🏅Fun fact: Every Paris 2024 medal is adorned with a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower!
Now that you know what to do and where to go, you’re not going miss out on the actual action, right? So, get ready to be inspired by the world’s best as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics! The stage is set for extraordinary feats, unforgettable moments, and stories that will be told for generations. Whether you’re at the arenas, or watching from the fan zones at Jardins d’Éole and the Square Léon Serpolle, here are twelve incredible athletes who are all set to leave their mark on Paris 2024.
Neeraj Chopra - Javelin
Achievements: He is the reigning Olympic champion and world champion in javelin.
Why They're One to Watch: Known for his powerful throws and consistency, he aims to defend his title in Paris and potentially break the 90m barrier, a milestone he has been edging closer to with each competition.
Fun Fact: He made history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Where: Stade de France is where all the track and field action will take place.
Simone Biles - Gymnastics
Achievements: Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.
Why They're One to Watch: After a brief hiatus, Biles is back and ready to dazzle us with her gravity-defying routines and unmatched athleticism. She’s not just competing; she’s redefining the sport.
Fun Fact: Did you know Simone has four gymnastics skills named after her? Two each for floor exercise and vault, and one for the balance beams. Talk about leaving a legacy!
Where: Bercy Arena on the Boulevard de Bercy, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.
Eliud Kipchoge - Marathon
Achievements: Kipchoge holds the world record for the marathon, having run it in an astonishing 2:01:39.
Why They're One to Watch: Kipchoge is a legend in the making. Will Paris see him break more records and push the limits of human endurance?
Fun Fact: Kipchoge once ran a marathon in under two hours, though it wasn't officially recognized due to the conditions being specially optimized.
Where: Les Invalides
Naomi Osaka - Tennis
Achievements: A four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka is known for her powerful serve and fierce determination on the court.
Why They're One to Watch: Osaka's dynamic play and mental resilience make her a formidable competitor. Paris 2024 could see her adding Olympic gold to her impressive list of achievements.
Fun Fact: Off the court, Naomi is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and was known for walking away from interviews to maintain her own sanity.
Where: Head to Roland Garros Stadium for all the tennis drama. It’s set at the edge of Bois de Boulogne, near the Parc des Princes.
Katie Ledecky - Swimming
Achievements: Ledecky is a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and holds multiple world records in freestyle swimming with 21 world-championships to her name.
Why They're One to Watch: With her relentless drive and incredible stamina, Ledecky is a powerhouse in the pool. She’s poised to make waves in Paris, quite literally!
Fun Fact: Katie can swim a 1500m freestyle faster than most of us can run it! She can also swim an entire lap with a glass of chocolate milk on her head…without spilling a drop!
Where: Paris La Défense Arena, the multi-purpose indoor arena in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris.
Clarisse Agbegnenou - Judo
Achievements: Olympic champion and multiple world and European titles in judo.
Why They're One to Watch: A gold in Paris would make her the most decorated female judoka in Olympic history.
Fun Fact: Clarisse has won seven IJF Grand Slam titles in Paris alone.
Where: The Champ-de-Mars Arena, a temporary space made (from sustainable materials) while the Grand Palais is being renovated.
Kevin Durant - Basketball
Achievements: Two-time NBA Champion and MVP, Durant is a scoring machine and an integral part of Team USA.
Why They're One to Watch: Durant’s skill, leadership, and experience make him a key player for Team USA. Expect him to light up the court and lead his team to glory.
Fun Fact: KD already has three Olympic gold medals and a fourth will take him ahead of Carmelo Anthony. But he’s missed practice this week, so we’re hoping it isn’t game over before it even begins.
Where: The first phase games are at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium with the knock-outs at Bercy Arena.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce - Athletics
Achievements: Fraser-Pryce is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100m and a dominant force in sprinting.
Why They're One to Watch: Known as the “Pocket Rocket,” Fraser-Pryce’s explosive speed and tenacity make her a thrilling athlete to watch. Will Paris see her sprint to victory once more?
Fun Fact: Her win in 2019 made her the first mother in 24 years to claim a global 100 m title, while her win in 2022 at age 35 made her the oldest sprinter ever to become world champion.
Where: Stade de France is where all track and field events will take place.
Kanoa Igarashi - Surfing
Achievements: Igarashi is a top contender on the World Surf League circuit and a silver medalist from Tokyo 2020.
Why They're One to Watch: As surfing makes waves at the Olympics, Igarashi’s style and skill will be front and center. He’s ready to ride the Parisian tides to the top.
Fun Fact: Kanoa's first name means "the free one" in Hawaiian, fitting for a surfer who’s always chasing the next big wave.
Where: Teahupo’o in Tahiti. Yup, that is a stunning village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia, in the southern Pacific Ocean.
Sky Brown - Skateboarding
Achievements: The youngest professional skateboarder and an Olympic bronze medalist at just 13.
Why They're One to Watch: Sky’s fearless tricks and incredible talent have already made her a star. In Paris, she’s set to soar even higher. And she’s only just 16 years old!
Fun Fact: Sky is also an accomplished surfer, proving that she’s not just a one-trick pony.’
Where: La Concorde, in the heart of Paris. Apart from skateboarding, BMX freestyle, breaking and 3X3 basketball will also be held here.
Armand Duplantis - Pole Vault
Achievements: World record holder in pole vaulting, Duplantis consistently pushes the boundaries of the sport.
Why They're One to Watch: With his unmatched technique and daring leaps, Duplantis is set to fly high and possibly break his own records in Paris.
Fun Fact: Armand comes from a family of athletes; his father was a pole vaulter, and his mother a heptathlete.
Where: Stade de France, of course!
LeBron James - Basketball
Achievements: Four-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Why They're One to Watch: LeBron's presence, alongside Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, will be crucial as Team USA aims for its 17th gold medal.
Fun Fact: He is the only player in NBA history to record at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists.
Where: The first phase games are at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium with the knock-outs at Bercy Arena.
Novak Djokovic - Tennis
Achievements: Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam titles and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, which is obviously argued by Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer fans!
Why They're One to Watch: With his unmatched consistency and mental toughness, Djokovic aims to conquer the Olympic stage and complete his golden career.
Fun Fact: Novak is multilingual, speaking Serbian, English, French, German, and Italian.
Where: All tennis matches will be at the Roland-Garros Stadium
Sha’Carri Richardson - Athletics
Achievements: Top sprinter with multiple national titles.
Why They're One to Watch: Richardson’s debut in Paris is highly anticipated as she aims to claim gold in the 100m against strong competitors like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Fun Fact: Known for her vibrant hair and nails, Sha’Carri brings style to the track.
Where: Stade de France is where all track and field events will take place.
Leon Marchand - Swimming
Achievements: World record holder in the men’s 400m individual medley.
Why They're One to Watch: Competing on home soil, Marchand hopes to end France’s gold medal drought in swimming.
Fun Fact: Leon is trained by Bob Bowman, who also coached Michael Phelps.
Special Mention: Rafael Nadal - Tennis
Achievements: Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open victories.
Why They're One to Watch: Despite battling injuries, Nadal’s tenacity and skill make him a formidable opponent. He is a double-gold medalist at the Olympics winning the singles in 2008 and doubles with Marc Lopez in 2026. He will team up for doubles with reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Fun Fact: Rafael Nadal is actually right-handed! He also had the option to focus on soccer or pursue tennis full-time, at the age of 12. We think he made the right decision.
Where: Well, the King of Clay will naturally be on home turf at none other than his kingdom, the Roland-Garros Stadium!
