For the first time in exactly 100 years, iconic French landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Stade de France will transform into Olympic backdrops.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will illuminate the City of Light from July 26th to August 11th, promising a vibrant spectacle that blends athletic prowess with Parisian charm.
For those hoping to enhance their Olympic experience with a wager, the first step is easy – choosing a reputable platform local sportsbook or a betting site not on Gamstop. Many sports fans here in the UK prefer the latter thanks to non-restrictive bonuses and vast betting markets.
The next step is the hard one – picking out the winners. This year’s Olympic roster is huge, with 329 medal events contested over 16 days. Moreover, this year’s games mark a historic milestone, as for the first time ever, an equal number of male and female athletes compete for glory. This packed schedule guarantees an unforgettable spectacle. Here’s a closer look at some of the most promising athletes and their chances of bringing home the gold:
Dominika Banevic – Lithuania – Breaking
The breaking (break dancing) competition is making its much-anticipated debut at the Paris Olympics. Lithuania’s rising star, Dominika Banevic, better known by her B-Girl moniker “Nicka,” is a strong contender for the gold medal. At just 17 years old, she’s already claimed the 2023 world title with her dynamic footwork, innovative power moves, and captivating stage presence. Nicka faces fierce competition from B-Girl Syssy from France and B-Girl Ayumi from Japan, but her talent and youthful energy make her a favorite to watch in this groundbreaking Olympic event.
Robin & Lisell Jaatma – Estonia – Archery
The Jaatma siblings, Robin and Lisell, have taken the archery world by surprise with their impressive showing at the 2024 World Cup. While their participation in the Paris Olympics hasn’t been confirmed yet, if they can maintain their current form and qualify, they pose a real challenge to Olympic archery’s established order. The siblings’s impressive accuracy and teamwork make them serious medal contenders, especially in the mixed team event where their combined strengths can shine. While South Korea remains the dominant force in archery, the Jaatmas’ combined strengths and newfound confidence could propel them to the podium in Paris.
Teddy Riner – France – Judo
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Teddy Riner fiercely seeks a historic fourth consecutive title in the Judo Heavyweight division 2024. The Parisian crowd will be his thunderous support system, bolstering Riner’s psychological game with that inspiring home turf advantage. However, standing in Riner’s path is the ever-dominant force of Japan, a historical powerhouse in Judo. While Riner remains the favorite, questions surround his ability to maintain his peak performance at 35 years old. Hisayoshi Harasawa, a rising star in the heavyweight division and a Judo World Championship silver medalist, could be his fiercest rival. Meanwhile, Japanese Judokas like Abe Hifumi and Uta Abe, both gold medalists in Tokyo 2020, are hungry to repeat their success and regain Japan’s stranglehold on the sport.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen – Norway – Distance Running
Norwegian athlete Jakob Ingebrigsten is tipped most likely to dominate in the distance running scene. Having already shattered the 2000 meters world record, the young prodigy is a safe favorite for gold in either the 1500m or 5000m. Maybe even both. His main competition will likely be his World Championship rival Yomif Kejelcha, who took silver for Ethiopia behind Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m. Ingebrigtsen’s exceptional speed, endurance, and tactical awareness positions him as the man to beat in Paris, his sights set on at least one, and possibly even both, distance gold medals for Norway.
Katie Ledecky – USA – Distance Freestyle Swimming
The Olympic pool might boil over with talent as Katie Ledecky showcases her unwavering dominance in distance freestyle swimming. The six-time Olympic gold medalist holds the world record in the 800m freestyle thanks to her ability to maintain a powerful yet efficient stroke over long distances. But challengers are rising to the occasion, hopeful to dethrone the queen. The best odds belong to Australian contender Ariarne Titmus, who proved herself at the Tokyo Olympics, claiming gold in the 400m freestyle.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica): Women’s 100m Sprint
Nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket” for her explosive speed, 100m sprinter Fraser-Pryce has already been an Olympic champion three times over. This year, she is touted to solidify her legendary status by launching towards a historic fourth Olympic gold. Her championship mentality is incredible, earning her a personal best of 10.60 seconds in the race, ranking her third all-time. However, at 36 years old, the competition won’t be easy. Younger athletes like fellow Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah will be chasing down the pocket rocket, spurred on by a chip on her shoulder after missing the 2023 race season due to injury. Jamaica’s chances at gold are high overall, but who will take the podium is a much harder guess.
Momiji Nishiya – Japan – Women’s Street Skateboarding
Her victory in Tokyo at just 13 years old made Skateboarder Momiji Nishiya the youngest Olympic gold medalist ever. In Paris, she will be aiming to repeat her success. Nishiya’s strength lies in her technical mastery and versatility. She can link complex tricks together with smooth flow and impressive consistency. Momiji’s main competition could come from Rayssa Leal (Brazil), the silver medalist in the Tokyo Games. Dubbed the “skateboard fairy” for her enchanting style, Leal is a crowd favorite with exceptional technical skills and a knack for consistency.
Honorable Mention – Simone Biles – USA – Gymnastics
As of June 2024, it is unknown whether Simone Biles will be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Should Simone Biles return to top form would be the clear favorite for the all-around gymnastics title. Biles’ accolades speak for themselves: four-time Olympic gold medalist, 19-time World Champion. She consistently raises the bar, incorporating elements no other gymnast attempts. A healthy Biles back at her best could become the first woman to win a third consecutive Olympic all-around gold medal.
Biles hasn’t explicitly confirmed her participation. Her decision will likely depend on her overall health, particularly her mental well-being. However, reports suggest Biles is still training, and her recent success at the U.S. Championships in June 2024 indicates her potential return to form.
Final Word:
This illustrious list barely scratches the surface of the talent competing in this year’s games. You can see an even more comprehensive list of the contenders for gold here, on the Olympic Games official website.
While the athletes mentioned above are strong contenders based on current form and past performance, the beauty of the Olympics lies in its unpredictability. A surprise qualifier emerging from a national championship, a dark horse athlete peaking at the right moment, or even an unfortunate injury to a favorite can completely change the podium picture.
This uncertainty will affect the sports betting scene, with traditional and crypto betting markets offering odds that will fluctuate dramatically as the Games approach. Remember, a single off-day or a lucky break can turn an underdog into a champion. The one constant in the Olympics is the guarantee of captivating stories, thrilling performances, and the birth of new sporting legends.
The 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be a captivating display of athletic prowess, drama, and the very pinnacle of human potential.
