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2021 Olympic Games

100 Olympians and Paralympians to watch ahead of Tokyo Games

USA TODAY
Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson: Indoor volleyball, United States. A key player on teams that won Olympic silver and bronze in 2012 and 2016, respectively, Akinradewo Gunderson figures to be a veteran leader as the Americans push for gold.
Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson: Indoor volleyball, United States. A key player on teams that won Olympic silver and bronze in 2012 and 2016, respectively, Akinradewo Gunderson figures to be a veteran leader as the Americans push for gold.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Michael Andrew: Swimming, United States. The 22-year-old qualified to swim three events in Tokyo, during what will be his Olympic debut: The 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley.
Michael Andrew: Swimming, United States. The 22-year-old qualified to swim three events in Tokyo, during what will be his Olympic debut: The 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley.
Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Dina Asher-Smith: Track and field, Great Britain. One of the world’s elite sprinters, Asher-Smith won a gold and two silvers at the 2019 world championships in Qatar and could very well repeat that showing in Tokyo.
Dina Asher-Smith: Track and field, Great Britain. One of the world’s elite sprinters, Asher-Smith won a gold and two silvers at the 2019 world championships in Qatar and could very well repeat that showing in Tokyo.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Perry Baker: Rugby, United States. A two-time recipient of the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award, Baker is the star on an American team that could surprise in Tokyo.
Perry Baker: Rugby, United States. A two-time recipient of the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award, Baker is the star on an American team that could surprise in Tokyo.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Simone Biles: Gymnastics, United States. One of the biggest names and most accomplished athletes in Olympic sports, Biles won four gold medals and one bronze in Rio and looks primed to match or exceed that haul this summer.
Simone Biles: Gymnastics, United States. One of the biggest names and most accomplished athletes in Olympic sports, Biles won four gold medals and one bronze in Rio and looks primed to match or exceed that haul this summer.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Ismael Borrero: Wrestling, Cuba. Borrero, who competes in Greco-Roman wrestling, is the reigning Olympic and world champion – and one of Cuba’s top medal hopes in Tokyo.
Ismael Borrero: Wrestling, Cuba. Borrero, who competes in Greco-Roman wrestling, is the reigning Olympic and world champion – and one of Cuba’s top medal hopes in Tokyo.
David E. Klutho, USA TODAY Sports
Trayvon Bromell: Track and field, United States. After overcoming a string of injuries, Bromell has emerged as the clear favorite in the first post-Usain Bolt era of the men's 100-meter dash.
Trayvon Bromell: Track and field, United States. After overcoming a string of injuries, Bromell has emerged as the clear favorite in the first post-Usain Bolt era of the men's 100-meter dash.
Charlie Riedel, AP
Jade Carey: Gymnastics, United States. A specialist in vault and floor exercise, the 21-year-old figures to play a key role for the U.S. in Tokyo before returning home to compete collegiately at Oregon State.
Jade Carey: Gymnastics, United States. A specialist in vault and floor exercise, the 21-year-old figures to play a key role for the U.S. in Tokyo before returning home to compete collegiately at Oregon State.
Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports
Joshua Cheptegei: Track and field, Uganda. The 24-year-old Cheptegei currently holds the world record in both the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters. He set the latter mark at an event in August, besting a previous record that stood for 16 years.
Joshua Cheptegei: Track and field, Uganda. The 24-year-old Cheptegei currently holds the world record in both the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters. He set the latter mark at an event in August, besting a previous record that stood for 16 years.
JOSE JORDAN, AFP Via Getty Images
Jordan Chiles: Gymnastics, United States. The 20-year-old Chiles trains with Simone Biles and will be her teammate on the U.S. team, which is heavily favored to win Olympic gold this summer.
Jordan Chiles: Gymnastics, United States. The 20-year-old Chiles trains with Simone Biles and will be her teammate on the U.S. team, which is heavily favored to win Olympic gold this summer.
Grace Hollars, USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Crouser: Track and field, United States. A dominant force in shot put, Crouser will hope to once again edge fellow American Joe Kovacs and win his second consecutive Olympic gold.
Ryan Crouser: Track and field, United States. A dominant force in shot put, Crouser will hope to once again edge fellow American Joe Kovacs and win his second consecutive Olympic gold.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Matheus Cunha: Soccer, Brazil. Cunha scored five goals in CONMEBOL Olympic qualifying competition last year for Brazil, which won gold in Rio and is a perennial Olympic contender in the sport.
Matheus Cunha: Soccer, Brazil. Cunha scored five goals in CONMEBOL Olympic qualifying competition last year for Brazil, which won gold in Rio and is a perennial Olympic contender in the sport.
