The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be an unforgettable spectacle, especially when it comes to water sports. With events ranging from rowing to sailing, some of the world’s most elite athletes will compete for glory. Here’s a look at 15 athletes you should keep an eye on, including their backgrounds, achievements, and the equipment they use.
1. Emma Twigg (New Zealand) – Rowing
Background: Emma Twigg is a New Zealand rower and reigning Olympic champion in the women’s single sculls. With a career spanning over a decade, Twigg has consistently been a force to reckon with on the water. After taking a break post-2016 Rio Olympics, she returned stronger, clinching gold in Tokyo 2020.
Equipment:
- Boat: Filippi F14 Single Scull
- Price: Approximately $12,000
- Specs: Lightweight carbon fiber construction, optimized hull shape for speed and stability.
2. Matthew Pinsent (Great Britain) – Rowing
Background: Although retired, Matthew Pinsent’s legacy continues to inspire the British rowing team. An Olympic gold medalist in four consecutive games, his influence is seen in the current crop of rowers. The British team will be looking to honor his legacy with strong performances in Paris.
Equipment:
- Boat: Hudson USP 8+
- Price: Around $50,000
- Specs: High-performance racing shell, carbon fiber construction, optimized for speed in eights rowing.
3. Hannah Mills (Great Britain) – Sailing
Background: Hannah Mills is one of the most decorated sailors in Olympic history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Mills has been a dominant figure in the 470 class. In Paris 2024, she will look to add to her impressive medal haul.
Equipment:
- Boat: 470 Class Dinghy
- Price: Approximately $18,000
- Specs: 4.7 meters in length, made from fiberglass, and optimized for agility and speed.
4. Peter Burling (New Zealand) – Sailing
Background: Peter Burling is a sailing prodigy who has already achieved so much at a young age. With a gold medal in the 49er class at Rio 2016 and a silver at Tokyo 2020, Burling is a favorite heading into Paris 2024.
Equipment:
- Boat: 49er Class Skiff
- Price: Around $30,000
- Specs: 4.99 meters in length, lightweight and fast, designed for high-speed sailing.
5. Caeleb Dressel (USA) – Swimming
Background: Caeleb Dressel is an American swimmer who has dominated in recent years, particularly in sprint freestyle and butterfly events. With multiple gold medals from Tokyo 2020, Dressel is expected to be a star in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: Speedo LZR Pure Intent
- Price: Around $400
- Specs: Compression technology, hydrophobic fabric, and flexible zones for maximum efficiency.
6. Katie Ledecky (USA) – Swimming
Background: Katie Ledecky is one of the most successful swimmers of all time, with seven Olympic gold medals to her name. Known for her dominance in long-distance freestyle events, Ledecky is expected to shine in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: TYR Venzo Genesis
- Price: Approximately $500
- Specs: Ultra-lightweight fabric, hydrodynamic design, and minimal drag.
7. Kristina Timanovskaya (Poland) – Canoe Sprint
Background: A rising star in canoe sprint, Kristina Timanovskaya has shown tremendous potential on the international stage. She will be a strong contender in the women’s 500m kayak events in Paris.
Equipment:
- Kayak: Nelo Vanquish 4 K1
- Price: Around $4,000
- Specs: High-performance racing kayak, carbon fiber construction, optimized for speed and stability.
8. Sebastian Brendel (Germany) – Canoe Sprint
Background: Sebastian Brendel is a legend in canoe sprint, with multiple Olympic gold medals to his name. Specializing in the C1 1000m event, Brendel is a favorite for gold in Paris 2024.
Equipment:
- Canoe: Nelo Moskito 1 C1
- Price: Approximately $3,500
- Specs: Lightweight, streamlined design for top speed and maneuverability.
9. Simone Manuel (USA) – Swimming
Background: Simone Manuel made history as the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming. Specializing in sprint freestyle events, Manuel is a strong contender in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: Arena Powerskin Carbon Core FX
- Price: Around $450
- Specs: High compression, carbon fiber bands, designed for explosive power.
10. Florian Wellbrock (Germany) – Open Water Swimming
Background: Florian Wellbrock is a dual threat in both pool and open water swimming. He won gold in the 10km open water event in Tokyo 2020 and is expected to perform well in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent
- Price: Approximately $400
- Specs: Hydrophobic fabric, engineered for long-distance efficiency.
11. Isaquias Queiroz (Brazil) – Canoe Sprint
Background: Isaquias Queiroz is a Brazilian canoe sprinter who has been a dominant force in the C1 and C2 events. With multiple Olympic medals, Queiroz is a favorite in Paris 2024.
Equipment:
- Canoe: Nelo Moskito 2 C1
- Price: Around $3,500
- Specs: Lightweight and agile, designed for top performance in sprint events.
12. Tom Slingsby (Australia) – Sailing
Background: Tom Slingsby is an Olympic gold medalist and multiple world champion in sailing. Competing in the Laser class, Slingsby is known for his tactical brilliance and speed on the water.
Equipment:
- Boat: Laser Class Dinghy
- Price: Approximately $8,000
- Specs: 4.23 meters in length, single-handed design, optimized for agility and speed.
13. Federico Burdisso (Italy) – Swimming
Background: Federico Burdisso is a rising star in Italian swimming, specializing in butterfly events. With a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at Tokyo 2020, Burdisso is one to watch in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: Jaked JKatana
- Price: Around $450
- Specs: High compression, water-repellent fabric, designed for streamlined performance.
14. Charlotte Worthington (Great Britain) – BMX Freestyle
Background: Although not a traditional water sport, BMX Freestyle will take place near the water in Paris. Charlotte Worthington is the reigning Olympic champion and a trailblazer in the sport.
Equipment:
- Bike: GT Speed Series BMX
- Price: Approximately $1,200
- Specs: Lightweight aluminum frame, optimized for speed and agility in freestyle events.
15. Florent Manaudou (France) – Swimming
Background: Florent Manaudou is a French swimming superstar, known for his explosive speed in sprint freestyle events. With a gold medal in the 50m freestyle from London 2012, Manaudou is a local hero and a top contender in Paris.
Equipment:
- Swimsuit: Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide
- Price: Around $400
- Specs: Advanced compression, ultra-lightweight fabric, designed for minimal drag.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympics will showcase some of the best athletes in water sports, from swimming and rowing to sailing and canoe sprint. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, these 15 athletes are set to make waves and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the Olympics, these competitors are worth watching as they strive for gold on the world’s biggest stage.
Happy Boating!
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