Track and field has long been a sport defined by legendary athletes, iconic performances, and record-breaking moments that capture the world’s attention. From Usain Bolt’s lightning-fast sprints to Allyson Felix’s dominance in the 400 meters, the sport’s history is rich with incredible athletes who have etched their names into the annals of athletic greatness. But as the 2024 season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be the next track and field stars to dominate the global stage?
With major events like the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, the stage is set for the emergence of fresh talent, new rivalries, and game-changing performances that could define the next era of track and field. In this article, we take a look at some of the rising stars poised to make their mark and potentially dominate the track in 2024.
1. Athing Mu (USA) – The Future of Women’s 800m
When we talk about rising stars, Athing Mu is arguably one of the most exciting young athletes in track and field today. The 21-year-old American middle-distance runner has already accomplished what many athletes can only dream of—Olympic gold in the 800 meters in 2021, and a World Championship title in 2022.
Mu’s combination of strength, speed, and tactical intelligence has made her one of the most feared athletes in her event. What sets her apart is her ability to surge in the final 200 meters, a skill that has allowed her to consistently close races at an elite level. Heading into 2024, Mu is poised to defend her title and possibly become the face of women’s middle-distance running for years to come.
As one of the top contenders for gold at the Paris Olympics, Athing Mu’s dominance in the 800m will likely extend into the next Olympic cycle, positioning her as a star of the future in track and field.
2. Noah Lyles (USA) – Reigniting the Sprinting Legacy
Noah Lyles is already a household name in the world of sprints, but in 2024, he could become the face of American track and field. The 26-year-old sprinter has already secured two World Championship titles in the 200 meters and has demonstrated an ability to run incredibly fast across multiple distances. His 10.5-second 100m sprint and 19.3-second 200m time are indicative of his versatility, and in 2024, he could add Olympic gold to his growing list of accomplishments.
Lyles has the charisma, speed, and competitive fire to fill the void left by Usain Bolt’s retirement, and he’s widely regarded as one of the top contenders in the sprints heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics. With his eyes firmly set on dominating the 100m and 200m, Noah Lyles will be one of the athletes to watch in 2024, and he could very well claim the title of world’s fastest man.
3. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – The 400m Hurdles Queen
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a name that has dominated the 400m hurdles for the past few years, and 2024 could see her continue her reign. The 24-year-old phenom broke the world record in the event multiple times in 2022 and is widely regarded as the best 400m hurdler the sport has ever seen. With a time of 50.68 seconds, McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record run in 2022 at the World Championships stunned the world, and her ability to consistently run under 52 seconds makes her a clear favorite to win gold in 2024.
Having already won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and multiple World Championships, McLaughlin-Levrone is one of the most complete athletes in track and field. As she prepares for the Paris Games, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a star that track and field fans around the world are eagerly anticipating to watch dominate again.
4. Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) – Pole Vaulting’s Reigning King
When you think of dominance in track and field, Mondo Duplantis’ name immediately comes to mind. The Swedish pole vaulter has redefined the event, shattering world records and pushing the limits of human performance. Duplantis has already broken the world record multiple times, with his most recent leap of 6.21 meters in 2022 solidifying his position as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.
Heading into the 2024 season, Duplantis will be the overwhelming favorite to take home gold in Paris, and his continued pursuit of higher vaults will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As one of the most technically gifted athletes in the world, Duplantis has the potential to revolutionize the pole vaulting landscape even further in 2024. He could cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats with a dominant Olympic performance.
5. Tobi Amusan (Nigeria) – The 100m Hurdles Phenom
In 2022, Tobi Amusan made history with an incredible world record performance in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking a time of 12.12 seconds to claim gold at the World Championships. This jaw-dropping performance earned her the title of world’s fastest woman in the event and catapulted her to superstardom.
Heading into 2024, Amusan will be one of the most formidable competitors in women’s hurdles, and many expect her to be a top contender for Olympic gold. Her combination of speed, precision, and poise makes her a force to be reckoned with in the 100m hurdles, and if she can maintain her consistency heading into Paris, Amusan could become one of the breakout stars of the Olympics.
6. Erriyon Knighton (USA) – The Future of American Sprinting
At just 19 years old, Erriyon Knighton has already made a splash on the international sprinting scene. Knighton, who became the youngest male athlete ever to run under 20 seconds in the 200 meters, has demonstrated the kind of explosive talent that could make him a superstar in the coming years. His 19.49-second performance in the 200m at just 18 years old made him the second-fastest 200-meter runner of all time, trailing only Usain Bolt.
As Knighton continues to mature and gain experience on the world stage, he will undoubtedly be a contender for gold in both the 100m and 200m events. With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, Erriyon Knighton is primed to take the sprinting world by storm and could very well become the next face of American sprinting for years to come.
7. Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) – The Sprinting Sensation on the Rise
After a turbulent few years, Sha’Carri Richardson has finally found her stride and is once again becoming a major force in the 100-meter dash. Known for her vibrant personality and fiery competitive spirit, Richardson has proven she has the speed to compete with the world’s best. With a personal best of 10.72 seconds in the 100m, she’s among the fastest women in history.
Richardson’s rise back to the top has been marked by incredible resilience, and as she prepares for the 2024 Olympics, there’s no doubt that she’ll be a top contender for gold. With a combination of blistering speed and mental toughness, Sha’Carri Richardson could very well emerge as one of the breakout stars of the 2024 Olympics.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Track and Field in 2024
As we look ahead to 2024, the world of track and field is brimming with excitement. The next generation of athletes is ready to take center stage, with stars like Athing Mu, Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Mondo Duplantis, and Tobi Amusan all poised to dominate their respective events. The competition will be fierce, and the performances unforgettable.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom on the horizon, one thing is certain: the future of track and field is in great hands, and the world is about to witness some of the most thrilling moments the sport has ever seen. Who will rise to the occasion and claim their place in history? Only time will tell, but these rising stars are more than ready to make their mark.