CHRISTOF STACHE, AFP Via Getty Images
Kyle Dake: Wrestling, United States. After edging 2012 gold medalist Jordan Burroughs at the Olympic trials in April, the 30-year-old Dake will now head to Tokyo with hopes of bringing home a gold of his own.
Kyle Dake: Wrestling, United States. After edging 2012 gold medalist Jordan Burroughs at the Olympic trials in April, the 30-year-old Dake will now head to Tokyo with hopes of bringing home a gold of his own.
Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Artur Dalaloyan: Gymnastics, Russian Olympic Committee. The 2018 all-around world champion is among the Russian athletes who will compete under a neutral flag in Tokyo as punishment for the country ’ s doping violations.
Artur Dalaloyan: Gymnastics, Russian Olympic Committee. The 2018 all-around world champion is among the Russian athletes who will compete under a neutral flag in Tokyo as punishment for the country’s doping violations.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Daniel Dias: Para-swimming, Brazil. One of the most decorated athletes in Paralympic history, the 32-year-old has won a whopping 24 Paralympic medals in swimming over the past three Games and figures to add to that total in Tokyo.
Daniel Dias: Para-swimming, Brazil. One of the most decorated athletes in Paralympic history, the 32-year-old has won a whopping 24 Paralympic medals in swimming over the past three Games and figures to add to that total in Tokyo.
Buda Mendes, Getty Images
Eva de Goede: Field hockey, Netherlands. The Dutch women have won either gold or silver at each of the past four Olympic Games and de Goede, the reigning two-time International Hockey Federation player of the year, is among their brightest stars.
Eva de Goede: Field hockey, Netherlands. The Dutch women have won either gold or silver at each of the past four Olympic Games and de Goede, the reigning two-time International Hockey Federation player of the year, is among their brightest stars.
Marcelo Endelli, Getty Images
Andre De Grasse: Track and field, Canada. De Grasse won three medals at the 2016 Olympics and two more at the 2019 world championships, emerging as a serious medal contender at both 100 and 200 meters this summer.
Andre De Grasse: Track and field, Canada. De Grasse won three medals at the 2016 Olympics and two more at the 2019 world championships, emerging as a serious medal contender at both 100 and 200 meters this summer.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Stefanie Dolson: Basketball, United States. A two-time NCAA champion at Connecticut and now a two-time All-Star in the WNBA, Dolson will hope to help the U.S. win gold in the Olympic debut of 3-on-3 basketbal.
Stefanie Dolson: Basketball, United States. A two-time NCAA champion at Connecticut and now a two-time All-Star in the WNBA, Dolson will hope to help the U.S. win gold in the Olympic debut of 3-on-3 basketbal.
Eileen T. Meslar, AP
Luka Doncic: Basketball, Slovenia. The Dallas Mavericks star dropped a triple-double in a win over Lithuania to secure his country's spot in the Olympic field.
Luka Doncic: Basketball, Slovenia. The Dallas Mavericks star dropped a triple-double in a win over Lithuania to secure his country's spot in the Olympic field.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Caeleb Dressel: Swimming, United States. The 24-year-old Florida native is destined for Olympic stardom this summer after racking up eight medals, including six golds, at the most recent swimming world championships in 2019.
Caeleb Dressel: Swimming, United States. The 24-year-old Florida native is destined for Olympic stardom this summer after racking up eight medals, including six golds, at the most recent swimming world championships in 2019.
MANAN VATSYAYANA, AFP Via Getty Images
Armand Duplantis: Track and field, Sweden. Born and raised in Louisiana, the 21-year-old wunderkind recently broke the world record in pole vault and has become one of the biggest names in field events.
Armand Duplantis: Track and field, Sweden. Born and raised in Louisiana, the 21-year-old wunderkind recently broke the world record in pole vault and has become one of the biggest names in field events.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant: Basketball, United States. One of the world's most dominant players, Durant headlines a U.S. team looking to win its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Kevin Durant: Basketball, United States. One of the world's most dominant players, Durant headlines a U.S. team looking to win its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports
Chloé Dygert: Cycling, United States. After a scary crash at the 2020 world championships, the 2016 silver medalist will rehab with an eye on medaling again in Tokyo.
Chloé Dygert: Cycling, United States. After a scary crash at the 2020 world championships, the 2016 silver medalist will rehab with an eye on medaling again in Tokyo.
Manu Fernandez, AP
Brady Ellison: Archery, United States. Ellison, now 32, is a three-time Olympic medalist and one of American’s perennial contenders in the sport.
Brady Ellison: Archery, United States. Ellison, now 32, is a three-time Olympic medalist and one of American’s perennial contenders in the sport.
Eric Seals, USA TODAY Sports
Roger Federer: Tennis, Switzerland. Arguably the greatest tennis player of his generation, Federer’s sparkling resume has one glaring hole: He’s never won an Olympic gold medal in singles.
