2024 Olympics USA’s Biggest Stars
From legendary athletes to rising stars, Team USA is ready to shine at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. With a history of dominating the medal count, the U.S. has consistently been a powerhouse in the Games. As the world gathers once again for this grand sporting event, all eyes will be on Team USA to see if they can continue their golden streak.
After the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the 2020 Tokyo Games by a year, the Olympics are back on schedule, and the anticipation is higher than ever. This year, from July 26 to August 11, the city of Paris will host athletes from around the world, and among them, Team USA is expected to be a leading contender across various disciplines. From seasoned veterans like Katie Ledecky to fresh talents like Sha’Carri Richardson, here are 13 athletes you won’t want to miss during the 33rd Summer Olympiad.
1. Katie Ledecky (Swimming)
Katie Ledecky is no stranger to Olympic glory. Already one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history, Ledecky has amassed seven gold medals and ten total medals. This places her just two medals shy of the record held by former American swimming legends Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson.
At 27, Ledecky continues to break records. She recently became the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic qualifying event, the 800-meter freestyle, four times. Ledecky is set to compete in the 400-meter, 1,500-meter freestyles, and the 4×200 relay, with a strong chance to further cement her legacy as the greatest swimmer of all time.
2. Katie Grimes (Swimming)
While Ledecky rules the pool, 18-year-old Katie Grimes is making waves in open water, or marathon swimming. Grimes was the first U.S. athlete to secure a spot at the Paris Games, thanks to her bronze medal performance at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
Grimes is no stranger to Olympic competition, having been the youngest member of Team USA in Tokyo at just 15 years old. Competing in the 800-meter freestyle, she quickly caught the attention of Ledecky, who once dubbed her “the future” of the sport. With such high praise, all eyes will be on Grimes as she competes in Paris.
3. Sha’Carri Richardson (Track & Field)
Sha’Carri Richardson’s victory in the 100-meter sprint at the 2023 World Athletics Championships solidified her status as the fastest woman in the world. Now, she’s ready to prove it on the Olympic stage.
Richardson’s journey to Paris has been one of redemption. After a failed drug test disqualified her from the Tokyo Games, Richardson took responsibility and focused on a comeback. Her victory at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, where she clocked the fastest time of the year, 10.71 seconds, has set the stage for her Olympic debut.
4. Noah Lyles (Track & Field)
Noah Lyles is on a mission to dominate the track in Paris, and he’s got the credentials to back it up. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Lyles completed a remarkable treble, winning gold in the 100-meter, 200-meter sprints, and the 4×100 relay.
Lyles, born in Florida, is aiming for gold in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events at the Olympics, and he’s also set his sights on the 4×400 relay. With his incredible speed and determination, Lyles is one of the most exciting athletes to watch in Paris.
5. Kevin Durant (Men’s Basketball)
Kevin Durant is looking to make history at the 2024 Olympics. After an early exit from the NBA playoffs with the Phoenix Suns, Durant has turned his focus to the national team, which includes other NBA superstars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.
Durant is just 54 points away from becoming the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic basketball history, surpassing Lisa Leslie. He’s also vying to become the first U.S. men’s player to win four Olympic gold medals, a feat that would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
6. Kelsey Plum (Women’s Basketball)
Kelsey Plum is set to take her talents to the full-court game after winning gold in 3×3 basketball at the last Summer Games. The 29-year-old WNBA star from the Las Vegas Aces will compete alongside other stars like Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart.
Plum’s collegiate career at Washington was nothing short of remarkable. She is the second-highest scorer in Division I women’s basketball history, with 3,527 points. As she continues to lead the Aces to success, Plum is determined to add an Olympic gold medal in traditional basketball to her already impressive resume.
7. Scottie Scheffler (Men’s Golf)
Scottie Scheffler is the top-ranked golfer in the world and the current leader in Olympic qualifying standings. The 28-year-old officially earned his spot for Paris along with teammates Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark.
Scheffler’s year has been eventful, with highs and lows that include being arrested at the PGA Championship and subsequently winning The Memorial Tournament just weeks later. His determination and skill on the course make him a strong contender for a medal in Paris, and he’s eager to prove that golfers are indeed athletes on the Olympic stage.
8. Coco Gauff (Women’s Tennis)
Coco Gauff is the top-ranked American tennis player and currently holds the No. 2 spot in the world rankings. Although her Olympic debut was delayed by COVID-19, Gauff is more than ready to make her mark in Paris.
Now a major champion after her 2023 U.S. Open victory, Gauff is the headline American player at the Summer Games. She’s also expected to compete in doubles with partner Jessica Pegula. Gauff is determined to bring home a medal, preferably gold, and she’s approaching the Games with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.
9. Victor Montalvo (Breaking)
The 2024 Olympics will feature breaking (breakdancing) as one of its new events, and Victor Montalvo is the man to watch. Known as “B-Boy Victor,” the 30-year-old has been practicing the art of breaking since the age of 6, with guidance from his father and uncle.
Montalvo is known for his signature move, the “Supa Montalvo,” a 360-degree spin performed while crouched on one hand. At 30, Montalvo acknowledges that this might be his only shot at Olympic gold, given the intense competition from younger, more agile breakers. Nevertheless, he’s ready to leave it all on the dance floor in Paris.
10. Maggie Steffens (Women’s Water Polo)
Maggie Steffens is the captain of the U.S. women’s water polo team, which has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Steffens, 31, is a record-breaking star, having scored 18 goals during Team USA’s gold medal run in Tokyo, making her the all-time leading scorer in Olympic water polo history.
Steffens’ leadership and scoring ability have the U.S. women’s water polo team poised for another deep run in Paris. With her focus on both winning and growing public interest in the sport, Steffens is a key figure in the team’s pursuit of a fourth straight gold medal.
11. Chase Budinger (Men’s Beach Volleyball)
Chase Budinger is no stranger to the spotlight, having spent seven seasons in the NBA before transitioning to professional beach volleyball. At 36, Budinger is the spiker to watch as he competes in Paris alongside partner Miles Evans.
Budinger’s athleticism and competitive spirit have made him a force on the sand, and the duo’s ranking as No. 13 in the world sets the stage for a potential underdog story at the Olympics. Budinger’s journey from basketball to beach volleyball is a testament to his versatility and determination.
12. Trinity Rodman (Women’s Soccer)
Trinity Rodman is following in her father’s footsteps by making a name for herself in professional sports. The 22-year-old forward has quickly become one of the brightest stars in U.S. women’s soccer.
Rodman began playing soccer at age 4 and has already won multiple youth national championships. She became the youngest draft pick in NWSL history at age 18 and helped the Washington Spirit win the league championship as a rookie. With her sights set on Olympic gold, Rodman is poised to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to success in Paris.
13. Simone Biles (Artistic Gymnastics)
Simone Biles is a name that needs no introduction. After a surprising withdrawal from most events at the Tokyo Games due to mental health struggles, Biles has made a triumphant return to the sport.
Now 27, Biles recently became the oldest U.S. all-around champion in history and clinched her third Olympic berth with an all-around title at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. With seven Olympic medals to her name, Biles is looking to add more hardware to her collection in Paris. Her participation in individual events and the team competition makes her a must-watch at the 2024 Olympics.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Summer Olympics approach, these 13 athletes are set to captivate the world with their extraordinary talents and determination. From the swimming pool to the track, and the dance floor to the basketball court, Team USA is poised to shine on the global stage once again. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the U.S. is ready to make history in Paris. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these athletes in action as they compete for Olympic glory.
