With the Olympic Opening Ceremonies right around the corner, it’s time to get to know some of our favorite sprinters running the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and even 400mH. Following the release of the Netflix docuseries ‘Sprint,’ you may see some familiar faces of the biggest personalities in the world of sprinting.
Let’s dive into who we’re excited to watch, get to know them, and read our bold predictions.
Noah Lyles
🇺🇸 USA | 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Bio: 26-year-old Noah Lyles is a bold character who is one of the podium favorites for all three events he’ll be competing in. As seen on the Netflix docuseries Sprint, Lyles has a big personality and likes to talk the talk. Despite his controversial nature, he’s consistently able to follow that up with big results in high-stakes environments.
What You Should Know: Lyles is coming to Paris on a mission to conquer these Olympic Games. His goal is to become only the fifth man ever to win the elusive ‘sprint triple’ at the Olympic Games. This would involve him winning both individual races, the 100m and 200m, alongside the 4x100m relay. This would put him among the likes of legends in the sport including Jesse Owens, Bobby Morrow, Carl Lewis, and Usain Bolt.
Watch For This: Lyles is a powerful runner, but can sometimes struggle with his start in the 200m, popping up too early. He’ll be looking to get a strong start in both events, and will easily carry his momentum through the finish.
Our Prediction: Lyles places himself among the greats, winning the Olympic sprint triple.
What You Should Know: Lyles is coming to Paris on a mission to conquer these Olympic Games. His goal is to become only the fifth man ever to win the elusive ‘sprint triple’ at the Olympic Games. This would involve him winning both individual races, the 100m and 200m, alongside the 4x100m relay. This would put him among the likes of legends in the sport including Jesse Owens, Bobby Morrow, Carl Lewis, and Usain Bolt.
Watch For This: Lyles is a powerful runner, but can sometimes struggle with his start in the 200m, popping up too early. He’ll be looking to get a strong start in both events, and will easily carry his momentum through the finish.
Our Prediction: Lyles places himself among the greats, winning the Olympic sprint triple.
Shericka Jackson
🇯🇲 JAM | 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
Bio: Shericka Jackson is a long-standing powerhouse in the world of sprinting. Initially excelling in the 400m, she transitioned to the 100m and the 200m after winning Olympic medals in the longer distance. The 30-year-old, also featured on Sprint, has a fierce personality on and off the track, making her a daunting athlete to compete against.
What You Should Know: Jackson is coming to Paris as the reigning two-time World Champion in the 200m, and beating her won’t be easy. Despite a number of World Champion titles and Olympic medals, she has yet to claim Olympic glory in an individual event.
Watch For This: While most people are thrilled to be at the Olympic Games, Jackson has said many times before that she doesn’t even enjoy sprinting. She’s also very hard on herself, so if you see her being self-critical after even the most stunning performance, don’t be too surprised.
Our Prediction: The women’s field has incredible depth this year, it’s hard to predict anything until it happens. Jackson hasn’t reached individual Olympic glory yet, and I don’t think she will. I see a silver in the 200m.
What You Should Know: Jackson is coming to Paris as the reigning two-time World Champion in the 200m, and beating her won’t be easy. Despite a number of World Champion titles and Olympic medals, she has yet to claim Olympic glory in an individual event.
Watch For This: While most people are thrilled to be at the Olympic Games, Jackson has said many times before that she doesn’t even enjoy sprinting. She’s also very hard on herself, so if you see her being self-critical after even the most stunning performance, don’t be too surprised.
Our Prediction: The women’s field has incredible depth this year, it’s hard to predict anything until it happens. Jackson hasn’t reached individual Olympic glory yet, and I don’t think she will. I see a silver in the 200m.
Dina Asher-Smith
🇬🇧 GBR | 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Bio: As the national 100m and 200m record holder, 28-year-old Dina Asher-Smith is Britain’s most prominent female sprinter. Asher-Smith has consistently run among the best in the world, and has collected a number of accolades throughout the years. A former World Champion, five-time world medalist, and two-time Olympic medalist, Asher-Smith will carry invaluable experience into Paris.
