BTN News: The Paris Olympics, starting on July 26, are set to showcase incredible talent across various sports. Here, we spotlight ten male athletes expected to shine and potentially make history at these Games.
Leon Marchand (France/Swimming)
Leon Marchand’s triumphant moment, breaking Michael Phelps’ last standing world record in the 400m individual medley, marked a new era in swimming. Trained by Bob Bowman, Phelps’ coach, the 22-year-old French swimmer aims for gold in the 200m and 400m individual medleys, as well as the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. His performance in Paris could solidify his status as the new king of the pool.
Noah Lyles (United States/Athletics)
Noah Lyles, a triple gold medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, is poised to reclaim the Olympic sprint crown for the U.S., a title last held by Justin Gatlin in 2004. At 27, Lyles eyes the 200m gold, which he won in Tokyo 2020, and the 4x100m relay, where the U.S. team missed the final in Tokyo. His performances will be crucial for American hopes in sprinting.
Daiki Hashimoto (Japan/Gymnastics)
Daiki Hashimoto, the reigning champion in gymnastics, seeks to surpass his achievements from Tokyo 2020, where he won gold in the all-around and high bar, and silver in the team event. At 22, Hashimoto faces competition from China’s Boheng Zhang but remains a favorite due to his exceptional skills and consistency.
LeBron James (United States/Basketball)
LeBron James returns to the Olympic stage twelve years after his last appearance, aiming for his third gold medal. Despite a bronze finish in Athens 2004, James redeemed himself with back-to-back golds in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Now, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he hopes to lead Team USA to victory once more.
Novak Djokovic (Serbia/Tennis)
At 37, Novak Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, seeks the elusive Olympic gold medal. After a fourth-place finish in Tokyo 2020, the Serbian tennis legend aims to add the only major accolade missing from his illustrious career. His determination and skill will be on full display in Paris.
Armand Duplantis (Sweden/Athletics)
Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis is a heavy favorite to defend his Olympic title. Having already broken Sergey Bubka’s legendary records, Duplantis, at 24, continues to push the boundaries of human capability. His recent world record of 6.24 meters underscores his dominance in the sport.
Teddy Riner (France/Judo)
Judo superstar Teddy Riner aims to rebound from his silver medal finish in Tokyo 2020. The French judoka, who was undefeated from 2010 to 2020, seeks his third Olympic gold in the +100kg category. At 34, Riner’s quest for redemption on home soil will be a highlight of the Games.
Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands/Cycling)
Mathieu van der Poel, a dominant force in cycling, looks forward to the 273 km road race in Paris, likening it to a “Flanders classic.” With multiple victories in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the Dutch cyclist’s versatility and strength make him a top contender for Olympic gold.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya/Athletics)
Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary marathon runner, aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold at 39. Despite a tenth-place finish in the Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon feat in 2019 demonstrates his extraordinary potential. His quest in Paris will captivate running enthusiasts worldwide.
Nikola Karabatic (France/Handball)
Handball legend Nikola Karabatic seeks his fourth Olympic gold, a feat no other player has achieved. At 40, Karabatic’s storied career includes four World Championships and four European titles. His leadership and experience will be vital as France aims to defend its title.
Conclusion
These ten athletes are set to captivate audiences with their skills, determination, and pursuit of Olympic glory. From the swimming pool to the basketball court, and from the marathon course to the gymnastics arena, the Paris Olympics promise unforgettable moments of athletic excellence. Keep an eye on these stars as they strive to etch their names in the annals of Olympic history.
