All eyes are on Paris in the coming weeks as the world prepares to watch the long-awaited 2024 Olympic Games. This year’s Games will host familiar faces and new prospects with one common goal — clinching gold medals. Nearly 11,000 athletes from 206 countries and territories across the globe hope to return home more decorated than when they left, some with only one more chance to compete.
While the United States will once again send a plethora of athletes (around 500) to Paris, several athletes from across the world are set to challenge the country’s reputation of having the most Olympic medalists of all time. The world will come together to witness history once again on July 26, 2024, and we’re breaking down all the names you need to know before the 2024 Olympics.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set to make a major comeback
On the list of must-see athletes ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games is American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The athlete won her first gold medals in Tokyo for the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay. Now, with Paris on her mind, McLaughlin-Levrone hopes to return stronger than ever before. She aims to beat her best time of 50.65 in the 400m hurdles.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s secret to preparing for the Olympics involves running on faith. She admitted that her religion has been her “saving grace.”
Simone Biles seeks to redeem herself
Simone Biles is a seven-time Olympic champion and fan favorite from Houston, Texas. Biles seeks redemption after withdrawing from the 2020 Olympic Games due to the “twisties.” She aims to push her limits and see how far she can go in the 2024 Olympics.
Leon Marchand wants to bring home gold in his home country
French athlete Leon Marchand aims to secure a gold medal on his home turf in the upcoming Olympics. Marchand broke Michael Phelps’ world record in the 400m individual medley in 2023 under the guidance of Phelps’ former coach, Bob Bowman.
**French Swimmer Marchand Aims for Golden Opportunity at Paris Olympics**
Ahmed Marchand, a promising swimmer from Arizona State University, is gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics with hopes of securing France’s first gold medal in over a decade. At 21 years old, Marchand sees the upcoming Games, hosted in his home country, as a golden opportunity to make history. Following his remarkable feat of surpassing Michael Phelps’ world record, Marchand is determined to maintain his momentum and strives for success at his second Olympics appearance.
**Eliud Kipchoge’s Journey to Greatness in Marathon Running**
Eliud Kipchoge, renowned as one of the world’s top marathon runners, is determined to maintain his stellar reputation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With an impressive career that includes victories at previous Olympic Games and holding the men’s marathon world record, Kipchoge faces personal challenges leading up to the upcoming event. Despite obstacles such as the tragic death of his competitor Kelvin Kiptum and online harassment, Kipchoge remains focused on his goal of securing a third consecutive Olympic gold medal.
**Sun Yingsha and China’s Dominance in Table Tennis Dynasty**
Sun Yingsha, also known as “Little Devil,” strives to continue China’s legacy of dominance in women’s singles table tennis at the 2024 Olympics. With previous success at the 2021 Tokyo Games, where she clinched a silver medal in singles and a gold medal in the team event, Yingsha aims for redemption and her first Olympic gold in the singles competition. As the current top-ranked female table tennis player, Yingsha faces tough competition from teammates and previous champions but remains determined to inspire and motivate others with her achievements.
**Rayssa ‘Little Fairy’ Leal’s Quest to Mesmerize Crowds in Paris**
Rayssa Leal, famously known as the “Little Fairy,” captured global attention in 2015 with her remarkable skateboarding skills, eventually becoming a prominent figure in professional skating. At just 13 years old, Leal made history as the youngest Brazilian to win an Olympic medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, securing a silver in the women’s street event. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Leal reflects on her growth and progress since her last Games, acknowledging the intense competition and her need to showcase her best performances to compete for the gold medal.