As the Olympic movement transitions from Paris 2024 to Los Angeles 2028, attention turns to emerging talents who may define the next era. This new crop of competitors—youths who have already begun making waves on the world stage—represent the next generation athletes who could reshape medal tables, break records, and carry the torch of their sports forward. In this preview, we examine several of the most compelling names across disciplines, considering their trajectories, strengths, and what it might take for them to become the Olympic champions of 2028.
The path to Olympic glory is rarely straight. Yet, in the quadrennium between Games, athletes mature physically and mentally, refine technique, absorb high-pressure experience, and often make the difference between a promising junior career and a full-fledged champion. Those deemed “ones to watch” in 2028 already show signs that they may navigate that shift successfully.
Below, we review rising stars in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, team sports, combat and strength disciplines, and action/urban sports. Throughout, we highlight how the next generation athletes are reshaping expectations.
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Track & Field: Youthful Speed, Versatility, and Ambition
Quincy Wilson: The 16-Year-Old Sprint Phenom
One of the brightest names in U.S. track, Quincy Wilson was just 16 during the Paris Games and already ran in the U.S. 4×400m relay heats, becoming the youngest U.S. male track Olympian in history. Though he did not compete in the final, his inclusion was a vote of confidence. Over the next four years, Wilson’s development in strength, stamina, and race tactics will be essential. If he can continue improving his open 400m time and a split ability, he has the makings of a strong finalist or medal contender in 2028.
Bradley Nkoana: South Africa’s Next Sprint Star
South Africa’s Bradley Nkoana, born 2005, made waves as part of South Africa’s relay team that won silver in the 4×100m at Paris while still a teenager. He also posted standout individual times in the 100m and 200m events. Over the next quad, Nkoana has the potential to become a national sprint anchor and to challenge for finals in individual and relay events on the Olympic stage.
Emerging Middle Distance & Multi-Event Hopes
While sprinters often get early attention, the next generation athletes in middle-distance events and heptathlon/decathlon may climb steadily. One example is Fred Richard, an American gymnast turned track hopeful (though primarily a gymnast, his athleticism hints at broad talent). Also, breakouts from junior world championships in 800m, 1500m, and 400/800 split specialists will be critical to watch in the coming years.
The Bigger Picture in Track & Field
In track & field, aging champions still exist in 2024, but many are nearing their peaks. The next generation athletes must step in. The addition of mixed-gender relay events and new sprint swimming events (though swimming) signals that sports federations are trying to modernize, which could influence how track events evolve in terms of team composition, tactics, and youth involvement. The ability of these young sprinters, middle-distance runners, and jumpers to transition from promising junior to consistent senior-level performers will be a key storyline heading into 2028.
Swimming & Aquatics: From Prodigy to Pro Champion
Leon Marchand: Already a Star, Eyes Next Gold
Among breakouts from Paris, Leon Marchand has already emerged as a force in medley swimming. Olympics He is not a raw newcomer, but one of the next generation athletes who could dominate the pool for the rest of the decade. With more experience and specialization, he may contend for multiple golds in Los Angeles.
Up-and-Comers in the Pool
Paris also highlighted younger swimmers like Carson Foster, Phoebe Bacon, Torri Huske, and Jack Alexy, all of whom were early in their careers at that stage. Their continued progression in technique, race pace strategy, and endurance will determine whether they ascend into the top tier.
Impact of New Swimming Events: Opening Doors for Youth
The IOC’s decision to add sprint swimming events (50m backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly) for both men and women may benefit next generation athletes who specialize in raw speed rather than traditional middle-distance endurance. The Guardian Athletes whose physiology favors explosive power over longer-distance stamina may find new pathways to Olympic medals, potentially reshuffling expectations for who can compete at the highest level.
Gymnastics, Skateboarding, and Urban Sports: Where Youth Often Prevails
Hezly Rivera: A Young U.S. Gymnast to Lead
In Paris, Hezly Rivera, at just 16, was the youngest member of the U.S. gymnastics delegation. With major U.S. gymnastics veterans aging, Rivera and her cohort of younger gymnasts are among the next generation athletes expected to assume leadership roles. If Rivera refines consistency, difficulty, and mental resilience, she could become a champion across multiple apparatus in 2028.