What You Should Know: Asher-Smith has had a really consistent build up into Paris. She claimed titles at this year’s European Championships in the 100m and the 4x100m relay. On top of that, she’s competed at two Olympics prior, so knowns what pressure to expect and how to handle it.
Watch For This: With so much experience, Asher-Smith is typically quick off the blocks and is known for a smooth acceleration. What will be key for her is to use that momentum in the second half of the race to hold off her competitors. She’s also a strong leader within her team, so expect her to take a leadership role within her relay team.
Our Prediction: I think Asher-Smith could be a dark horse in the 100m this year. Keep an eye on her for a podium spot.
What You Should Know: Asher-Smith has had a really consistent build up into Paris. She claimed titles at this year’s European Championships in the 100m and the 4x100m relay. On top of that, she’s competed at two Olympics prior, so knowns what pressure to expect and how to handle it.
Watch For This: With so much experience, Asher-Smith is typically quick off the blocks and is known for a smooth acceleration. What will be key for her is to use that momentum in the second half of the race to hold off her competitors. She’s also a strong leader within her team, so expect her to take a leadership role within her relay team.
Our Prediction: I think Asher-Smith could be a dark horse in the 100m this year. Keep an eye on her for a podium spot.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
🇯🇲 JAM | 100m, 4x100m
Bio: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is one of Jamaica’s most decorated sprinters. She’s a respected veteran of the sport, with three Olympic gold medals, 10-time World Champion, and five-time Diamond League Final winner, to name a few. She’s competed at every Olympics since 2008, so this will be her fifth go around.
What You Should Know: Fraser-Pryce is a legend of the sport, and is considered a national hero. Despite her age and having given birth to her son in 2017, Fraser-Pryce is still in top-level form and still remains one of the fastest women in the sport. Although she’ll be up against some young guns, her experience and ability to consistently perform in high-stakes environments will pay dividends in Paris.
Watch For This: Although there are some big personalities and lots of talent among the new gen of sprinters, this won’t faze Fraser-Pryce. With Paris being her last big moment before retirement, she’ll be looking to go out with a bang.
Our Prediction: I’m rooting for Fraser-Pryce, so I’m going to be biased and say she’s going to snag a medal in Paris.
What You Should Know: Fraser-Pryce is a legend of the sport, and is considered a national hero. Despite her age and having given birth to her son in 2017, Fraser-Pryce is still in top-level form and still remains one of the fastest women in the sport. Although she’ll be up against some young guns, her experience and ability to consistently perform in high-stakes environments will pay dividends in Paris.
Watch For This: Although there are some big personalities and lots of talent among the new gen of sprinters, this won’t faze Fraser-Pryce. With Paris being her last big moment before retirement, she’ll be looking to go out with a bang.
Our Prediction: I’m rooting for Fraser-Pryce, so I’m going to be biased and say she’s going to snag a medal in Paris.
Sha’Carri Richardson
🇺🇸 USA | 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Bio: At 24, the Dallas native is entering her first Games as the favorite to win the 100m. Richardson is an electric but divisive personality, and is one of the athletes featured in Netflix’s Sprint docuseries. She’s an emotional racer, who can produce magical finishes, but has at times got in her own way in the pursuit of perfection.
What You Should Know: Paris will be a big redemption story for Richardson, as she was controversially suspended for cannabis use just before Tokyo. She’s surely going to be one of the A-list athletes watched by both American and global media, and missed qualifying for the 200m, so this will be her only event, apart from the relay. Her star power and heart-on-her-sleeve personality is surely to translate into appointment viewing, but she’s up against stiff competition from Jamaica’s golden era of sprinters.
Watch For This: Richardson doesn’t always get out of the blocks quickest, but is a relentless closer in the 100m. She has more pure speed and power than any other woman in the 100m, and even if she doesn’t get off to the best start, she could still steamroll the field in the final 30m.
Our Prediction: Richardson wins the 100m in one of the signature moments of the Games. Her 4x100m squad takes silver.
