The City of Light is gearing up for a summer spectacle as the Olympic Games return to Paris.
Among the dazzling displays of athletic prowess, these five athletes are poised to steal the show, each with their own captivating story to tell.
From Suni Lee’s much anticipated comeback to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s final hurrah, Dominika Banevič’s youthful exuberance to Clarisse Agbegnenou’s quest for legendary status, and Caeleb Dressel’s pursuit of swimming immortality, the Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be an unforgettable event.
Suni Lee (USA) – Gymnastics
Stepping out of Simone Biles’ shadow, 21-year-old Suni Lee emerged as a star at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Her surprise gold medal in the all-around competition showcased her exceptional talent and resilience. After overcoming two kidney-related illnesses, Lee sets her sights on Paris, determined to leave her own mark on the world stage.
Lee’s journey to the top has been paved with perseverance. At just 18 years old, she has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Beyond her 2020 Olympic gold and bronze medals, Lee boasts a collection of impressive accolades, including the 2019 U.S. National Champion title in the all-around and uneven bars, as well as a silver medal on the balance beam at the 2019 World Championships.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) – Track and Field
This “Pocket Rocket” (a nickname that has stuck due to her small stature but explosive opening sprints) needs no introduction. A two-time Olympic champion in the 100-meter dash, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a force to be reckoned with. With her sights set on a third gold medal in Paris, this legendary sprinter—described by Athletics Weekly as “the greatest female sprinter in history”—is determined to make her final Olympic appearance one for the history books.
Fraser-Pryce’s trophy cabinet overflows with accolades. Her two Olympic gold medals are complemented by an astounding eight World Championship golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. She’s also a six-time Diamond League champion in the 100m, solidifying her place as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Dominika Banevič (Lithuania) – Breakdancing
The 16-year-old Lithuanian phenom, Dominika Banevič (aka B-Girl Nicka), is a breakdancing prodigy. Her recent gold medal win at the World Breaking Championship secured her spot in the Olympics’ debut of this electrifying sport. Nicka’s youthful energy and innovative moves are sure to ignite the Parisian crowd.
Nicka’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. In addition to her World Championship title, she’s a four-time Lithuanian National Breaking Champion. Her technical mastery and magnetic stage presence have earned her a legion of fans worldwide. With breakdancing making its Olympic debut in Paris, Nicka is poised to be a breakout star.
Clarisse Agbegnenou (France) – Judo
Already a household name in France, Clarisse Agbegnenou is a judo powerhouse. The Tokyo 2020 gold medalist reigns supreme in the women’s under 63 kg weight class. Chasing an unprecedented record for most Olympic gold medals in judo history, Agbegnenou will leverage the home crowd’s roar to propel her towards victory in Paris.
Agbegnenou’s dominance in judo is nothing short of extraordinary. Her gold medal in Tokyo only adds to her collection of six individual World Championship titles and five European Championship golds. An additional highlight of her career is the mixed team gold medal she secured at the 2016 Rio Olympics. With seven IJF Grand Slam titles held in Paris alone, Agbegnenou seeks to cement her legendary status on home soil in 2024.
Caeleb Dressel (USA) – Swimming
With his lightning-fast speed and eye-catching tattoos, Caeleb Dressel is a swimming sensation. Making his Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Dressel mirrored the legendary Michael Phelps at the 2020 Tokyo Games, securing a record-breaking five gold medals. Dressel’s dominance in the pool is sure to continue as he sets his sights on another historic performance in Paris.
Dressel’s ascent to the top of the swimming world has been phenomenal. His five Olympic gold medals in Tokyo were accompanied by two silvers, further solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse in the pool. Beyond the Olympics, Dressel is a seven-time individual World Champion and a 13-time gold medalist at the World Aquatics Championships. He currently holds the world record in the 100-meter butterfly and is constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport.
