Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones. Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Charlotte that you should keep your eye on.
Want to see these athletes go for the gold? Be sure to stay tuned to WCNC’s coverage of the Olympics so you don’t miss a moment. Let the Games begin.
Steph Curry, Basketball
The NBA champion for the Golden State Warriors grew up in Charlotte. Curry graduated from Charlotte Christian and played at Davidson College for three seasons (2006-09). Despite tenured history with Team USA, Paris 2024 will be Curry’s Olympic debut.
Cierra Burdick, Basketball
Born in the Queen City, Burdick has been a member of USA Basketball since 2009. Her career highlights include winning 3x3 gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games, 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, and 2014 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Casey Eichfeld, Canoe/Kayak
A Pennsylvania native that now calls Huntersville home, Eichfeld is preparing his fourth Olympic appearance. He trains at the US National Whitewater Center where he was previously a raft guide.
Evy Leibfarth, Canoe/Kayak
A native of Bryson City, North Carolina, Leibfarth attends Davidson College. She’s the first US woman to qualify for three Olympic canoe/kayak events.
Anna Cockrell, Track & Field
A Charlotte native, Paris 2024 will be Cockrell’s second Olympic appearance. Cockrell will be competing in the women’s 400m hurdles. She recently competed in the 2023 World Championships where she placed fifth.
Kaylyn Brown, Track & Field
The Charlotte native and Mallard Creek High alumni is currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas. The 19-year-old posted the second-fastest 400-meter time in the US this year.
Quenera Hayes, Track & Field
Speaking of track, Hayes was a star athlete at Livingstone College in Salisbury. The 400-meter world champion is competing in her second Olympics.
Hannah Aspden, Para Swimming
She won two bronze medals in Rio in 2016 and two gold medals in Tokyo in the Paralympic Games. Aspden attended Queens University of Charlotte.
US Women’s Field Hockey team
The team is headquartered in Charlotte. The team trains and competes on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte).
Carson Clough, Paratriathlon
This co-founder of Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters in Plaza Midwood attended Charlotte Latin and played lacrosse at North Carolina. He won gold in the 2022 Paratriathlon National Championships.
Seth Rider, Triathlon
A student at Queens University in Charlotte, Rider was part of the US team that won gold in the mixed relay at the World Triathlon Championship Series in Montreal in 2021.
WCNC is your home for all things Olympics. Catch the Opening Ceremony Friday, July 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. (with a replay starting at 7:30 p.m.), and be sure to check out WCNC’s schedule to make sure you don’t miss a second of the 2024 Games.
