Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones. Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up four Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to the Nashville area that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Alex Walsh, swimming
Walsh is one half of the University of Virginia sister swimming duo hailing from Nashville. She is a Harpeth Hall School alumna who went on to first compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, where she earned a silver medal. Fun fact: You can shop the Walsh sister swim collection with Sporti.
Gretchen Walsh, swimming
Gretchen Walsh, the younger sister to Alex Walsh, is no stranger to the spotlight. Before setting a world record in the 100-meter butterfly at the trials a few weeks ago, she was the youngest swimmer to qualify for the 2016 US Olympic Swimming Trials.
Walker Zimmerman, soccer
The Nashville SC defender was called up and is trading in his blue and gold for a spot on the US Men’s Olympic Soccer Team. The local legend has made 42 appearances for the US on an international level in the past, tallying three goals and two assists.
Sunny Choi, breaking
This Cookeville native, who moved to nearby Louisville, KY for most of her youth before calling New York City home, was the first to qualify for Team USA in the new Olympic Game breaking (commonly known as breakdancing). Unlike most sports at the Games, she will compete head-to-head, tournament-style with other breakers.