The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris promise to be a historic and electrifying event, showcasing the world’s finest athletes as they compete for glory on one of the biggest stages in sports. Team USA, as always, will bring a formidable lineup of stars across various disciplines, each carrying the hopes of a nation and the dreams of their own hard-fought journeys. Here’s a closer look at 13 of the biggest stars from Team USA who are poised to make their mark at the 2024 Olympics.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will be back for what could be her final Olympic appearance. With a total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is already a legend. Despite stepping away from competition after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to focus on her mental health, she has returned stronger and more determined than ever. Her unparalleled skill set, including the eponymous moves she has introduced to the sport, makes her a favorite to dominate in Paris. Biles will look to add to her already astonishing medal haul and further solidify her place as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Noah Lyles, the reigning World Champion in the 200 meters, is one of the brightest stars in track and field today. Known for his blazing speed and charismatic personality, Lyles is expected to be a major contender for gold in both the 100 meters and 200 meters in Paris. With his signature smile and lightning-fast sprinting, Lyles is not only a favorite to top the podium but also a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across the globe. His rivalry with other top sprinters, including fellow American Fred Kerley, will be one of the most exciting storylines of the Games.
Katie Ledecky is a name synonymous with dominance in the pool. A seven-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated swimmers in history, Ledecky will be aiming to further her legacy in Paris. She specializes in freestyle events ranging from 200 meters to 1500 meters, where her endurance and technique have consistently set her apart from the competition. Ledecky’s determination, combined with her already legendary status, makes her a top contender to add more gold medals to her collection in what might be her final Olympic appearance.
Sha’Carri Richardson is one of the most talked-about sprinters in the world. Known for her vibrant personality, distinctive style, and explosive speed, Richardson made headlines with her performances leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, although she was unable to compete due to a suspension. Now, with her eyes set on Paris 2024, Richardson is determined to prove herself on the biggest stage. She has bounced back in impressive fashion, consistently posting some of the fastest times in the world, and is poised to be a major medal threat in the 100 meters and 200 meters.
Caeleb Dressel is America’s swimming powerhouse, having won five gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for his versatility and speed, Dressel excels in both sprint freestyle and butterfly events. His relentless work ethic and competitive spirit have made him one of the most formidable swimmers in the world. As he prepares for Paris, Dressel is aiming to build on his Tokyo success and cement his status as one of the greatest swimmers of his generation. Expect Dressel to once again be the star of the pool, with multiple gold medals within his reach.
Allyson Felix is a living legend in track and field, with a career that spans two decades and includes 11 Olympic medals, the most ever by a track and field athlete. Although she announced her retirement after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Felix has hinted at a possible return for Paris 2024, which would be her sixth Olympic Games. If she does compete, Felix’s experience, poise, and remarkable speed will make her a valuable asset to Team USA, particularly in relay events. Whether or not Paris 2024 marks her final bow, Felix’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history is already secure.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has redefined the 400-meter hurdles, setting world records and winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a breathtaking performance. Her combination of speed, strength, and technique has made her a dominant force in the event. McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey has been one of continuous improvement, and she enters Paris 2024 as the clear favorite to defend her title. Beyond the hurdles, she has also excelled in the 400 meters flat, and her versatility may see her competing in multiple events, further solidifying her status as a track and field superstar.
Mikaela Shiffrin, the queen of the slopes, will be competing in her fourth Olympic Games. With multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals to her name, Shiffrin is one of the most successful alpine skiers in history. Known for her technical prowess in slalom and giant slalom, she has expanded her repertoire to include speed events like super-G and downhill. Shiffrin’s resilience and determination, especially after the personal and professional challenges she has faced in recent years, make her a favorite to add more medals to her collection in Paris.
Chloe Kim burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation, winning gold in the halfpipe at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. She followed up that success with another gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, cementing her status as the world’s top female snowboarder. Kim’s creativity, fearlessness, and technical skills have made her a fan favorite and an inspiration to young athletes worldwide. As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kim is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of her sport and aiming for a third consecutive Olympic gold.
Nelly Korda is one of the brightest stars in women’s golf. The 2021 Olympic gold medalist and former World No. 1, Korda has been a dominant force on the LPGA Tour, with multiple wins to her name. Her powerful swing, accuracy, and composure under pressure have made her a consistent contender in every tournament she enters. As she heads to Paris 2024, Korda will be looking to defend her Olympic title and further establish herself as one of the greatest golfers of her generation.
Jordan Burroughs is a legend in American wrestling, having won Olympic gold in 2012 and multiple World Championship titles. Known for his explosive takedowns and relentless drive, Burroughs has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade. Although he narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Burroughs has made a strong comeback and is determined to make his mark in Paris. With his experience and unmatched skill, Burroughs is a top contender for gold in what could be his final Olympic appearance.
A’ja Wilson has quickly become one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. As the leader of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has won multiple league MVP awards and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her dominance in the paint, leadership on the court, and ability to take over games have made her one of the most feared players in the world. Wilson will be central to Team USA’s quest for another gold medal in Paris, as they look to continue their legacy of excellence in women’s basketball.
Sydney McLaughlin has revolutionized the 400-meter hurdles, setting multiple world records and winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a stunning performance. Her combination of speed, strength, and technical ability has made her a dominant force in the event. McLaughlin’s journey of continuous improvement, resilience, and her ability to perform under pressure will make her a favorite to defend her title in Paris. She is also expected to play a key role in Team USA’s relay teams, where her versatility and speed will be invaluable.
As Team USA heads to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, these 13 athletes represent the best of what the country has to offer. Each one of them has their own unique story, defined by dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether they are defending champions or rising stars, these athletes will be the ones to watch as they compete for gold and aim to etch their names in the annals of Olympic history. Their performances in Paris will not only inspire a new generation of athletes but also showcase the enduring spirit of Team USA.
