Gymnast Simone Biles and swimmer Katie Ledecky headline the formidable 592-member U.S. Olympic team, aiming for the top of the medals table at the Paris Games starting this month.
Ledecky, a 10-time Olympic medalist, and Biles, considered the greatest female gymnast of all time, are among 66 Olympic champions and 250 returning Olympians in the powerhouse U.S. squad announced on Wednesday.
At the Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. secured 39 gold medals, one more than China, and topped the medal count with 113 in total.
“These remarkable 592 athletes of Team USA have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and passion in their pursuit of excellence on their road to earning a place on the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team and representing the United States in Paris,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. “This summer, Team USA athletes will amaze us with extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit – and they will undoubtedly inspire the next generation.”
Three athletes, Diana Taurasi (basketball), Steffen Peters (equestrian), and McLain Ward (equestrian), will make their fifth Olympic appearances. High-profile debutants include flamboyant sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson and breaker Logan “Logistx” Edra.
The U.S. roster comprises 314 females and 278 males, marking the fourth consecutive Games where the U.S. has sent more women than men. The squad features at least six sets of siblings, including badminton twins Annie and Kerry Xu. Gymnast Hezly Rivera, 16, is the youngest team member, while equestrian Peters, 59, is the oldest.
Team USA will compete in 44 sports at the Paris Games, which begin on July 26 and run until August 11.
