Everyone’s already talking about the Olympics. And rightfully so. The Paris Olympics 2024, which officially begin on July 26, 2024, are already making headlines. Notably, this edition of the Games marks exactly 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924. Plus, the Paris Olympics promise to be historic, with perfect parity between female and male athletes. This is a first. Also creating some buzz are the thousands of competitors hoping to win the gold. Amongst them, we found five Latina athletes to watch.
5 Latina Athletes to Watch at The Paris Olympics
1 Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic, Sprinter): Paulino’s athletic career ranges from handball player to sprinter. She won silver in Tokyo 2020 for the 400 meters and 4 x 400 meters mixed relay events. She was the Dominican Republic’s first winner in women’s track and field. In 2022, she became the first Dominican woman to step onto the podium at the World Athletics Championships. Now, she aims for Olympic gold in Paris.
2 Sandra Lorena Arenas (Colombia, Race Walker): Arenas’ path to athletics began when a priest encouraged her after a race. In Tokyo 2020, she narrowly missed the gold medal in the 20 kilometers walk event. Her determination makes her a strong contender for the gold in Paris.
3 Rayssa Leal (Brazil, Skateboarding): Leal, known as the “Fadinha,” captured hearts worldwide with her skateboarding talent. At just 13 years old, she won silver in Tokyo 2020, making her the youngest Brazilian to ever win a medal. In Paris, at 16, she aims to dazzle us once again on the skateboard.
4 Agustina Albertario (Argentina, Field Hockey): Albertario is a force on the field. As a field hockey player, she has represented Argentina in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Now, at the age of 30, Paris 2024 provides her a new opportunity to win an Olympic medal.
5 Natalia Escalera (Mexico, Gymnastics): Escalera is the 2021 Pan American champion who secured the bronze medal on the vault at the 2023 Pan American Games. The Mexican gymnast is set to represent Mexico at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Let the Games begin!
Featured photo: PARIS, FRANCE, JULY 7, 2023: Statue of athletic woman holding olympic circle. Modern Olympic Stadium in Background. Sport photo for Summer olympic Game in Paris 2024 — Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos.