Skateboarding: Raised to Olympic Visibility
Skateboarding, now a central fixture in Olympic competition, thrives on youth, creativity, and technical progression. Nyjah Huston, though not fresh-faced, remains a potential contender in 2028, gravitating toward his home turf in Southern California. But younger skaters—still carving their reputations—represent the next generation athletes to watch in the street and park disciplines. The rapid evolution of trick complexity means youth often leads the trend rather than follows it.
Breaking, Surfing, and Mixed Formats
Other urban or alternative Olympic sports—breaking, surfing, and now mixed-gender events—may place younger athletes at an advantage, as they tend to adapt swiftly to new formats. Rising talents in each discipline should be watched closely. The next generation athletes in these sports may emerge as icons by 2028 simply by capitalizing on technical innovations and media exposure.
Team & Ball Sports: Migration to the Top
Caitlin Clark: The Face of Women’s Basketball’s Next Era
Arguably one of the most visible names of next generation athletes is Caitlin Clark (USA, basketball). Her rapid ascendancy in college and pro basketball has made her a global icon. While team rosters change and competition intensifies, Clark’s ability to affect games across scoring, playmaking, and leadership could make her a centerpiece of the U.S. Olympic team in 2028.
Rising NBA Talents: Cooper Flagg, Paolo Banchero, and More
In the men’s game, several young NBA talents are already being discussed as part of the Team USA future core:
- Cooper Flagg, still in teenage years but already projecting as a top-tier prospect.
- Paolo Banchero, who has already established himself in the NBA and internationally.
- Scottie Barnes, Anthony Edwards, and others—all under the age of 25—are being looked at as the backbone of a new American roster.
These young stars are already part of next generation athletes expected to take over as present-day legends retire from international competition.
Cricket, Lacrosse, and New Olympic Additions
With sports like cricket and lacrosse returning or newly introduced to the Olympic program, fresh talent could define entire national programs. One emerging name is Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) in cricket, flagged as one to watch for 2028. Meanwhile, as lacrosse reenters the Olympic fold, players from Canada, the U.S., and emerging lacrosse nations may make their mark for the first time on this stage. These added events offer opportunity for next generation athletes to build Olympic legacies in newly spotlighted domains.
Combat, Strength, and Unusual Disciplines: Poised for Breakout
Hampton Morris: Teenage Weightlifting Sensation
Among the youngest Olympic medalists in Paris was Hampton Morris, a teenager who claimed bronze in men’s weightlifting. His raw strength and increasing international exposure make him a strong candidate to contend for gold in 2028, provided he refines technique and remains injury-free.
CJ Nickolas: Taekwondo in the Crosshairs
CJ Nickolas, a 23-year-old American taekwondo competitor, narrowly missed medaling in Paris. With continued improvements in reaction time, strategy, and game management, he is a next generation athlete primed to reach the podium in 2028.
Boxing: The Return and Young Hopefuls
After some uncertainty over inclusion, boxing has been reinstated for Los Angeles with added parity across weight classes. That reinstatement opens the door for next generation athletes in boxing from countries with strong youth programs (e.g. Cuba, U.S., Eastern Europe). Names like Jennifer Lozano—who may aim for 2028—point to rising contenders already making plans.
Triathlon, Supertri, Endurance Sports
In endurance and multisport arenas, new development teams are forming around next generation athletes with cross-discipline strength. For instance, the U.S. “Stars & Stripes” Supertri League blends elite and rising triathletes to prepare for Los Angeles 2028 trajectory. Reese Vannerson (aged 20) is one rising name in this squad. The capacity to combine swimming, biking, and running at high efficiency will be crucial in these events, making young multi-talented athletes especially valuable.
What It Takes: Growth, Resilience, and Opportunity
The Challenge of Transitioning from Junior to Senior
Many promising stars in 2024 will still be in their late teens or early twenties. But bridging the gap to elite senior level demands resistance to injury, consistency under pressure, psychological maturity, and the ability to adapt strategy as rivals decode them. The next generation athletes who succeed will likely be those who manage that transition effectively.
Funding, Support Structures, and National Programs
Emerging talents often depend heavily on national sports federations, sponsorship, training access, medical support, and international competition exposure. Countries with robust youth-to-senior pipelines (such as the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, certain European and African nations) may help their rising stars become champions. In some contexts, smaller nations may discover “diamonds in the rough” if those athletes gain support.