Roger Federer: Tennis, Switzerland. Arguably the greatest tennis player of his generation, Federer’s sparkling resume has one glaring hole: He’s never won an Olympic gold medal in singles.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Allyson Felix: Track and field, United States. The 35-year-old and nine-time Olympic medalist is now heading to her fifth Olympics, and the first since the birth of her daughter, Camryn.
Allyson Felix: Track and field, United States. The 35-year-old and nine-time Olympic medalist is now heading to her fifth Olympics, and the first since the birth of her daughter, Camryn.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Connor Fields: BMX, United States. The first American to win an Olympic gold medal in BMX is expected to be back in 2021, with hopes of winning gold medal No. 2.
Connor Fields: BMX, United States. The first American to win an Olympic gold medal in BMX is expected to be back in 2021, with hopes of winning gold medal No. 2.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sport
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Track and field, Jamaica. Now 34, Fraser-Pryce will be making her fourth appearance at the Olympics in search of her third gold medal in the 100-meter dash.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Track and field, Jamaica. Now 34, Fraser-Pryce will be making her fourth appearance at the Olympics in search of her third gold medal in the 100-meter dash.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Todd Frazier: Baseball, United States. The 11-year MLB veteran played a crucial role for Team USA in qualifying, including a four-hit performance against Venezuela that officially secured the team's spot in Tokyo.
Todd Frazier: Baseball, United States. The 11-year MLB veteran played a crucial role for Team USA in qualifying, including a four-hit performance against Venezuela that officially secured the team's spot in Tokyo.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Janja Garnbret: Sport climbing, Slovenia. Garnbret is just 21, but she’s already won two combined world titles and established herself as a dominant force in climbing, which is making its Olympic debut.
Janja Garnbret: Sport climbing, Slovenia. Garnbret is just 21, but she’s already won two combined world titles and established herself as a dominant force in climbing, which is making its Olympic debut.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Coco Gauff: Tennis, United States. The 17-year-old Gauff is the headliner on a young U.S. tennis squad that will be without several marquee names, including Serena Williams, at the Olympics this summer.
Coco Gauff: Tennis, United States. The 17-year-old Gauff is the headliner on a young U.S. tennis squad that will be without several marquee names, including Serena Williams, at the Olympics this summer.
Peter Van Den Berg, USA TODAY Sports
Lex Gillette: Para track and field, United States. Gillette has competed in long jump at four Paralympic Games, and brought home four medals – all silver. Will he finally break through in Tokyo?
Lex Gillette: Para track and field, United States. Gillette has competed in long jump at four Paralympic Games, and brought home four medals – all silver. Will he finally break through in Tokyo?
Buda Mendes, Getty Images
Naomi Graham: Boxing, United States. A staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Graham has also become a serious gold medal contender for Tokyo in a weight class that has previously been dominated by Claressa Shields.
Naomi Graham: Boxing, United States. A staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Graham has also become a serious gold medal contender for Tokyo in a weight class that has previously been dominated by Claressa Shields.
CRIS BOURONCLE, AFP Via Getty Images
Adeline Gray: Wrestling, United States. After suffering an injury in competition just before COVID-19, the Olympic delay represents a new opportunity for Gray, a five-time world champion.
Adeline Gray: Wrestling, United States. After suffering an injury in competition just before COVID-19, the Olympic delay represents a new opportunity for Gray, a five-time world champion.
Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen-USA TODAY NETWORK
Vincent Hancock: Shooting, United States. A former sergeant in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Hancock won back-to-back gold medals in men ' s skeet in 2008 and 2012 before a disappointing showing in 2016.
Vincent Hancock: Shooting, United States. A former sergeant in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Hancock won back-to-back gold medals in men's skeet in 2008 and 2012 before a disappointing showing in 2016.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Mikkel Hansen: Handball, Denmark. The three-time International Handball Federation player of the year is the leader of a Danish team that won gold in Rio and is a perennial contender in handball.
Mikkel Hansen: Handball, Denmark. The three-time International Handball Federation player of the year is the leader of a Danish team that won gold in Rio and is a perennial contender in handball.
INA FASSBENDER, AFP Via Getty Images
Grant Holloway: Track and field, United States. The former Florida Gator and reigning world champion in the 110-meter hurdles could be in for a star turn in Tokyo.
Grant Holloway: Track and field, United States. The former Florida Gator and reigning world champion in the 110-meter hurdles could be in for a star turn in Tokyo.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Katinka Hossz œ : Swimming, Hungary. After swimming collegiately at Southern Cal, Hossz œ has become one of the world ' s best in the individual medley events, winning eight world titles and two Olympic golds since 2013 alone.
Katinka Hosszœ: Swimming, Hungary. After swimming collegiately at Southern Cal, Hosszœ has become one of the world's best in the individual medley events, winning eight world titles and two Olympic golds since 2013 alone.
