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 five Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Kansas City that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Joel Embiid, Basketball
Before he was a star for the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid was shooting hoops with the KU Jayhawks. Now, he’s earned his spot alongside teammates Steph Curry + LeBron James after an intense recruitment battle between Cameroon, France + America. His reason to picking Team USA? His son, Arthur. Men’s basketball events begin Tuesday, July 27.
Finnegan also competes as an LSU Tiger. | Photo via @aleahfinn
Aleah Finnegan, Gymnastics
This Olympian is the first female gymnast to represent the Philippines at the games. Originally from St. Louis, Finnegan has been prepping for her Paris appearance in the Kansas City area — before women’s artistic gymnastics events begin July 28.
Quincy Hall, Track & Field: Men’s 400M
The world bronze medalist is a KC native and Raytown High School alum, who ran a lifetime best 44.17 at the US Olympic Team Trials last month. When he’s not on the track, you can find him at home with his four dogs and 20 horses. Two feet or four, Hall is all about speed. Men’s track + field events, classified under Athletics, begin Aug. 1.
Mein began shooting clays at eight years old. | Photo via @derrick.mein
Derrick Mein, Shooting
The sport shooter is originally from Paola — ~45 miles southwest of KCMO — and attended Kansas State University before competing in the 2020 Olympics. Mein is a jack of all trades with a great shot, having competed in sporting clays, skeet, trap, international trap, and helice. Shooting events begin July 26.
Chris Nilsen, Track & Field: Men’s Pole Vault
Nilsen earned silver during Tokyo’s 2020 games with a 19' 7" vault, but now he’s going for gold. Only the second native Kansas Citian on our list, the Olympian has competed in three World Championships, taking home one silver and two bronze since 2022. Men’s track + field events, classified under athletics, begin Aug. 1.