The Role of Major Junior Competitions and World Championships
Between now and 2028, performances at U20, U23, junior world championships, continental meets, and world cups will signal which next generation athletes have the consistency and mettle to succeed at Olympics. Athletes who can string together results across multiple seasons rather than one breakthrough year are more likely to survive until LA28.
Injury Management & Longevity
Being young is both an advantage and a risk. Overtraining, burnout, and injury are greatest threats to rising stars. The athletes who pace their careers, build strong physical foundations, and prioritize longevity will have an edge. The next generation athletes who peak too early or push too hard too soon may burn out before 2028.
Spotlight: A 2028 Watchlist of Next Generation Athletes
The following are illustrative names already receiving attention in media and Olympic circles:
- Caitlin Clark (USA, basketball) — a generational talent likely to lead U.S. women’s basketball in 2028.
- Quincy Wilson (USA, 400m) — record-breaking mid-teen sprinter turned relay contributor.
- Leon Marchand (France, swimming/medley) — already a standout in elite pools, with potential for multiple golds.
- Bradley Nkoana (South Africa, sprints) — relay medalist as teenager, with promise in individual events.
- Hezly Rivera (USA, gymnastics) — youngest U.S. gymnast in Paris, expected to grow into a lead role.
- Hampton Morris (USA, weightlifting) — teenage Olympic medallist with strength trajectory to gold.
- CJ Nickolas (USA, taekwondo) — narrowly missed in Paris; a favorite for comeback.
- Cooper Flagg, Paolo Banchero, Scottie Barnes (USA men’s basketball) — among the NBA youth expected to anchor 2028 rosters.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India, cricket) — a rising cricketer flagged as one to watch, especially as cricket returns to the Olympic fold.
- Nyjah Huston (USA, skateboarding) — not new, but still a force with the Games returning to his home territory.
These names don’t guarantee medals, but they represent next generation athletes who carry serious potential.
Monitoring the Quad: What to Track Over Time
To assess who among these rising stars actually makes the leap between now and 2028, keep an eye on:
- Year‐by‐year improvement in world rankings and times/scores
- Consistency through injury and pressure
- Medal performances at world championships, continental meets, and Olympic qualifiers
- Support from national programs, sponsorship, coaching changes
- Adaptation to evolving Olympic rules or event formats (e.g. added sprint swimming, mixed events)
- Psychological resilience, team roles, and capacity to handle spotlight
In four years, some names will fade and new ones will emerge, but the next generation athletes highlighted today have the strongest early claims to become the champions of tomorrow.
FAQs
Q1: What makes someone a “next generation athlete”?
A “next generation athlete” is a rising sports talent, often under 25, who demonstrates exceptional potential to succeed at the highest level in the coming years. They typically excel in junior or professional circuits and are projected to peak around a future Olympic cycle.
Q2: How were these athletes selected for the watchlist?
They were highlighted based on performance at Paris 2024, results in major international competitions, national team inclusion, and expert or media recognition as future stars.
Q3: Which sports will favor younger athletes at the 2028 Olympics?
Sports with high skill progression, agility, and adaptability—such as gymnastics, skateboarding, breaking, and sprint swimming—tend to favor younger athletes. However, endurance, team sports, and strength events also have youthful standouts preparing for 2028.
Q4: Will all these highlighted athletes definitely compete at the 2028 Games?
Not necessarily. Injuries, form fluctuations, qualification standards, or changes in focus can alter trajectories. This list reflects current promise rather than guaranteed participation.
Q5: How can fans track the progress of these athletes before 2028?
Fans can follow world championships, junior championships, and Olympic qualifiers, as well as athletes’ social media or national federation updates. Many of these rising stars will feature prominently in global competitions between now and Los Angeles 2028.
Conclusion: The Future Is Now
The road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is already being paved by a vibrant and diverse group of young talents. These next generation athletes have shown flashes of brilliance at junior, collegiate, and even senior levels, hinting at what may come on the biggest stage. While not every prodigy will fulfill their potential, the trends are clear: youth, innovation, and versatility will be at the heart of the next Olympic cycle. Whether in traditional powerhouses like track, swimming, and gymnastics or in newer arenas such as skateboarding, cricket, and mixed-gender events, these rising stars embody the excitement of a new era. By following their journeys now, fans can witness the shaping of future legends long before they step onto the podium in Los Angeles.
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