ATTILA KISBENEDEK, AFP Via Getty Images
Melissa Humana-Paredes, right, and Sarah Pavan: Beach volleyball, Canada. The Canadians have never won a medal in women ’ s beach volleyball, but they have a shot at gold in Tokyo thanks to Humana-Paredes and Pavan, the reigning world champions.
Melissa Humana-Paredes, right, and Sarah Pavan: Beach volleyball, Canada. The Canadians have never won a medal in women’s beach volleyball, but they have a shot at gold in Tokyo thanks to Humana-Paredes and Pavan, the reigning world champions.
Ronald Zak, AP
Nyjah Huston: Skateboarding, United States. A four-time world champion in the street discipline, this American is likely to be a breakout star in one of the newest Olympic sports.
Nyjah Huston: Skateboarding, United States. A four-time world champion in the street discipline, this American is likely to be a breakout star in one of the newest Olympic sports.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Kanak Jha: Table tennis, United States. Jha was the youngest American to compete in Rio, when he was just 16, and will aim to now build on his bronze medal at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Tokyo.
Kanak Jha: Table tennis, United States. Jha was the youngest American to compete in Rio, when he was just 16, and will aim to now build on his bronze medal at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Tokyo.
David E. Klutho, USA TODAY Sports
Laura Kenny: Cycling, Great Britain. The 28-year-old has won a total of four gold medals in two Olympic appearances and will aim to add a few more this summer.
Laura Kenny: Cycling, Great Britain. The 28-year-old has won a total of four gold medals in two Olympic appearances and will aim to add a few more this summer.
Maja Hitij, Getty Images
Sam Kerr: Soccer, Australia. The Aussies have never made it past the quarterfinal round of either the World Cup or Summer Olympics, but Kerr, who won two MVP awards in the National Women ' s Soccer League before moving to Chelsea, gives them reason to hope.
Sam Kerr: Soccer, Australia. The Aussies have never made it past the quarterfinal round of either the World Cup or Summer Olympics, but Kerr, who won two MVP awards in the National Women's Soccer League before moving to Chelsea, gives them reason to hope.
Tony Feder, Getty Images
Lilly King: Swimming, United States. Specializing in the breaststroke, the 23-year-old is expected to win multiple medals in Tokyo, to add to the pair she won in Rio during her Olympic debut.
Lilly King: Swimming, United States. Specializing in the breaststroke, the 23-year-old is expected to win multiple medals in Tokyo, to add to the pair she won in Rio during her Olympic debut.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
Eliud Kipchoge: Marathon, Kenya. The first person to run a marathon in under two hours, Kipchoge will now try to follow up that historic feat by repeating as an Olympic gold-medalist this summer.
Eliud Kipchoge: Marathon, Kenya. The first person to run a marathon in under two hours, Kipchoge will now try to follow up that historic feat by repeating as an Olympic gold-medalist this summer.
HERBERT NEUBAUER, APA/AFP Via Getty Images
Alix Klineman, right, and April Ross: Beach volleyball, United States. Ross has twice reached the Olympic podium, winning silver in 2012 and bronze in 2016. Now, she ' ll go for gold with a new partner in Klineman, with whom she ' s been playing since 2018.
Alix Klineman, right, and April Ross: Beach volleyball, United States. Ross has twice reached the Olympic podium, winning silver in 2012 and bronze in 2016. Now, she'll go for gold with a new partner in Klineman, with whom she's been playing since 2018.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Jin Young Ko: Golf, South Korea. The No. 1 player in the world and 2019 LPGA player of the year could very well add an Olympic medal to her resume in Tokyo.
Jin Young Ko: Golf, South Korea. The No. 1 player in the world and 2019 LPGA player of the year could very well add an Olympic medal to her resume in Tokyo.
Erik Williams, USA TODAY Sports
Sakura Kokumai: Karate, United States. A perennial podium threat in the kata discipline of karate, the 28-year-old Kokumai is arguably Team USA's top contender for a medal in Tokyo this summer as karate makes its Olympic debut.
Sakura Kokumai: Karate, United States. A perennial podium threat in the kata discipline of karate, the 28-year-old Kokumai is arguably Team USA's top contender for a medal in Tokyo this summer as karate makes its Olympic debut.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Katie Ledecky: Swimming, United States. If Ledecky can repeat her incredible performance from Rio, where she won five Olympic golds, she would become just the second Summer Olympian to earn 10 golds. The current leader in gold medals is Michael Phelps, who has 23.
Katie Ledecky: Swimming, United States. If Ledecky can repeat her incredible performance from Rio, where she won five Olympic golds, she would become just the second Summer Olympian to earn 10 golds. The current leader in gold medals is Michael Phelps, who has 23.
