Team USA Road to Paris Key Highlights of the 2024 Olympics

Team USA Heads to Paris: Key Highlights of the 2024 Olympics

Team USA is gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, officially set with a robust roster of nearly 600 athletes. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee unveiled the final lineup, showcasing competitors across 31 sports.

Star Athletes and Team Composition

Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Noah Lyles are among the standout athletes returning to the Olympic stage. Team USA’s delegation, one of the largest at the Paris Games, includes representatives from 46 states and the District of Columbia, with ages ranging from 16 to almost 60. The team features hundreds of first-time Olympians alongside seasoned six-time participants.

Strong Performance Expectations

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC, emphasized the anticipation of a strong performance. “We expect to have a very strong performance, as we have historically seen in these Games,” Hirshland said. The focus remains on the athletes’ success and their drive for excellence at the Paris Games.

Team USA by the Numbers

This year, Team USA consists of 592 athletes, slightly fewer than the 613 athletes in Tokyo but more than the 554 in Rio de Janeiro. Athletes will compete in 31 of the 32 sports, with team handball being the only exception. Track and field boasts the largest contingent with 120 athletes, while rhythmic gymnastics and modern pentathlon each have one participant.

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Gender Representation

Women will make up the majority of Team USA in Paris, with 314 female athletes (53%) compared to 278 male athletes (47%).

State Representation

California leads the pack, contributing nearly 20% of the athletes. Florida and Texas follow, with 44 and 38 athletes, respectively. Four states—Maine, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming—do not have any representatives.

Youngest and Oldest Athletes

Gymnast Hezly Rivera, who recently turned 16, is the youngest member of the team. The oldest athletes, Steffen Peters and Laura Kraut, are part of the equestrian team. Peters, who turns 60 in September, is the oldest U.S. athlete at the Summer Olympics since 1936.

Olympic Debutants

A significant portion of the team, 340 athletes (57%), will make their Olympic debut in Paris. An additional 165 athletes, whose only prior Olympic experience was under COVID-19 restrictions in Tokyo, may feel as if they’re competing for the first time again.

Experienced Olympians

Three athletes—Steffen Peters, Diana Taurasi (women’s basketball), and McLain Ward (equestrian)—are making their sixth Olympic appearance, showcasing their enduring athletic prowess.

Most Decorated Athlete

Katie Ledecky, a swimmer, leads the medal count among Team USA with 10 medals (seven golds and three silvers). Caeleb Dressel and Simone Biles follow with seven medals each, highlighting their consistent excellence.

As Team USA prepares to compete in Paris from July 26 to August 11, the athletes’ dedication and achievements promise an exciting and memorable Olympic experience.