Rising Stars: Top Athletes to Watch in Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are not just a showcase of established sports icons, but also a launching pad for the next generation of athletic superstars. This article highlights some of the most promising young athletes from various countries who are expected to make a significant impact in their Olympic debuts or sophomore appearances.

Swimming: The Next Wave of Aquatic Talent

Lydia Jacoby (USA) - Breaststroke

  • Age: 20
  • Achievements: Gold medalist in 100m breaststroke at Tokyo 2020 at age 17
  • Why watch: Jacoby's unexpected triumph in Tokyo has set high expectations for her performance in Paris.

David Popovici (Romania) - Freestyle

  • Age: 19
  • Achievements: Double world champion in 100m and 200m freestyle (2022)
  • Why watch: Popovici's world record in 100m freestyle makes him a favorite for multiple golds in Paris.

Athletics: Speed and Power on the Track and Field

Erriyon Knighton (USA) - Sprints

  • Age: 20
  • Achievements: Fourth place in 200m at Tokyo 2020 at age 17
  • Why watch: Knighton has been breaking Usain Bolt's age-group records and is poised for a breakout performance.

Athing Mu (USA) - Middle Distance

  • Age: 22
  • Achievements: Gold medalist in 800m and 4x400m relay at Tokyo 2020
  • Why watch: Mu's dominance in the 800m could extend to the 1500m in Paris.

Gymnastics: Flipping the Script

Viktoria Listunova (Russian Olympic Committee) - Artistic Gymnastics

  • Age: 18
  • Achievements: Team gold at Tokyo 2020, All-Around European Champion 2021
  • Why watch: With a full Olympic cycle of senior experience, Listunova is expected to challenge for all-around gold.

Daiki Hashimoto (Japan) - Artistic Gymnastics

  • Age: 22
  • Achievements: All-Around and Horizontal Bar gold at Tokyo 2020
  • Why watch: Hashimoto aims to cement his status as the world's top male gymnast in Paris.

New Olympic Sports: Fresh Faces in Breaking and Skateboarding

Rayssa Leal (Brazil) - Skateboarding

  • Age: 16
  • Achievements: Silver medalist in street skateboarding at Tokyo 2020 at age 13
  • Why watch: "The Fairy" has continued to dominate competitions and is favored for gold in Paris.

Victor Montalvo (USA) - Breaking

  • Age: 29
  • Achievements: Silver medalist at the 2022 World Games
  • Why watch: As breaking makes its Olympic debut, Montalvo (B-Boy Victor) is a top contender for the podium.

Climbing: Reaching New Heights

Oriane Bertone (France) - Sport Climbing

  • Age: 18
  • Achievements: Multiple youth world championships in bouldering
  • Why watch: The home crowd favorite could make a splash in climbing's second Olympic appearance.

Table Tennis: The Next Generation

Tomokazu Harimoto (Japan) - Table Tennis

  • Age: 20
  • Achievements: Bronze medalist in team event at Tokyo 2020
  • Why watch: Harimoto's aggressive style and early success make him a threat to China's dominance.

Surfing: Riding the Wave to Tahiti

Jackson Dorian (USA) - Surfing

  • Age: 18
  • Achievements: Standout performances in junior competitions
  • Why watch: Son of surfing legend Shane Dorian, Jackson could make a name for himself in Teahupo'o's challenging waves.

Why These Rising Stars Matter

  1. Generational Shift: These athletes represent the changing of the guard in Olympic sports.
  2. Technological Advantage: Many have grown up with advanced training technologies, pushing the boundaries of human performance.
  3. Social Media Impact: Their strong social media presence is bringing new, younger audiences to Olympic sports.
  4. Diversity and Representation: These rising stars come from diverse backgrounds, inspiring a global audience.

Conclusion: The Future of Olympic Sports

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be a pivotal moment for these rising stars. Their performances could not only result in medal victories but also in the birth of new sports icons for the next generation. As these young athletes step onto the world's biggest sporting stage, they carry with them the hopes of their nations and the potential to redefine their sports.

Whether you're a long-time Olympic fan or a newcomer to the world of international sports, these rising stars offer compelling narratives and the promise of extraordinary athletic feats. Their journeys to Paris 2024 and their performances at the Games will undoubtedly be among the most exciting storylines to follow.

As we count down to the opening ceremony, keep an eye on these promising young athletes. They may enter the Paris Olympics as rising stars, but they could very well leave as the new heroes of the sporting world.