Robert Scheer/IndyStar, Indianapolis Star/ USA TODAY Network
Evy Leibfarth: Canoe slalom, United States. After punching her ticket for Tokyo in April, the 17-year-old Leibfarth figures to be one of the United States ’ youngest Olympic athletes.
Evy Leibfarth: Canoe slalom, United States. After punching her ticket for Tokyo in April, the 17-year-old Leibfarth figures to be one of the United States’ youngest Olympic athletes.
Colby Rabon/Citizen Times, Citizen Times/ USA TODAY Network
Jessica Long: Para-swimming, United States. Long has already racked up 23 Paralympic medals, including 13 golds, in four trips to the Games, and will try to add to that total in Tokyo.
Jessica Long: Para-swimming, United States. Long has already racked up 23 Paralympic medals, including 13 golds, in four trips to the Games, and will try to add to that total in Tokyo.
Buda Mendes, Getty Images
Vincent Luis: Triathlon, France. The 31-year-old hasn ' t finished better than seventh in his first two Olympic appearances but has emerged as a medal threat ahead of Tokyo after winning back-to-back World Triathlon Series titles.
Vincent Luis: Triathlon, France. The 31-year-old hasn't finished better than seventh in his first two Olympic appearances but has emerged as a medal threat ahead of Tokyo after winning back-to-back World Triathlon Series titles.
FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP Via Getty Images
Noah Lyles: Track and field, United States. At 23, Lyles is already the face of America ' s track and field team and one of Team USA ' s brightest stars. He ' s favored to win at least one medal in Tokyo.
Noah Lyles: Track and field, United States. At 23, Lyles is already the face of America's track and field team and one of Team USA's brightest stars. He's favored to win at least one medal in Tokyo.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Simone Manuel: Swimming, United States. Another big name in American swimming, Manuel won four medals in Rio, including two gold, and hopes to add to that total this summer.
Simone Manuel: Swimming, United States. Another big name in American swimming, Manuel won four medals in Rio, including two gold, and hopes to add to that total this summer.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
Damir Martin: Rowing, Croatia. Martin won silver at the Rio Games in agonizing fashion, finishing five thousandths of a second behind the winner. He'll be hoping for better luck -- and a gold medal -- this summer in Tokyo.
Damir Martin: Rowing, Croatia. Martin won silver at the Rio Games in agonizing fashion, finishing five thousandths of a second behind the winner. He'll be hoping for better luck -- and a gold medal -- this summer in Tokyo.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Alexander Massialas: Fencing, United States. Massialas, whose father coaches the U.S. men ' s foil national team, booked his ticket to Tokyo before the COVID-19 pandemic began and will hope to add to the two medals he won in Rio.
Alexander Massialas: Fencing, United States. Massialas, whose father coaches the U.S. men's foil national team, booked his ticket to Tokyo before the COVID-19 pandemic began and will hope to add to the two medals he won in Rio.
PETER KOHALMI, AFP Via Getty Images
Oksana Masters: Para-cycling, United States. A Paralympic juggernaut, Masters has competed in both the Summer and Winter Games since 2012 and will look to earn her first cycling medal this summer.
Oksana Masters: Para-cycling, United States. A Paralympic juggernaut, Masters has competed in both the Summer and Winter Games since 2012 and will look to earn her first cycling medal this summer.
Friedemann Vogel, Getty Images
Tatyana McFadden: Para track and field, United States. The 31-year-old has already won 17 medals in five Paralympic appearances – but she’ll be back for more in Tokyo.
Tatyana McFadden: Para track and field, United States. The 31-year-old has already won 17 medals in five Paralympic appearances – but she’ll be back for more in Tokyo.
Mike Hewitt, Getty Images
Rory McIlroy: Golf, Ireland. McIlroy pulled out of the 2016 Olympics, citing concerns over the Zika virus, but promises to be one of the stars in the field this time around.
Rory McIlroy: Golf, Ireland. McIlroy pulled out of the 2016 Olympics, citing concerns over the Zika virus, but promises to be one of the stars in the field this time around.
Warren Little, Getty Images
Sydney McLaughlin: Track and field, United States. A burgeoning star in American track and field, the 21-year-old could return home with multiple medals, in her primary event (the 400-meter hurdles) and as part of a relay team.
Sydney McLaughlin: Track and field, United States. A burgeoning star in American track and field, the 21-year-old could return home with multiple medals, in her primary event (the 400-meter hurdles) and as part of a relay team.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Gabriel Medina: Surfing, Brazil. The Brazilians have set the bar in the men’s professional surfing circuit of late, and the 27-year-old Medina – a two-time champion – is among the country’s best.
Gabriel Medina: Surfing, Brazil. The Brazilians have set the bar in the men’s professional surfing circuit of late, and the 27-year-old Medina – a two-time champion – is among the country’s best.
