15,000 athletes will compete in 878 events across 54 sports at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. To help you narrow in on what to watch, we asked our network of elite athletes, coaches and influencers to share the stories they’re most excited for. Here’s what they said.
It might sound silly but one of the things I’m most excited about is for the athletes to experience a ‘normal’ Olympic Games.
After an extremely challenging, delayed and socially distanced, Tokyo Games in 2021, this will be the first chance for summer athletes since 2016 to experience that real Summer Games feel. From socializing in the athlete village, to getting out into Paris after they compete to soak up the Games energy, it’ll be incredible!
On the performance front, Summer McIntosh is the one to watch in swimming. She’ll have stiff competition with Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, and USA’s Katie Ledecky (among others!), but she’s proved she belongs with the best, and I think she’s got a great shot at some seriously well earned Olympic medals.
I’m also really excited to see Josh Liendo lead a quickly improving men’s swim team. He, along with a few other young Canadian men (like Ilya Kharun) have proven that they’re not afraid of the big boys on the world stage, so I think they’ll be ready to leave their mark for Canada too.
When to watch
Summer McIntosh: July 27 – August 4
Josh Liendo: July 31, August 3, August 4
Ilya Kharun: July 31, August 3, August 4
There is incredible momentum leading into the Paris Paralympic Games.
It signals to many Paralympic athletes a competition post-COVID, whereby their planning and preparation have been more within their control. For many, it is a chance to come back following the Summer Games in Tokyo with focus and determination to perform.
Athletes heading into these Games are now in the final qualification period to secure a nomination to Team Canada. There are many exciting stories, with numerous first-time athletes heading to Paris. For some veterans, like the Women’s Goalball Team, it means securing a nomination for Team Canada.
Let’s all cheer on Team Canada in this fierce and exciting competition from August 28 to September 8!
When to watch
Paralympic Games: August 28 – September 8
Women’s Goalball: August 29 – September 5
For me, one of the most exciting sports to watch at the Paris Olympic Games will be Women’s Beach Volleyball, featuring the Team Canada duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson.
I worked with Melissa’s dad at Ontario Volleyball when I was starting my career in sport management, and these two talented athletes have been supported by Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) throughout their careers.
Paris 2024 will be Melissa and Brandie’s second Olympic appearance, having both competed at Tokyo 2020 with different partners. Melissa and Brandie teamed up in 2022 and have since made the podium at numerous international and professional beach volleyball tournaments. They are currently ranked 4th in the world.
Melissa is also a former World Champion and a two-time Commonwealth Games Champion, having won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship in 2019 and the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, all with her former partner Sarah Pavan.
When to watch
Women’s Beach Volleyball: July 27 – August 9
Canada Basketball is set to make history at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For the first time, Canada has earned Olympic qualification for the women’s team, the men’s team, and the 3×3 women’s basketball team. This milestone highlights the growing strength and depth of basketball in Canada.
The women’s, men’s, and 3×3 women’s basketball teams are heading into Paris with significant momentum. Each team has demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the qualification process, providing a strong foundation as they prepare to compete on the world stage.
Additionally, both the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams will compete at the Paralympic Games. Known for their competitive spirit and resilience, these teams add to Canada’s robust presence in basketball.
With no regrets and a steadfast focus on winning, Canada Basketball is poised to make a substantial impact at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, representing Canada with pride and inspiring future generations.
When to watch
Men’s Basketball: July 27 – August 10
Women’s Basketball: July 28 – August 11
Women’s 3×3 Basketball: July 30 – August 5
Men’s Wheelchair Basketball: August 29 – September 7
Women’s Wheelchair Basketball: August 29 – September 8
Canada has recently become a basketball nation.
Five teams will represent Canada in Paris: three Olympic teams (Men’s, Women’s, and Women’s 3×3) and two Paralympic teams (Men’s and Women’s). The Women’s 3×3 team, featuring the top three FIBA Women’s 3×3 players, won a nail-biter in their final Olympic qualifying game to secure their spot.
The Men’s team, qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in over two decades, is riding high after beating the USA to win bronze at last year’s world championships. With their most talented roster ever, the big question is whether they can build on the team approach developed over the past four years.
The Women’s Wheelchair basketball team has an experienced and talented roster capable of medaling in Paris. However, after three coaching changes in three years, the question is whether their current stability will allow them to gel in time for a deep run at the 2024 Paralympics.
When to watch
Men’s Basketball: July 27 – August 10
Women’s Basketball: July 28 – August 11
Women’s 3×3 Basketball: July 30 – August 5
Men’s Wheelchair Basketball: August 29 – September 7
Women’s Wheelchair Basketball: August 29 – September 8
Jacqueline (Jackie) Simoneau is an artistic swimmer heading into her third Olympic Games.
Known for her grace and precision in the water, Jackie has been a key figure in Canadian artistic swimming for years. After competing in the Tokyo Olympics, she decided to retire and pursue a doctorate in podiatric medicine, demonstrating her dedication and versatility both in and out of the pool.
In 2023, Jackie made the surprising decision to put her studies on hold and rejoin the national team. Her return has been nothing short of remarkable. At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, she played a pivotal role in helping Canada qualify a full team and a duet for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her leadership and experience have been invaluable to the team, inspiring her teammates and contributing to their overall success.
Jackie’s most significant achievement came when she made history by becoming the World Champion in the free solo routine. This victory marked the first time a Canadian had won the title in 33 years, cementing her legacy in the sport. Her comeback and subsequent triumphs have not only elevated her status but also shone a spotlight on Canadian artistic swimming on the world stage.
When to watch
Artistic Swimming: August 5 – August 10
I’ll be watching the team rowing events, where brief yet intense races unfold in just 5-7 minutes.
These events are a captivating showcase of teamwork, skill, and endurance, as athletes push themselves to their absolute limits in the pursuit of victory. The synchronization and power displayed by the rowers create a thrilling spectacle that never fails to inspire.
Rowing demands both physical strength and mental resilience, with athletes enduring massive pain and exhaustion while maintaining perfect coordination. This combination makes rowing one of the most challenging and compelling sports to watch, drawing viewers who appreciate the dedication required to excel.
For a deeper insight into the preparation and commitment involved in rowing, I highly recommend The Four-Year Olympian by Jeremiah Brown. This book provides a gripping account of Brown’s journey and the immense effort needed to compete at the highest level, offering an inspiring story of perseverance and achievement.
When to watch
Rowing: July 27 – August 3
