Team USA has finalized its roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee revealed the complete team, comprising nearly 600 athletes who will proudly represent the United States across 31 diverse sports in Paris. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/list-of-sports-events-medals-dates-and-location-schedule/
Leading the charge are celebrated Olympians like gymnast Simone Biles, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and sprinter Noah Lyles, all of whom are poised as frontrunners for gold medals. Team USA is anticipated to send one of its largest contingents to the Paris Games, featuring athletes hailing from 46 states and the District of Columbia. The team spans an impressive age range, from 16-year-old debutants to seasoned athletes nearing 60. Among them are several first-time Olympians alongside a select few who will be participating in their sixth Olympics, showcasing the team’s blend of fresh talent and seasoned experience.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC, stated in a teleconference last month that U.S. officials refrain from making public predictions about the performance of this group at the Paris Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
“But we do anticipate a robust performance, reflecting our strong historical track record in these Games,” Hirshland emphasized. “It’s crucial for our athletes, who aim for great success at these events.”
Let’s delve into the details of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team.
Team Size and Comparison
The 2024 U.S. Olympic team comprises 592 athletes, slightly smaller than the Tokyo 2020 team of 613 athletes but larger than the Rio 2016 team of 554.
Sports Representation
Team USA will be represented in 31 out of the 32 sports in the Paris program, with team handball being the only exception. Track and field leads with the largest contingent of 120 athletes, followed by rhythmic gymnastics and modern pentathlon with one athlete each.
Gender Composition
Women will make up the majority of the U.S. Olympic team in Paris, with 314 athletes (53%), while 278 (47%) will be men.
State Representation
California dominates the 2024 U.S. Olympic team roster, supplying nearly one-fifth of its athletes.
With over double the representation of the second-place state, Florida, which will contribute 44 athletes, California stands out as the primary state for Team USA. Texas follows closely behind in third place, with 38 athletes representing the Lone Star State.
States Without Representation
Maine, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.
KEREM YUCEL, AFP via Getty Images
Youngest Athlete on Team USA
Hezly Rivera, who recently turned 16 last month, holds the distinction of being the youngest athlete on the U.S. Olympic team for the Paris Games. Joining her as fellow 16-year-olds are Paige Heyn in skateboarding and Quincy Wilson in track and field. Overall, Team USA will include 32 teenagers on its Olympic roster, with six of them competing in skateboarding.
Oldest Athlete on Team USA
The oldest athlete on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics is Steffen Peters, who will turn 60 in September. He is part of the equestrian team and is set to become the oldest U.S. athlete to compete at the Summer Olympics since 1936, according to NBC via Olympic data website OlyMADMen.
Laura Kraut, a prominent equestrian athlete, who is 58 years old and Keith Sanderson, participating in his fourth Olympic Games as a shooter, at 49 years old.
First-time Olympians on Team USA
A significant portion of Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be filled with debutants:
- 340 athletes, comprising approximately 57% of the 592-member team, will be making their first Olympic appearance.
- Additionally, 165 athletes, making up about 28% of the team, will experience a more traditional Olympic environment in Paris, having previously competed under COVID-19 restrictions at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Most Experienced Athletes on Team USA
Three athletes stand out as the most experienced members of Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics:
- Steffen Peters, an equestrian athlete, who will be making his sixth Olympic appearance since his debut in Atlanta in 1996.
- Diana Taurasi, a key player in women’s basketball, has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2004 in Athens.
- McLain Ward, also in equestrian sports, has participated in every edition of the Summer Games since 1996.
Most Decorated Athlete on Team USA
Among the athletes representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, swimmer Katie Ledecky stands out as the most decorated:
Katie Ledecky: This will be her fourth Olympic Games, and she has already accumulated an impressive total of 10 medals for Team USA. Her collection includes seven gold medals and three silvers, making her the only member of this year’s Olympic team to have reached double-digit medals at the Summer Games.
Other notable athletes include: Caeleb Dressel: A fellow swimmer with all seven of his medals being gold. Simone Biles: The gymnastics legend has secured a total of seven medals, including four golds, one silver, and two bronzes in past Olympic competitions. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2024/07/10/meet-team-usa-paris-olympics/74332156007/