In less than a month, the Olympic flame will again light up as the world's top athletes come together in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games. To celebrate this moment and shine a spotlight on some standout sports stars, we have put together a list of the top 5 athletes to keep an eye on leading up to the upcoming summer event in Paris.
This compilation comprises athletes drawn from different disciplines and ones who have already secured their places on the big stage.
Kylian Mbappe - France
The list had to start with a Frenchman, Kylian Mbappe, widely regarded as the best player in men's soccer in the current generation. With two World Cup finals appearances under his belt, he won it in 2018 and came close to winning another despite scoring a hat trick against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 final. The new Real Madrid player, currently representing France in the Euros in Germany will be eager to carry the nation’s flag and win gold. Home advantage means France will be among sports betting favorites to clinch the men’s title.
Stephen Curry – United States
The USA Basketball team will once again be a strong contender for gold in France, and one man who will have the heaviest weight on his shoulder is Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors in the NBA. At 36, Curry boasts four NBA titles, and two NBA MVP awards. He holds the record for the most three-pointers in NBA history. Despite his accolades, he has yet to participate in the Olympics.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is leading the U.S. Men's team in Paris providing Curry with an opportunity to secure an Olympic gold medal to add to his already impressive career.
Rebeca Andrade - Brazil
Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, 24, will be a big name in Paris. There is no doubt about that. She made her debut at the Rio Olympics, but it was in Tokyo where she excelled most, clinching two medals for Brazil, a silver in the all-around, and a gold on vault. At the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships Andrade emerged as the biggest rival to Simone Biles with whom they shared the spotlight in individual events, including vault where she claimed the gold.
Sha’Carri Richardson – United States
We are yet to see an American woman winning an Olympics 100m gold since Athens 1996, but Sha’Carri Richardson looks set to break the spell. Her recent exploits make her a Betway sure bet to secure gold not only in the 100-meter event but also to lead the women's relay team in sprints. She failed to represent her country in Tokyo in 2022 following a positive marijuana test, but her strong comeback was evident when she clinched gold in the 100m race at the 2023 World Track and Field Championships. She also led her team to victory in the women's 4x100m relay.
Noah Lyles – United States
Noah Lyles is the new king in track and field and has shown all the determination to win at least 3 gold medals at the upcoming Paris event. His recent triumph at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he clinched gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events brings out some memories of retired Jamaican Usain Bolt. Building on his impressive performance, Lyles now eyes a repeat achievement at the Olympics after securing bronze in the 200m event in Tokyo.
There will be a strong contingent of athletes representing their respective countries in various sporting events, but these exceptional athletes have what it takes to light up the 2024 edition. For sports betting fans on Betway, all events will be available for betting. Will we see the same expected names winning gold, or will there be upsets?
