Paris 2024 Olympics' Standout Female Athletes

By: Hannan Anjarwalla'26

As the world tuned in to witness the return of the historic Olympic games, media attention focused on the spectacular Stade de France, which hosted the track and field events beginning Thursday, August 1st, and ending Sunday, August 11th. Athletes battled for spots at the medal table as audiences witnessed their favorite legends and newcomers grace the stage and make history under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Being obsessed with the Olympic games for as long as I can remember, I was glued to my television screen over the 11 days. I was deeply inspired by all the female track and field stars displaying the ultimate level of athleticism, determination, and resilience. Here is an overview of my standout female athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Sifan Hassan

Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda and WI Proud

This Ethiopian-Dutch sporting legend shocked Olympic audiences and commentators with her determination to race in the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathon. A mighty force to reckon with, Hassan claimed bronze in the 5000 and 10,000. She reigned as Olympic champion in the marathon with her iconic sprint towards the finish line after an exhausting race under harsh weather and terrain conditions. Finishing in a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 55 seconds, Hassan continues to push the limits of her speed and strength, firmly cementing her place among the sporting legends of our generation and the future ones to come.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh

Photo courtesy of Dan Vernon and World Athletics

This Ukrainian high jumper stormed to victory in Paris, creating history by breaking the female high jump record at a whopping 2.10 meters. This athlete, just 23 years of age, has consistently risen through the ranks, claiming over 3 Diamond League and World Championship medals, and she is now adding Olympic gold to her collection. With her mantra to keep jumping higher and higher, Mahuchikh continues to shine on the world stage and inspire all field athletes to pursue their goals and ambitions.

Faith Kipyegon

Photo courtesy of Jewel Samad/AFP and Al-Jazeera

The absolute GOAT, who has smashed over three world records, is the three-time Olympic gold medallist and recipient of the 2023 Athlete of the Year- Faith Kipyegon is an athlete like no other. At 13, she was soaring above the ranks in Kenyan middle-distance circuits and made her first international debut at the World Cross Country Championships in 2010, finishing fourth at just 16 years of age. Fast-forward to the Rio Olympics, she bagged gold in the 1500 meters in 4:08:92, and since then, she has consistently and fiercely defended her title as the ‘Queen of Middle-Distance Running.’ Gold at Paris, Tokyo, and Rio- this athlete is unstoppable.

Julien Alfred

Photo courtesy of Michael Steele/Getty Images and the Olympics

Winning the 100m gold medal in a personal and national best time of 10:72, Julian Alfred cemented her legacy by winning her country St Lucia's first-ever Olympic medal. Arguably one the most hotly contested and anticipated races in these games, the women's 100m final featured sporting legend Sha' Carri Richardson and other favorites like Britain's Neita Daryll, all fighting to reign as Olympic champions. However, Alfred rose to the occasion, grabbing gold by just 15 milliseconds from the USA's Richardson. Alfred also claimed a shiny silver medal in the women's 200-meter final at 22:08. This young 23-year-old athlete is at the peak of her sprinting career, with a world filled with victory and medals right in her footsteps.

Keely Hodgkinson

Photo Courtesy of Adam Pretty and Glamour

Olympic champion in the women’s 800 meters, Keely dominated the entire racetrack and became Britain’s first Olympic gold medallist in athletics for over eight years. Owning the title as the sixth fastest woman in history with her victory time of 1:56:72, this athlete has consistently outperformed and claimed medals from European and World Championships and Diamond Leagues. Finally, she wears the gold medal around her neck. Having inspired middle-distance running youth back home in the UK, Keely’s victory was propelled by the thousands of fans tuning in globally, from her youth athletic club in Manchester to the roar of the crowd at the Stade de France.

Nafissatou Thiam 

Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Matthias Schrader and AP News

With her third Olympic gold in the women’s heptathlon, Nafi Thiam secured her undefeated title and legacy at the Paris Games. The heptathlon is one of the most physically and mentally demanding athletic competitions, featuring seven different track and field events packed and battled out over two days. Returning from an injury that knocked her out at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Thiam dominated the javelin throw, shot put, and 200 meters, combining her strength, agility, and speed to soar above the points table. Reflecting upon a major career decision to leave her long-term coach of over 14 years, Thiam approached these Paris games with a sense of newfound freedom, growth, and love for her sport. She has evolved into a stellar all-around athletics superstar and will continue to shine at the 2028 Olympic games in Las Vegas.

*Note: The article was republished due to site maintenance. The original publication date is September 23rd, 2024.