Matt Roberts, Getty Images
Tamyra Mensah-Stock: Wrestling, United States. Mensah-Stock was one of three American women to win their weight class at the 2019 world championships and will hope to maintain that form into 2021.
Tamyra Mensah-Stock: Wrestling, United States. Mensah-Stock was one of three American women to win their weight class at the 2019 world championships and will hope to maintain that form into 2021.
Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Sam Mikulak: Gymnastics, United States. A six-time U.S. all-around champion, the 28-year-old is poised to make his third trip to the Olympics with hopes of winning his first medal.
Sam Mikulak: Gymnastics, United States. A six-time U.S. all-around champion, the 28-year-old is poised to make his third trip to the Olympics with hopes of winning his first medal.
Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/ USA TODAY NETWORK
Anders Mol and Christian S ø rum: Beach volleyball, Norway. This Scandanavian country isn ' t typically associated with beach volleyball prowess, but that will change this year as Mol and S ø rum are set to enter the Olympics as defending world champions, and unquestionably the team to beat.
Anders Mol and Christian Sørum: Beach volleyball, Norway. This Scandanavian country isn't typically associated with beach volleyball prowess, but that will change this year as Mol and Sørum are set to enter the Olympics as defending world champions, and unquestionably the team to beat.
Kiyoshi Ota, Getty Images
Kento Momota: Badminton, Japan. After fracturing his eye socket in a car crash early last year, the two-time defending world champion in men’s singles is healthy and eyeing his first Olympic medal.
Kento Momota: Badminton, Japan. After fracturing his eye socket in a car crash early last year, the two-time defending world champion in men’s singles is healthy and eyeing his first Olympic medal.
AFP Via Getty Images
Carissa Moore: Surfing, United States. The Hawaii native won the 2019 World Surf League and figures to be a medal threat when surfing makes its Olympic debut this summer.
Carissa Moore: Surfing, United States. The Hawaii native won the 2019 World Surf League and figures to be a medal threat when surfing makes its Olympic debut this summer.
SONNY TUMBELAKA, AFP Via Getty Images
Leomon Moreno: Goalball, Brazil. The Brazilians have been dominant in goalball of late thanks in large part to Moreno, who scored a tournament-best 44 goals en route to Brazil ' s second consecutive world title in 2018.
Leomon Moreno: Goalball, Brazil. The Brazilians have been dominant in goalball of late thanks in large part to Moreno, who scored a tournament-best 44 goals en route to Brazil's second consecutive world title in 2018.
YASUYOSHI CHIBA, AFP Via Getty Images
Dalilah Muhammad: Track and field, United States. The reigning world champion and Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles figures to be one of several American stars on the track in Tokyo.
Dalilah Muhammad: Track and field, United States. The reigning world champion and Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles figures to be one of several American stars on the track in Tokyo.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Misugu Okamoto: Skateboarding, Japan. The 14-year-old Okamoto burst onto the scene in recent years and has become the clear-cut favorite to win gold in the park discipline in Tokyo.
Misugu Okamoto: Skateboarding, Japan. The 14-year-old Okamoto burst onto the scene in recent years and has become the clear-cut favorite to win gold in the park discipline in Tokyo.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Adam Ondra: Sport climbing, Czech Republic. Widely considered to be the world ' s best climber, both indoors and outdoors, Ondra will now hope to add Olympic gold to his lengthy list of achievements.
Adam Ondra: Sport climbing, Czech Republic. Widely considered to be the world's best climber, both indoors and outdoors, Ondra will now hope to add Olympic gold to his lengthy list of achievements.
PASCAL PAVANI, AFP Via Getty Images
Shohei Ono: Judo, Japan. The 28-year-old Ono is a three-time world champion, 2016 Olympic gold medalist and arguably the top judoka in the world ahead of the Tokyo Games.
Shohei Ono: Judo, Japan. The 28-year-old Ono is a three-time world champion, 2016 Olympic gold medalist and arguably the top judoka in the world ahead of the Tokyo Games.
Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports
Naomi Osaka: Tennis, Japan. In just a few short years, Osaka has become a dominant presence on the court, with three Grand Slam single ' s titles in three years, and one of the sport ' s most marketable athletes off it.
Naomi Osaka: Tennis, Japan. In just a few short years, Osaka has become a dominant presence on the court, with three Grand Slam single's titles in three years, and one of the sport's most marketable athletes off it.
Danielle Parhizkaran, USA TODAY Sports
Cat Osterman: Softball, United States. A legend in the sport, Osterman is set to compete for the United States in Tokyo, when she will be 38, and then retire shortly thereafter.
Cat Osterman: Softball, United States. A legend in the sport, Osterman is set to compete for the United States in Tokyo, when she will be 38, and then retire shortly thereafter.
