The grand stage of the sporting extravaganza is set as the Paris Olympics 2024 will kick start from July 24. Football and handball group stage matches will start on the given day, well before the Opening ceremony of the event which is scheduled for July 26. Around 10500 athletes from 206 countries have reached the Olympic Village before the start. But there are some striking names that are regulars at the Olympic Games and have reached a superstar level in their respective sports. Before the start of the mega event, here are some of the megastars to watch, Paris Olympic Games 2024: A Look at India's Landmark Moments in Multi-Sport Mega Event.

  • LeBron James (Team USA Basketball)

The face of the NBA and the world’s leading scorer LeBron James will represent Team USA for the fourth time. He has already won a medal in each of his previous three appearances. The two-time gold medalist was a member of the famous ‘2008 Redeem team’ who went all in to win the Gold Medal as the star-studded side finished third in the previous edition. After losing the World Cup to Germany, Team USA is back with yet another power-packed side and LeBron James is the leader. After missing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 40-year-old superstar will be back in action at the Summer Olympic Games. He is also selected as the male flag bearer at the Paris Olympics 2024 for Team USA.

  • Rafael Nadal (Team Spain Tennis)

Tennis Superstar and 22-Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Wimbledon 2024 to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The star will play in doubles with new sensation Carlos Alcaraz and look to add to his Olympic medal tally. The two-time gold medalist was missing from the 2020 Olympic Games and will now be in action again, possibly for the last time at the Summer Olympic Games. Spain will be rooting for their tennis hero and will want him to end his career on a high note. Most Medals Won By An Athlete in Olympics and Other Major Records in History of Multi-Sport Mega Event Ahead of Paris Olympic Games 2024.

  • Andy Murray (Team Great Britain Tennis)

Another Tennis sensation and two-time Gold Medalist Andy Murray will be back in action. He already declared the 2024 Paris Olympics as his final act and fans around the world are keeping a close eye on the former world number one. Murray, who was expected to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics withdrew last minute and now has his eyes set on the Paris Olympics 2024. One of the most loved tennis star will play Men’s Tennis Singles at the 2024 edition of the Summer Olympic Games.

  • Simone Biles (Team USA Gymnastics)

One of the most decorated gymnasts Simone Biles will be in action at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her ‘return’ is different from others as the star made a comeback from injury and went on to conquer the US Athletics competition in 2024 after nearly two years break. She already has 39 medals including four gold medals in the Olympic games. She did feature in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics finishing with just one silver medal and a bronze medal, but revived Biles will aim for the top spot again – where she belongs.

  • Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces (Team Jamaica Sprinter)

Known as ‘pocket rocket’ Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces of Jamaica is considered as greatest sprinter in the Women’s category. The star has won a total of 32 medals at the international level including eight medals in the Summer Olympic Games. Playing in her fifth Olympic games, three-time gold medalist Shelly has a 10.62 seconds record for the 100-meter run. The 27-year-old star will be one of the attractions at the Paris Olympics 2024. Covid Fear Hits Paris Olympics 2024, Unnamed Australian Water Polo Athlete Isolated in Games Village After Testing Positive.

  • Marta Da Silva (Team Brazil Football)

Brazilians and football go hand in hand but very few stand out from the crowd. The six-time FIFA Player of the Year in the Women’s category won back-to-back silver medals in 2004 and 2008. With 17 goals, Marta holds the record for most goals scored in any World Cup, women’s or men's. The prolific player will be 38 and represent her country for the sixth consecutive Olympic Games. Missing out on medals for a long time, Marta will be aiming for a podium finish in a team sport.

  • Katie Landecky (Team USA Swimming)

With seven Olympic gold medals and 21 World Championship titles, Katie Ledecky is one of the swimming's all-time greats. Having sprung to fame by winning 800m freestyle gold at London 2012 as a 15-year-old, the American has gone on to become Olympic champion at every distance from 200m to 1500m. with two Gold and two silver medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics the 27-year-old Landecky will aim to add to her trophy-laden cabinet. Five-time swimmer of the year winner Katie will participate in her fourth Olympics, with age on her side, the ‘freestyle specialist’ will aim to break Michael Phelps' record of 28 Olympic Medals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2024 12:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).