The Olympics are a celebration of excellence, but they also provide a stage for incredible underdog stories. With over 10,000 athletes competing in 32 different sports, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be filled with inspiring narratives, from a middle-aged rookie to a brand-new event.
Here are some of the most compelling underdog athletes, teams, and events we’re excited to follow:
Hezly Rivera, United States — Gymnastics
Heading into the Olympic trials, four spots on the United States women’s gymnastics team seemed secured by veterans. However, injuries to key athletes opened up an opportunity, and 16-year-old Hezly Rivera from Plano, Texas, seized it. Despite placing 24th at the U.S. Classic in May, Rivera excelled at the trials, finishing fifth in the all-around and tying for first on the balance beam. Now, she joins a team featuring Olympic champions Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, and she’s ready to shine in Paris.
Zhiying Zeng, Chile — Table Tennis
Zhiying Zeng’s story is extraordinary. At age 20, she was part of China’s national team but retired due to the “two-color rule.” After moving to Chile in 1989 and living a full life away from the sport, she picked up table tennis again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, at age 58, she’s back and will represent Chile at the Olympics, having won a bronze medal at the 2023 Pan-American Games.
Breaking
A new event at the 2024 Olympics is breaking, the competitive form of breakdancing. Competitors, known as B-Boys and B-Girls, will face off in “throwdowns,” judged on technique, execution, musicality, and originality. With judges having “misbehavior buttons” to penalize inappropriate actions, breaking promises to be both entertaining and unique.
United States — Men’s Soccer
The U.S. men’s soccer team has qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 16 years. Featuring young talents like Taylor Booth and Paxten Aaronson, alongside veteran defenders Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, the team faces a challenging group but has the potential for a deep run. With the 2026 World Cup looming, these Olympics are a crucial step for the team’s development.
Zheng Haohao, China — Skateboarding
At just 11 years old, Zheng Haohao will compete in women’s park skating, making her the youngest athlete at the Olympics. Following the success of young skateboarders in Tokyo 2020, Zheng aims to make her mark in Paris.
South Sudan — Men’s Basketball
South Sudan, a country that gained independence in 2011, has made a remarkable journey to the Olympics in men’s basketball. Former NBA All-Star Luol Deng played a pivotal role in building the team, recruiting a coach and players with NBA ties. Competing against strong teams like the USA and Serbia, simply reaching the knockout stage would be a significant achievement for South Sudan.
Thea LaFond, Dominica — Women’s Triple Jump
Thea LaFond, representing Dominica, is aiming to win the country’s first-ever Olympic medal. After steadily improving since her Olympic debut in 2016, she finished first at the world championships in March. With a strong performance, LaFond has a chance to reach the podium in Paris.
Albania — Men’s Freestyle Wrestling
Albania’s wrestling team, featuring former Russian national team members Zelimkhan Abakarov, Islam Dudaev, and Chermen Valiev, is a fascinating underdog story. Competing for Albania for the past two years, they aim to win the country’s first Olympic medal. Their presence highlights a unique strategy: if you can’t beat them, recruit them.
The 2024 Summer Olympics will showcase these incredible underdogs and many more, reminding us all that the spirit of competition is not just about winning but about the journey and the stories that unfold along the way.