The 2024 Paris Olympics has come to a close, and it will be remembered as a competition that lived up to its expectations, with athletes from around the world competing fiercely for a spot on the podium, eventually making their countries proud. Among those who left an indelible mark were African-American athletes, who ensured their names were etched into the annals of history during this summer’s Games in France.
Here are some of the African-American history makers at the 2024 Paris Olympics you should know:
Gabby Thomas:
U.S. sprinter Gabrielle Lisa Thomas made history in the 200m event, clinching gold in the final while edging out St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and her U.S. teammate Brittany Brown. Thomas also won gold in the women’s 4x100m relay and the women’s 4x400m relay.
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Annette Nneka Echikunwoke:
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke also made history, becoming the first American woman to win a medal (silver) in the women’s hammer throw. Echikunwoke originally set to represent Nigeria in 2020 but was disqualified due to a drug testing compliance issue. She later switched allegiance to the USA and now stands as the first American woman to medal in the hammer throw.
Simone Biles:
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a memorable event for Simone Biles. Biles clinched four medals, including three golds, and became the most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time with a total of seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes.
Joel Embiid:
Seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid secured his first Olympic gold medal after leading the USA to victory in the men’s basketball tournament, defeating hosts France in the final.
LeBron James:
LeBron James, one of the greatest NBA players of all time, continued his winning streak by leading Team USA to its fifth straight gold medal in men’s basketball. James secured his third Olympic gold medal and was named the basketball tournament’s most valuable player.
Steph Curry:
Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history, Steph Curry made his Olympic debut in Paris. Curry, along with NBA legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant, helped lead Team USA to victory, securing his first Olympic gold medal.
Noah Lyles:
U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles secured his first Olympic gold by winning the men’s 100m final with a stunning 9.79s finish. Lyles also earned a bronze medal in the 200m, finishing behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.
A’ja Wilson:
A’ja Wilson, the MVP of the women’s basketball tournament, led Team USA to its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The two-time WNBA champion also secured her second straight Olympic gold.
Rai Benjamin:
Rai Benjamin, the second fastest man in 400m hurdles history, made his mark by winning gold in the 400m final, 400m hurdles final, and the 4x400m relay, bringing his total Olympic medal count to four.
Kevin Durant:
Kevin Durant continued his dominance, securing his fourth straight Olympic gold medal with Team USA in men’s basketball.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone:
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the first woman to defend her Olympic title in the 400m hurdles. She won gold in both the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay, successfully defending her titles from the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Masai Russell:
In her first Olympic appearance, 24-year-old Masai Russell won gold in the women’s 100m hurdles, marking her first podium finish at the Games.
Quincy Wilson:
At just 16 years old, Quincy Wilson became the youngest male track and field athlete to compete for Team USA at the Olympics, participating in the men’s 4x100m relay.
As the USA prepares to host the next edition of the Olympics in 2028, these athletes can draw inspiration from their historic performances in Paris and look forward to even greater achievements.
