American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson is among the favourites to win gold in the women's 100 metres.
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)
It's probably worth keeping track of all the athletes at the Paris Games, but here are some of the top contenders for gold.
Simone Bileswomen's gymnastics — The favorite in the women's all-around competition and widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of her sport, Biles has won seven Olympic medals, including four at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. After her shock withdrawal from the team and all-around competitions in Tokyo, Biles is poised to win gold in what could be the final chapter of her legendary career.
Caeleb Dresselmen's swimming — After winning five golds in Tokyo, Dressel is all but set to walk away from the sport in 2022. After rediscovering his passion for competitive swimming, he proved at the U.S. trials in June that he is among the favorites to win gold in the 100-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle.
Katie Ledeckywomen's swimming — She is the most decorated athlete competing at the Paris Olympics. Ledecky has 10 Olympic medals, including seven gold. She will look to add to her medal tally in the 1,500-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle. Will this be her Olympic swansong or will she be swimming at SoFi Stadium in four years?
Noah LylesMen's 100 and 200 meters — Lyles, never one to shy from the camera, is the reigning world champion in the men's 100m and 200m. He set the world's fastest 200m time at the US qualifying trials last month and will be looking to become the first man since Usain Bolt (2016) to win Olympic gold in both the 100m and 200m.
Sydney McLaughlin-LevroneWomen's 400m hurdles — The heavy favourite for gold, McLaughlin-Levrone broke her world record in the event at the US trials. She won gold in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay in Tokyo.
Sha'Carri RichardsonWomen's 100 metres — Following her controversial disqualification three years ago for testing positive for marijuana, Richardson won the U.S. qualifying trials in June and is considered one of the favourites for gold. She will face stiff competition from Jamaican sprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.
USA Women's Gymnastics Team — They are the favorites to win the team competition, as four of the five have previous Olympic experience. Suni Lee won gold in the all-around and Jade Carey took gold on floor exercises in Tokyo. Jordan Chiles played a key role in helping the Americans take silver in the team championship.
Other gold contenders worth watching: Ryan Crouser (men's shot put), Lilly King (women's swimming), Simone Manuel (women's swimming), Carissa Moore (women's surfing), Ryan Murphy (men's swimming), Gabby Thomas (women's 200m), USA Women's Basketball Team, USA Men's Basketball Team
