As the Olympic flame is lit on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France, marking the commencement of the XXXIII Olympiad, Team USA will proudly be represented by 23 exceptional athletes from New Jersey. This year’s Games promise an electrifying display of talent across 32 sports, including some new additions to the Olympic roster. Here’s a closer look at the Garden State’s standout competitors and their respective sports.
Gymnastics
- Hezly Rivera (Oradell): At just 16 years old, Hezly Rivera is the youngest member of Team USA. Her impressive skills have already made her a standout in the gymnastics arena, and many are eagerly watching her Olympic debut.
Track and Field
- Curtis Thompson (Florence): Returning from the 2020 Olympics, Curtis Thompson continues to be a formidable force in track and field.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Dunellen): A veteran of the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone boasts two gold medals and remains a top contender in her events.
- Keturah Orji (Mount Olive): Also a returning athlete from the 2016 and 2020 Games, Keturah Orji is well-known for her exceptional performance in the field events.
- Sam Mattis (East Brunswick): A key player in the field events, Sam Mattis will aim to make a significant impact.
- Catarina Guimaraes (Cranford): Representing Team USA as a Paralympian, Catarina Guimaraes brings a wealth of experience and determination to the track.
Triathlon
- Morgan Pearson (New Vernon): After a stellar performance in the 2020 Olympics, where he earned a silver medal, Morgan Pearson returns with high hopes for the 2024 Games.
Soccer
- Paxten Aaronson (Medford): An emerging star in American soccer, Paxten Aaronson will be showcasing his skills on the international stage.
- Casey Murphy (Bridgewater): A key player in the women’s soccer team, Casey Murphy is set to make her mark in Paris.
- John Tolkin (Chatham): Another soccer standout, John Tolkin, will bring his talents to the world’s biggest stage.
Swimming
- Jack Alexy (Morristown): With a reputation for speed and precision, Jack Alexy is a swimmer to watch this year.
- Nic Fink (Morristown): A returning Olympian from 2020, Nic Fink is looking to build on his previous successes.
- Christie Raleigh Crossley (Toms River): Competing as a Paralympian, Christie Raleigh Crossley brings strength and resilience to the swimming pool.
Basketball
- Bam Adebayo (Newark): Known for his dynamic presence on the court, Bam Adebayo will be a key player for the U.S. basketball team.
Field Hockey
- Amanda Golini (Randolph): Representing the U.S. in field hockey, Amanda Golini will be crucial to the team’s success in Paris.
Fencing
- Elizabeth Tartakovsky (Livingston): A skilled fencer, Elizabeth Tartakovsky brings her competitive edge to the Olympics.
- Jackie Dubrovich (Riverdale): Another talented fencer from New Jersey, Jackie Dubrovich is set to shine in her events.
- Mitchell Saron (Ridgewood): A key figure in fencing, Mitchell Saron will look to make an impact on the Olympic stage.
Sport Climbing
- Jesse Grupper (Upper Montclair): Making his mark in sport climbing, Jesse Grupper is ready to tackle the new Olympic discipline.
Rowing
- Molly Reckford (Short Hills): A returning Olympian from 2020, Molly Reckford continues to be a strong contender in rowing.
Golf
- Scottie Scheffler (Ridgewood): One of golf’s top players, Scottie Scheffler will represent New Jersey with skill and precision.
Table Tennis
- Amy Wang (Sewell): A top competitor in table tennis, Amy Wang is set to display her exceptional skills at the Games.
Judo
- Jack Yonezuka (West Long Branch): Representing the U.S. in judo, Jack Yonezuka will bring his expertise to the Olympic mat.
As the world tunes in to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics, the spotlight will shine brightly on these 23 talented athletes from New Jersey. Their hard work, dedication, and impressive skills have earned them a place on Team USA, and they are poised to make their mark on the global stage. The Games in Paris promise to be an exhilarating showcase of athleticism and sportsmanship, and New Jersey’s finest will undoubtedly contribute to the excitement and excellence of the competition.
There will be lots of NJ ties in Paris for the Olympic games this summer, running July 26 through Aug. 11 — with events airing on NBC and online at NBC.com.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Track)
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