Top 25 Must-Watch Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics 2025

Thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries will be competing in this year’s Summer Olympics.

Here are 25 athletes we will be watching closely as the Games progress. Some, like Simone Biles above, are already global superstars. Others you might be hearing about for the first time.

Naomi Osaka (Japan): Osaka, one of the biggest stars in tennis, recently made headlines when she withdrew from the French Open, citing her mental health. The four-time major winner also sat out Wimbledon. Yet, the 23-year-old will be competing in her home country for the Olympics. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Katie Ledecky (United States): Ledecky was a standout in 2016, winning five Olympic golds and setting two world records in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle. She will defend her titles in Tokyo and looks favored to succeed again. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Nyjah Huston (United States): Skateboarding makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo, and Huston, an icon of the sport, has won multiple world titles in the street category. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Noah Lyles (United States): Lyles is the current world champion in the 200 meters and is a favorite to win the event at the Olympics, potentially stepping into the spotlight left by Usain Bolt’s retirement.

Noah Lyles (United States): Lyles is the current world champion in the 200 meters and is a favorite to win the event at the Olympics; he will also compete in the 100-meter. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Stephanie Gilmore (Australia): Surfing makes its Olympic debut this year, with the decorated Gilmore as one of the favorites. Keoki Saguibo/World Surf League/Getty Images

Laurel Hubbard (New Zealand): Hubbard will be the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics, having transitioned in 2013, and is set to make history.Read more

Allyson Felix (United States): Felix is the only female track-and-field athlete to win six Olympic gold medals and three silvers. This is her fifth Olympic Games. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Caeleb Dressel (United States): Dressel aims to make a mark in men’s swimming as a leading contender. Ashley Landis/AP

Janja Garnbret (Slovenia): Sport climbing is making its Olympic debut, and Garnbret, a world class climber, is a leading gold medal contender.

Janja Garnbret (Slovenia): Garnbret is one of the best sport climbers on the planet and heavily favored to win gold. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Shi Tingmao (China): China’s diving teams have dominated Olympic competitions since 1984, and Shi, a two-time gold medalist, aims to add more medals to her collection.

Shi Tingmao (China): Shi has won two golds in previous Olympics and remains a strong contender. VCG/Getty Images

Sky Brown (Great Britain): The 13-year-old skateboarder is ranked third in the world and embodies resilience after an inspiring recovery from a serious injury.

Sky Brown (Great Britain): Brown is Britain’s youngest-ever summer Olympian with a remarkable background. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Simone Manuel (United States): Manuel made history in 2016 as the first African American woman to win gold in an individual swimming event, competing again in Tokyo.

Simone Manuel (United States): Manuel is notable for her groundbreaking contributions to swimming and will compete again after past successes. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya): Kipchoge made history by being the only person to complete a marathon in under two hours and is a legendary figure in his sport.

Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya): Kipchoge is one of the favorites to win gold in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. Jed Leicester/The INEOS 1:59 Challenge/AP

Hend Zaza (Syria): At 12 years old, Zaza is expected to be the youngest Olympian in Tokyo. Her journey to this point reflects great resilience.

Hend Zaza (Syria): Zaza is on the brink of setting records as one of the youngest participants in Olympic history. Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images

Zhu Ting (China): Zhu leads China’s indoor volleyball team and is considered among the greatest volleyball players ever.

Zhu Ting (China): Zhu is a pivotal player for China’s volleyball team, which is poised for gold. Xinhua/Getty Images

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica): Fraser-Pryce aims to make history by winning the 100-meter dash at three different Olympics.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica): Aiming to capture the 100 meters at three Olympics, she’s already made significant achievements. David J. Phillip/AP

Ryo Kiyuna (Japan): Competing in karate, Kiyuna is one of the favorites to win as the sport makes its Olympic debut.

Ryo Kiyuna (Japan): Kiyuna competes in the kata event, showcasing the art of karate at the Olympics. Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Kevin Durant (United States): A veteran player for the United States men’s basketball team, Durant is poised to contribute significantly with his leadership and scoring ability.

Kevin Durant (United States): Durant’s leadership has been crucial for Team USA in past Olympic Games. Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images

Ariarne Titmus (Australia): Titmus is a relentless competitor in swimming, notably challenging Ledecky for dominance in the pool.

Ariarne Titmus (Australia): Titmus is viewed as a primary threat to Ledecky’s swimming dominance. Brenton Edwards/AFP/Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe (United States): As one of the stars of the US women’s soccer team, Rapinoe is recognized not only for her athletic skills but also her advocacy for equality.

Megan Rapinoe (United States): Rapinoe is known for her impactful presence on and off the field. Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Karsten Warholm (Norway): Warholm broke a legacy record in the 400-meter hurdles and is a formidable competitor in this event.

Karsten Warholm (Norway): Warholm’s recent feats in track and field have set him on a trajectory toward Olympic acclaim. Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird (United States): If they win gold, they will secure their legacy as the first basketball players to achieve five Olympic medals.