The excitement is palpable as the Paris Olympics kick off, with the opening ceremony along the River Seine leaving a lasting impression.
Athletes from around the world are ready to showcase their talents, and Team GB is poised to make a significant mark in these Games.
Saturday’s lineup is filled with thrilling events, including dressage, hockey, gymnastics, swimming, and cycling.
Top British athletes like Keely Hodgkinson, Adam Peaty, and Matthew Hudson-Smith are in the spotlight, aiming for gold in their respective disciplines.
Our sports writers on the ground in Paris share their predictions and highlight the medal hopefuls to watch over the next couple of weeks.
Most Anticipated Event
Oliver Holt is most excited to see Andy Murray compete, possibly for the last time.
It’s a moment to cherish and celebrate.
Top Medal Contenders
– Adam Peaty (100m breaststroke)
– Keely Hodgkinson (800m)
– Sky Brown (skateboarding)
– Josh Kerr (1500m)
– Imogen Grant and Emily Craig (lightweight double sculls)
Surprising Talent
Tom Daley in diving stands out as a strong contender, despite being an underdog.
Elite Performance to Watch
Simone Biles in artistic gymnastics is a must-watch, especially after her challenges in Tokyo.
A gold medal here would be a phenomenal redemption story.
Favorite Olympic Memory
The electric atmosphere when Cathy Freeman won the 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics remains unforgettable.
David Coverdale: Anticipating the Best
Most Anticipated Event
David Coverdale looks forward to Adam Peaty’s performance, given the uncertainty surrounding his form after past successes and challenges.
Top Medal Contenders
– Keely Hodgkinson
– Bryony Page (trampoline)
– Tom Pidcock (mountain bike)
– Joe Clarke (canoe slalom, kayak cross)
– Emily Craig and Imogen Grant
Surprising Talent
Josh Tarling in the cycling time trial is a name to watch.
Elite Performance to Watch
Noah Lyles, aiming for his first gold, is the highlight in athletics, with comparisons to Usain Bolt.
Favorite Olympic Memory
Staying up to watch Steve Redgrave secure his fifth consecutive gold in Sydney 2000.
Jonathan McEvoy: Spotlight on Rising Stars
Most Anticipated Event
Jonathan McEvoy is eagerly awaiting Keely Hodgkinson’s events, predicting she could be the standout British athlete of these Games.
Top Medal Contenders
– Adam Peaty
– Tom Daley and Noah Williams
– Alex Yee (triathlon)
– Emma Finucane (cycling)
– Delicious Orie (boxing)
Surprising Talent
Tom Pidcock, both in road racing and mountain biking, could surprise many.
Elite Performance to Watch
Noah Lyles in the 100m dash is McEvoy’s top pick for a standout performance.
Favorite Olympic Memory
Seb Coe and Daley Thompson, with a nostalgic nod to Steve Redgrave’s inspirational win in Sydney.
Riath Al-Samarrai: Eye on Breakthroughs
Most Anticipated Event
Riath Al-Samarrai is excited about Keely Hodgkinson’s potential for her first global gold.
Top Medal Contenders
– Keely Hodgkinson
– Emma Finucane
– Emily Craig and Imogen Grant
– Alex Yee
– Bradley Sinden (taekwondo)
Phoebe Gill, a 17-year-old runner in the 800m, could pull off a surprise.
Elite Performance to Watch
Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman in the world, is expected to bring not just speed but also excitement.
Favorite Olympic Memory
The emotional moment from 1992 when Derek Redmond was helped to the finish line by his father remains iconic.
Nik Simon: Capturing Moments
Most Anticipated Event
Nik Simon looks forward to seeing Matthew Hudson-Smith, who recently set a new European record in the 400m.
Top Medal Contenders
– Matthew Hudson-Smith (400m)
– Max Whitlock (pommel horse)
– Keely Hodgkinson
– Emma Finucane
– Josh Kerr
Surprising Talent
The British women’s 4x100m relay team, including Dina Asher-Smith, could surprise with a strong performance.
Elite Performance to Watch
Antoine Dupont could cement his legacy as one of rugby’s greatest if he secures a gold medal.
Favorite Olympic Memory
Witnessing the ‘Golden Hour’ of Jess Ennis, Mo Farah, and Greg Rutherford at London 2012 was unforgettable.
Ian Herbert: The Scenic Spectacle
Most Anticipated Event
Ian Herbert is thrilled about the unique venues for the sports, from beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower to dressage at the Château de Versailles.
Top Medal Contenders
– Bryony Page
– Alex Yee
– Delicious Orie
– Keely Hodgkinson
– Bethany Shriever (BMX)
Surprising Talent
Phoebe Gill, the youngest British Olympic track athlete in 40 years, is a potential breakout star.
Elite Performance to Watch
Leon Marchand, a top French swimmer, is a strong contender for gold.
Favorite Olympic Memory
Allan Wells winning the 100m gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a year he also took silver in the 200m, stands out for Herbert.
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