Sue Ogrocki, AP
Natalia Partyka: Para table tennis, Poland. The 31-year-old has won eight Paralympic medals but also regularly competes against able-bodied opponents. She competed at both the Olympics and Paralympics in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Natalia Partyka: Para table tennis, Poland. The 31-year-old has won eight Paralympic medals but also regularly competes against able-bodied opponents. She competed at both the Olympics and Paralympics in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Lars Dareberg/Ombrello, Getty Images
Adam Peaty: Swimming, Great Britain. The 26-year-old breaststroke specialist currently holds two world records and is Britain ' s top swimming star
Adam Peaty: Swimming, Great Britain. The 26-year-old breaststroke specialist currently holds two world records and is Britain's top swimming star
Catherine Ivill, Getty Images
Megan Rapinoe: Soccer, United States. One of the most recognizable names in women ' s soccer, Rapinoe will try to help the U.S. rebound with a medal after a disappointing fifth-place showing in Rio.
Megan Rapinoe: Soccer, United States. One of the most recognizable names in women's soccer, Rapinoe will try to help the U.S. rebound with a medal after a disappointing fifth-place showing in Rio.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Raevyn Rogers: Track and field, United States. A former Oregon standout, Rogers and compatriot Aje é Wilson finished second and third, respectively, at the 2019 world championships. Now they -- and 19-year-old Athing Mu -- could be in medal contention in Tokyo.
Raevyn Rogers: Track and field, United States. A former Oregon standout, Rogers and compatriot Ajeé Wilson finished second and third, respectively, at the 2019 world championships. Now they -- and 19-year-old Athing Mu -- could be in medal contention in Tokyo.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Giles Scott: Sailing, Great Britain. A four-time winner of the Finn Gold Cup, the premier sailing event in its class, Scott will try to win a second Olympic gold before Finn sailing leaves the Olympic program in 2024.
Giles Scott: Sailing, Great Britain. A four-time winner of the Finn Gold Cup, the premier sailing event in its class, Scott will try to win a second Olympic gold before Finn sailing leaves the Olympic program in 2024.
Eric Seals, USA TODAY Sports
Molly Seidel: Marathon, United States. A longtime distance runner, but surprise Olympic qualifier, Seidel placed second in the U.S. marathon trials last year in what was her first ever marathon.
Molly Seidel: Marathon, United States. A longtime distance runner, but surprise Olympic qualifier, Seidel placed second in the U.S. marathon trials last year in what was her first ever marathon.
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Daiya Seto: Swimming, Japan. Seto was suspended by the Japan Swimming Federation last year after he admitted to having an extramarital affair, which violated the federation’s sportsmanlike conduct rules. But he remains one of the world’s elite swimmers, and perhaps Japan’s top medal contender in Tokyo.
Daiya Seto: Swimming, Japan. Seto was suspended by the Japan Swimming Federation last year after he admitted to having an extramarital affair, which violated the federation’s sportsmanlike conduct rules. But he remains one of the world’s elite swimmers, and perhaps Japan’s top medal contender in Tokyo.
Ng Han Guan, AP
Sarah Sj ö str ö m: Swimming, Sweden. Prolific at shorter distances, Sj ö str ö m currently holds six world records and promises to be one of Sweden ' s top talents in the pool, and at the Olympics overall.
Sarah Sjöström: Swimming, Sweden. Prolific at shorter distances, Sjöström currently holds six world records and promises to be one of Sweden's top talents in the pool, and at the Olympics overall.
ED JONES, AFP Via Getty Images
Regan Smith: Swimming, United States. The Minnesota teen is among the many up-and-comers in American swimming, and primed for a breakout performance in Tokyo after winning two world titles at the 2019 world championships.
Regan Smith: Swimming, United States. The Minnesota teen is among the many up-and-comers in American swimming, and primed for a breakout performance in Tokyo after winning two world titles at the 2019 world championships.
Saul Young, Knoxville News Sentinel / USA TODAY Network
Kyle Snyder: Wrestling, United States. After winning gold in Rio in 2016, Snyder was dominant at the Olympic trials in April and has his eye on a repeat performance in Tokyo.
Kyle Snyder: Wrestling, United States. After winning gold in Rio in 2016, Snyder was dominant at the Olympic trials in April and has his eye on a repeat performance in Tokyo.
Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Maggie Steffens: Water polo, United States. The American women have blossomed into a water polo powerhouse, and the 27-year-old Steffens will hope to lead them to a third consecutive Olympic gold.
Maggie Steffens: Water polo, United States. The American women have blossomed into a water polo powerhouse, and the 27-year-old Steffens will hope to lead them to a third consecutive Olympic gold.
