With the backdrop of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics will kick off July 26 and mark the first post-COVID-19 era games. As the world turns its eyes to the French capital — with Paris hosting the summer games for the first time since 1924 — the city is pulling out all the stops to ensure a memorable event. 

These summer Olympic Games mark a historic return to the city, which has hosted the spectacle twice before — joining London and Los Angeles as one of the only cities to host the games three times. The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature one new sport, bringing a unique flavor to the games. Breaking, making its Olympic debut, will showcase the artistry and athleticism of street dance. Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing after making their debut during the 2020 Tokyo Games. However, baseball, softball and karate, which were part of the 2020 Tokyo Games, will not be returning this year. 

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USC’s Legacy in the Olympic Games 

USC has a proud legacy in the Olympic Games, with 510 athletes who have collected 326 medals including 153 golds, 96 silvers and 77 bronzes. The cardinal and gold’s remarkable achievements come from the likes of Allyson Felix, John Naber, Andre De Grasse and Janet Evans, to name just a few.

In 2020, the Trojans sent a record 65 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, where they placed on the podium 21 times — the second most from a United States university. USC had the most gold medalists, with 11.

As audiences eagerly anticipate the Paris 2024 Olympics, the participation of USC’s alumni and current students promises to be a highlight. From track and field to beach volleyball to water polo, the Trojan spirit will be on full display in the French capital this summer.

Michael Norman (Track) 

Michael Norman is one of the favorites to win the 400-meter dash in Paris for the U.S. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Norman played a pivotal role in securing gold for the U.S. in the 4×400-meter relay. However, he came up short of the podium in his signature event — the 400m — finishing fifth.

The Southern California native looks prepared to make a statement at this year’s summer games. In 2022, he became the first U.S. world champion in the 400m since 2013 at the World Athletics Championships with a time of 44.29. Later in the year, he improved that time, posting a season-best time of 44.07 in the Olympic trials.

Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes (Beach Volleyball) 

Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes were both standout athletes for the Trojans. They won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2016 and 2017, looking unbeatable on the sand. 

However, what seemed like a problematic partnership for opponents needed to be more clear-cut when they began their professional careers. In 2018, they split to pursue different partners in their quest for the Tokyo Olympics. It wasn’t until late 2022 that they reunited, and their partnership has since paid dividends.

The pair now sit fourth in the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball global rankings following the Xiamen Challenge. They clinched the title at the Beach Pro Tour finals in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant achievement for a U.S. pair since Alix Klineman and USC alum April Ross won gold in Tokyo. 

Kaleigh Gilchrist, Emily Ausmus, Amanda Longan and Denise Mammolito (Water Polo)

Women’s water polo looks to continue its gold medal win streak that began at the 2012 London Olympics.

Veteran returners Kaleigh Gilchrist, Amanda Longan and Denise Mammolito add heavily to the star-studded American squad that has become a women’s water polo powerhouse. However, the Americans also enter with youth in their team this year. USC freshman phenom Emily Ausmus — who took a gap year for the 2024 Games — will make her Olympic debut.

Ausmus is no stranger to playing in higher roles against older players. The 18-year-old from Riverside, California, competed at the Pan American Junior Water Polo Championships at just 12 years old — a tournament typically for players 19 and under.

Gilchrist, Longan and Mammolito all made their mark during their time as Trojans, with Gilchrist contributing to NCAA titles in 2013, Longan leading to championships in 2016 and 2018 and Mammolito playing a pivotal role in victories in 2018 and 2021.

The Paris Olympic Games will open July 26 on the River Seine and close Aug. 11.