, the precision of pole vaulting, or the endurance of marathon running, the Paris 2024 Olympics will provide moments that capture the imagination and leave a lasting legacy. As these athletes prepare for the Games, fans worldwide will be watching, cheering, and hoping for greatness.
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