Andrew P. Scott, USA TODAY Sports
Lasha Talakhadze: Weightlifting, Georgia. The 6-foot-6, 372-pound Talakhadze has won four consecutive world titles in his weight class and is the heavy favorite to bring home another gold for Georgia this summer.
Lasha Talakhadze: Weightlifting, Georgia. The 6-foot-6, 372-pound Talakhadze has won four consecutive world titles in his weight class and is the heavy favorite to bring home another gold for Georgia this summer.
DANIEL MIHAILESCU, AFP Via Getty Images
Pita Taufatofua: Taekwondo, Tonga. Perhaps best known as Tonga’s shirtless flag-bearer, Taufatofua has competed in both the Summer and Winter Games in recent years and already booked his ticket to Tokyo.
Pita Taufatofua: Taekwondo, Tonga. Perhaps best known as Tonga’s shirtless flag-bearer, Taufatofua has competed in both the Summer and Winter Games in recent years and already booked his ticket to Tokyo.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports
Diana Taurasi: Basketball, United States. A WNBA legend, the 39-year-old Taurasi is back from injury and has a strong chance to win a fifth Olympic gold.
Diana Taurasi: Basketball, United States. A WNBA legend, the 39-year-old Taurasi is back from injury and has a strong chance to win a fifth Olympic gold.
Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
Ben Thompson: Para-archery, United States. Thompson was named the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee ' s Male Paralympian of the Year in 2019 after a dramatic win at the world championships and is in search of his first Paralympic medal.
Ben Thompson: Para-archery, United States. Thompson was named the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Male Paralympian of the Year in 2019 after a dramatic win at the world championships and is in search of his first Paralympic medal.
Handout, World Archery Federation Via Getty Images
Lexi Thompson: Golf, United States. Thompson finished 2020 just outside the Top 10 in the world rankings but will likely be among several American women with a shot at winning a medal this summer.
Lexi Thompson: Golf, United States. Thompson finished 2020 just outside the Top 10 in the world rankings but will likely be among several American women with a shot at winning a medal this summer.
Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA, Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK
Shi Tingmao: Diving, China. The winner of two gold medals in Rio, Tingmao has been named the International Swimming Federation ' s female diver of the year in each of the past five years.
Shi Tingmao: Diving, China. The winner of two gold medals in Rio, Tingmao has been named the International Swimming Federation's female diver of the year in each of the past five years.
Clive Rose, Getty Images
Richard Torrez Jr.: Boxing, United States. An up-and-coming talent in the super heavyweight division, the Tulare, California native has emerged as one of the top U.S. medal threats in boxing.
Richard Torrez Jr.: Boxing, United States. An up-and-coming talent in the super heavyweight division, the Tulare, California native has emerged as one of the top U.S. medal threats in boxing.
Vongni Yang
Kohei Uchimura: Gymnastics, Japan. One of Japan ' s most decorated gymnasts, the 31-year-old will be greeted as a hometown hero this summer.
Kohei Uchimura: Gymnastics, Japan. One of Japan's most decorated gymnasts, the 31-year-old will be greeted as a hometown hero this summer.
Toru Hanai, Getty Images
Isabell Werth: Equestrian, Germany. Werth has won a record 10 medals in equestrian over five Olympic appearances dating back to 1992 and could very well add to that haul this summer.
Isabell Werth: Equestrian, Germany. Werth has won a record 10 medals in equestrian over five Olympic appearances dating back to 1992 and could very well add to that haul this summer.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Getty Images For FEI
Tang Xijing: Gymnastics, China. The Chinese teen finished second to Simone Biles in all-around competition at the 2019 world championships and will be among those vying for a medal in Tokyo.
Tang Xijing: Gymnastics, China. The Chinese teen finished second to Simone Biles in all-around competition at the 2019 world championships and will be among those vying for a medal in Tokyo.
LIONEL BONAVENTURE, AFP Via Getty Images
Cao Yuan: Diving, China. A three-time Olympic medalist, Yuan is one of several Chinese divers who could find themselves on the podium this summer.
Cao Yuan: Diving, China. A three-time Olympic medalist, Yuan is one of several Chinese divers who could find themselves on the podium this summer.
Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
Katie Zaferes: Triathlon, United States. Zaferes finished 18th at the Rio Games but has since emerged as one of the elite athletes in her sport, finishing first and second ITU World Triathlon Series in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Katie Zaferes: Triathlon, United States. Zaferes finished 18th at the Rio Games but has since emerged as one of the elite athletes in her sport, finishing first and second ITU World Triathlon Series in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports
Mariel Zagunis: Fencing, United States. The 35-year-old has already secured her spot at what will be her fifth Olympic Games, where she ' ll try to win her third gold in sabre.
Mariel Zagunis: Fencing, United States. The 35-year-old has already secured her spot at what will be her fifth Olympic Games, where she'll try to win her third gold in sabre.
Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports
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