What You Should Know: Paris will be a big redemption story for Richardson, as she was controversially suspended for cannabis use just before Tokyo. She’s surely going to be one of the A-list athletes watched by both American and global media, and missed qualifying for the 200m, so this will be her only event, apart from the relay. Her star power and heart-on-her-sleeve personality is surely to translate into appointment viewing, but she’s up against stiff competition from Jamaica’s golden era of sprinters.
Watch For This: Richardson doesn’t always get out of the blocks quickest, but is a relentless closer in the 100m. She has more pure speed and power than any other woman in the 100m, and even if she doesn’t get off to the best start, she could still steamroll the field in the final 30m.
Our Prediction: Richardson wins the 100m in one of the signature moments of the Games. Her 4x100m squad takes silver.
Zharnel Hughes
🇬🇧 GBR | 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Bio: Zharnel Hughes was born on the Caribbean Island of Anguilla, which is a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, which is why he represents Great Britain in international competitions. Hughes is a quiet but intriguing character as well. When he’s not busy sprinting, you can find him way up in the skies, as he also holds his private pilot’s licence.
What You Should Know: The future is certainly bright for Hughes, as he’s only been getting better every season. Last year, Hughes ran 9.83 in the 100m at the 2023 New York Grand Prix. Not only did this win the meet, but also broke the 30-year-old British men’s 100m record.
What To Watch For: Coming to the Paris Olympics is a big comeback story for Hughes. He was disqualified in the 100m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after a false start and won’t be making the same mistakes again. For Hughes, this is a redemption story.
Our Prediction: No false start, makes it through the finals safely, but just outside the medals.
What You Should Know: The future is certainly bright for Hughes, as he’s only been getting better every season. Last year, Hughes ran 9.83 in the 100m at the 2023 New York Grand Prix. Not only did this win the meet, but also broke the 30-year-old British men’s 100m record.
What To Watch For: Coming to the Paris Olympics is a big comeback story for Hughes. He was disqualified in the 100m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after a false start and won’t be making the same mistakes again. For Hughes, this is a redemption story.
Our Prediction: No false start, makes it through the finals safely, but just outside the medals.
Andre De Grasse
🇨🇦 CAN | 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Bio: Olympic Champion, World Champion, Olympic medalist, and Diamond League Final winner are just some of the titles Canadian Andre De Grasse has claimed during his remarkable career. De Grasse grew as a sprinter alongside Usain Bolt, who he considers a mentor, and the pair are known for their iconic finish smiling at one another in Rio.
What You Should Know: De Grasse is the reigning Olympic Champion in the 200m. He’s had a decent build up into Paris, and despite some lacklustre results in smaller meets, he tends to be able to pull it together when the stakes are high (most of the time).
What To Watch For: De Grasse is known for his relentless speed on the backend of a race. Provided he comes into Paris in top form and ready to go, keep an eye on him on the finishing straight.
Our Predictions: As much as I want to see the Canadian crush it, I think he’s been a bit too inconsistent to really challenge for a medal with the depth of talent in the field this year.
What You Should Know: De Grasse is the reigning Olympic Champion in the 200m. He’s had a decent build up into Paris, and despite some lacklustre results in smaller meets, he tends to be able to pull it together when the stakes are high (most of the time).
What To Watch For: De Grasse is known for his relentless speed on the backend of a race. Provided he comes into Paris in top form and ready to go, keep an eye on him on the finishing straight.
Our Predictions: As much as I want to see the Canadian crush it, I think he’s been a bit too inconsistent to really challenge for a medal with the depth of talent in the field this year.
Gabby Thomas
🇺🇸 USA | 200m
Bio: Gabby Thomas was one of the fan favorites on the Netflix docuseries Sprint. The Harvard graduate has excelled throughout all stages of her career, from high school, to collegiate, and now on the professional scene. Despite her fun-loving personality, Thomas describes herself as ruthless when it comes to competition.
What You Should Know: Thomas has bagged some major results, including Olympic medals, World Champion titles, and dominated the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200m. She’s consistently been at the top of her game, especially throughout this season, and could be peaking at just the right moment in her career in Paris.
What To Watch For: Thomas is only toeing the line in the 200m, so she’ll be fresh. She’s the purest 200m runner in the field, and is usually flawless from start to finish. If she has a good start, she’ll finish it.
