Simone Biles (USA – Gymnastics)
There is no sporting event bigger than the Olympics. Every time this global celebration of sport comes around, the world's eyes turn to those fortunate enough to compete for medals. Among the 10,714 athletes, a few superstars shine brighter than the rest, expected to break records and bring home the gold. V9Bet has picked five Olympic athletes who are set to make history at the Paris Games 2024.
Inspired by ancient Greek civilization, the modern Olympic Games were first held in Athens, Greece, in 1986. Divided into Summer and Winter Olympics, these events are held every four years, alternating between the two seasons every two years. Paris Games 2024 marks the 33rd Summer Olympics, with 32 sports and 329 events, featuring 10,714 athletes from around the world, including 51 athletes representing Thailand.
The Olympics are unlike any other competition, turning ordinary people into national heroes, making champions even more prominent, and showcasing extraordinary human talent. Here are five Olympic athletes poised to make a new chapter of history at Paris Games 2024.
Simone Biles (USA – Gymnastics)
Simone Biles, born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, USA, had a challenging childhood, spending time in foster care because her family couldn't afford to raise her and her siblings. However, this hardship led her to discover gymnastics, a passion that would change her life. After training with coach Aimee Boorman and being adopted by her grandfather, Ron Biles, Simone emerged as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
In 2016, at just 19 years old, she stunned the world by winning four gold medals and one bronze at the Rio Games. Despite her disappointment at the Tokyo Games 2020, where she secured just one silver and one bronze, she’s now ready to reclaim her throne at the Paris Olympics, where she will be the fourth American athlete to compete in at least three Olympics.
Léon Marchand (France – Swimming)
Born on May 17, 2002, in Toulouse, France, Léon Marchand is the son of two national swimmers, Xavier Marchand and Céline Bonnet. Initially, Marchand took up judo and rugby before switching to swimming at the age of nine, excelling in freestyle, butterfly, and breaststroke events. With a degree in science and immense talent, he moved to the USA in 2021 to train under Bob Bowman, the legendary coach of Michael Phelps.
In the World Championships, he claimed titles in the 200m and 400m medley and the 200m butterfly. Marchand is set to shine at his first Olympic Games, which will be held on home soil in Paris.
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Novak Djokovic (Serbia – Tennis)
Novak Djokovic, born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia, fell in love with tennis at the age of four, with American tennis star Pete Sampras as his idol. Growing up amidst political turmoil in Serbia, he moved to Germany at 12 for training and later spent time in the USA and Italy to pursue his tennis career.
Djokovic became the world’s No. 1 player in July 2011, amassing 24 Grand Slam titles to date, as well as the Davis Cup. The only accolade missing is an Olympic gold medal, with his best finish being a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games. At 37, Paris 2024 could be Djokovic's final shot at Olympic glory.
Zheng Qinwen (China – Tennis)
Zheng Qinwen was born on October 8, 2002, in Shiyan, Hubei Province, China. After moving to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, with her mother, she began her tennis training at the age of eight. Under the guidance of coach Carlos Rodriguez, she moved to Beijing at 12 and later to Barcelona at 17 to train with coach Pere Riba.
Turning professional in 2021, she quickly climbed the ranks to become the world’s No. 7 player. Though she hasn’t won a major title yet, Zheng’s stellar performances have cemented her status as one of the sport’s rising stars. She is expected to leave her mark at Paris Games 2024.
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA – Athletics)
Sha’Carri Richardson, born on March 25, 2000, in Dallas, Texas, USA, was raised by her grandmother and aunt. Her athletic prowess became evident early on, winning 100m races at major youth events such as the AAU Junior Olympics. In 2019, at just 19, she set the world ablaze by clocking a 100m time of 10.75 seconds, making her one of the fastest women in history.
Despite being banned from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, Richardson is determined to make her Olympic debut in Paris 2024, aiming to write her name in the record books.
Follow every moment of the Paris Games 2024 with V9Bet, from the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024, to the closing ceremony on August 11, 2024. New members can enjoy free access to watch the Olympics and read daily athlete updates. Thai sports fans looking to bet on the Olympics can receive a 100% bonus on their first deposit, up to 3,000 THB, along with 20 free spins to boost their winnings.
Paris Games 2024 will feature 10,714 athletes competing, including 51 from Thailand. Among them are many who will write new chapters in Olympic history. Keep an eye on the five athletes we've highlighted, as well as others, as they aim for greatness.