Top five US debutants to watch out for at Paris Olympics 2024

The United States enter the Paris Olympics 2024 as front-runners to top the medal tally.

The most successful nation in Summer Games history, the United States will once again be the team to beat at Paris Olympics 2024. The nation has sent the biggest contingent for the Summer Games, a 592-member team.

However, things might not be as easy for the States this time around, with stiff competition expected from China, as was the case in Tokyo.

America has often produced incredibly young and bright talents and have thoroughly dominated disciplines like athletics, swimming, diving, wrestling over the years. With the introduction of a new sport at this year’s Olympics – breaking, the nation will look to stamp their authority in the event from the start.

Today, we will take a look at the top five debutants from America to look forward to at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Top five USA debutants at Paris Olympics 2024

5. Hezly Rivera

Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of Team USA, secured her spot after a strong performance at the USA Olympic Trials, particularly excelling in beam and uneven bars. USA has always dominated artistic gymnastics and in Rivera, they could potentially have found another future star in the discipline.

The 16-year-old was initially setting her eyes on 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But, injuries to many of her teammates opened a window which the American made full use of to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024.

4. Victor Montalvo

The newest sport in the 2024 Olympics – breaking, is all set to make its debut. The top-ranked American, Victor Montalvo, claimed the 2023 WDSF World Breaking Championships men’s title to obtain a quota spot for Paris.

The ‘B boy Victor’ is certain to set the stage on fire in the breaking event. He moves to the beat with an easy flow, seamlessly transitioning into a flurry of signature breaking moves, including his most renowned, the backflip flare.

Also Read: Top five Indian debutants to watch out for at Paris Olympics 2024

The 30-year-old will be aware of the competition he will have to contend with, including the Canadian Phil Wizard, as he aims to be the first American to clinch a medal in the breaking competition.

3. Coco Gauff

At the age of 17, Coco Gauff was set to make her Olympic debut when she tested positive for COVID-19, putting an end to her Tokyo 2020 dream.

Her journey since then, has been a combination of rigorous training and dedication, which paid off when she triumphed at the 2023 US Open against Aryna Sabalenka, to become the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999.

Since the 2012 London Games, no American has managed to claim a medal in the women’s singles and doubles category.

The 20-year old, who is set to play singles and doubles, pairing up with Jessica Pegula, will hope to put her nation back on the tennis podium. With her recent victory in the women’s doubles at the French Open, she is poised to be one of the top medal contenders at the 2024 Games.

2. Stephen Curry

After having played NBA for 15-long years, the legendary Stephen Curry is finally set to make his Olympic debut with the United States basketball team.

An Olympic gold medal is probably the only thing left to complete Curry’s otherwise remarkable resume, as he is already the NBA’s all-time three-point record-holder, four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, 10-time all-star and two-time scoring champion.

At Rio 2016, Curry did not play at the Olympics due to an injury and he opted out of Tokyo 2020, stating that “it just wasn’t right for me.”

Now, the 36-year-old superstar is set to grace the world’s most prestigious sporting event in Paris along with his teammates – LeBron James, Kevin Durant and more, as the men aim to add to their nation’s massive tally of gold medals.

1. Sha’Carri Richardson

Sprinting sensation Sha’Carri Richardson set a world lead time of 10.71 secs at the US Olympic Team Trials in the women’s 100m at Eugene, Oregon. The reigning world champion in the 100m worked her way through three races to earn her spot at her maiden Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old’s mantra since winning the US and world titles in 2023 has been, “I’m not back, I’m better.” Her on-field outstanding performances are a result of the American’s perseverance and dedication behind the scenes.

Richardson has arrived as a global superstar in women’s athletics and will be determined to make her mark at the world’s grandest event.

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