Our Prediction: I’ll be surprised if anyone beats her in the 200m.
What You Should Know: Thomas has bagged some major results, including Olympic medals, World Champion titles, and dominated the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200m. She’s consistently been at the top of her game, especially throughout this season, and could be peaking at just the right moment in her career in Paris.
What To Watch For: Thomas is only toeing the line in the 200m, so she’ll be fresh. She’s the purest 200m runner in the field, and is usually flawless from start to finish. If she has a good start, she’ll finish it.
Our Prediction: I’ll be surprised if anyone beats her in the 200m.
Femke Bol
🇳🇱 NLD | 400mH, 4x400m
Bio: In 2021, Dutch superstar Femke Bol took an impressive bronze medal in the Olympic 400m hurdles. Since then, however, she’s been unstoppable. Bol has garnered an impressive list of World Championship titles, European Championship titles, Diamond League wins, and National titles. This year alone, Bol set a world record for the 400m short track and the second-fastest 400mH all-time.
What You Should Know: Both Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have been class acts this year, dominating the 400mH in every race they enter. However, they have yet to go head-to-head with one another. While this isn’t a rivalry that gets much attention, it’s certainly one you won’t want to miss.
Watch For This: Bol is extremely smooth over the hurdles, and makes them look effortless. She’s a pretty quiet and reserved character before races, so you might be caught off guard for a second when you see another runner neck-and-neck with McGlaughlin-Levrone.
Our Prediction: I’m a big fan of Bol, so I’ll be rooting for her to take the top step on the podium.
What You Should Know: Both Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have been class acts this year, dominating the 400mH in every race they enter. However, they have yet to go head-to-head with one another. While this isn’t a rivalry that gets much attention, it’s certainly one you won’t want to miss.
Watch For This: Bol is extremely smooth over the hurdles, and makes them look effortless. She’s a pretty quiet and reserved character before races, so you might be caught off guard for a second when you see another runner neck-and-neck with McGlaughlin-Levrone.
Our Prediction: I’m a big fan of Bol, so I’ll be rooting for her to take the top step on the podium.
Sydney McGlaughlin-Levrone
🇺🇸 USA | 400mH
Bio: 24-year-old Sydney McGlaughlin-Levrone has been America’s shining star for years. She attended her first Olympic Games in 2016, at the young age of 17 (that’s right, still in high school), and went on to become a two-time Olympic Champion in 2021, winning the 400mH and the 4x400m relay. McGlaughlin-Levrone is also a three-time World Champion, World Youth Champion, and holds the current world record in the 400mH.
What You Should Know: McGlaughlin-Levrone comes in as the reigning Olympic Champion in the 400mH and also holds the current world record. In the rivalry between her and Dutch superstar Femke Bol, McGlaughlin-Levrone is the favorite. McGlaughlin-Levrone has consistently produced top results in the highest-stakes races ever since she came onto the scence as a teenager.
What To Watch For: McGlaughlin-Levrone is ruthless and won’t take kindly to Bol trying to take the top spot of the Olympic podium. Expect McGlaughlin-Levrone to get out of the blocks fast and set a strong pace, as she’ll be looking to run the race from the front.
Our Prediction: As much as I love McGlaughlin-Levrone, I’m rooting for Bol, so I’ll predict a major upset and McGlaughlin-Levrone settles for silver.
What You Should Know: McGlaughlin-Levrone comes in as the reigning Olympic Champion in the 400mH and also holds the current world record. In the rivalry between her and Dutch superstar Femke Bol, McGlaughlin-Levrone is the favorite. McGlaughlin-Levrone has consistently produced top results in the highest-stakes races ever since she came onto the scence as a teenager.
What To Watch For: McGlaughlin-Levrone is ruthless and won’t take kindly to Bol trying to take the top spot of the Olympic podium. Expect McGlaughlin-Levrone to get out of the blocks fast and set a strong pace, as she’ll be looking to run the race from the front.
Our Prediction: As much as I love McGlaughlin-Levrone, I’m rooting for Bol, so I’ll predict a major upset and McGlaughlin-Levrone settles for silver.
