Every year, fresh talent emerges in the world of sports, bringing a new wave of excitement, skill, and dedication. These rising stars demonstrate remarkable abilities in their respective fields and are poised to achieve greatness as they continue to hone their talents and challenge the status quo. Here are some young athletes to keep an eye on in 2024, each with the potential to become a legend in their sport.
1. Carlos Alcaraz – Tennis
Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz has taken the tennis world by storm with his impressive skills, speed, and maturity on the court. Often compared to his idol, Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz brings a unique style of play and an aggressive approach that has captivated fans worldwide.
Why He’s a Rising Star: Alcaraz made history in 2022 by becoming the youngest player to achieve the World No. 1 ranking after winning the US Open. His consistency, powerful baseline shots, and agility on the court have already helped him defeat seasoned players like Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.
What to Expect in 2024: As he continues to build experience, Alcaraz is expected to dominate the ATP circuit and compete for multiple Grand Slam titles. His hunger for victory and rapid improvement make him a player to watch in 2024 as he aims to add more titles to his collection.
2. Caitlin Clark – Women’s Basketball
Caitlin Clark has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in women’s basketball, bringing unparalleled shooting and playmaking abilities to the court. Playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark has already shattered multiple records and has become known for her deep three-pointers and high basketball IQ.
Why She’s a Rising Star: In her 2022–2023 season, Clark led her team to the NCAA Championship Game and was a standout player in the tournament. Her ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, combined with her court vision, has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Steph Curry.
What to Expect in 2024: Clark’s talents have put her on the path to a promising WNBA career, where she is projected to be a top draft pick. As she continues to develop her skills, she could be one of the faces of women’s basketball for years to come.
3. Eliud Kibet – Track and Field
Eliud Kibet, a long-distance runner from Kenya, has shown immense potential in the world of track and field. Known for his endurance and speed, Kibet is quickly establishing himself as a top competitor in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
Why He’s a Rising Star: Kibet won several junior championships in 2022 and 2023, setting personal records that place him among the top young distance runners. His relentless pace, combined with his strategic approach to races, makes him a formidable opponent.
What to Expect in 2024: With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Kibet is expected to compete and potentially bring home medals for Kenya. As he continues to train and improve, he could be the next big name in distance running, following in the footsteps of legends like Eliud Kipchoge.
4. Skye Brown – Skateboarding
At just 16 years old, Skye Brown has already made a name for herself in the world of skateboarding. Known for her fearless style and creativity, Brown was the youngest British Olympian when she competed at the Tokyo Olympics and won a bronze medal in park skateboarding.
Why She’s a Rising Star: Brown’s skill and determination at such a young age have made her a sensation in both skateboarding and surfing. Her tricks and confidence set her apart, and she has inspired a new generation of young skateboarders, especially young girls, to pick up the sport.
What to Expect in 2024: Brown is aiming for gold in skateboarding at the Paris Olympics, where she’s expected to showcase even more challenging tricks. Her continued growth and passion for the sport suggest she’ll be a leading figure in action sports for years to come.
5. Arch Manning – American Football
The Manning family is known for producing elite quarterbacks, and Arch Manning is no exception. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is a highly touted high school quarterback with incredible talent and potential.
Why He’s a Rising Star: Manning has impressed scouts with his powerful arm, accuracy, and poise under pressure. He’s been the top recruit in the country and has chosen to play college football for the University of Texas, bringing high expectations and excitement to the program.
What to Expect in 2024: Arch Manning is expected to make his mark in college football and potentially lead Texas to a national title. His skill set and family background have led many to believe he’ll become an NFL star, making him a player to watch closely.
6. Emma Raducanu – Tennis
British tennis player Emma Raducanu burst onto the scene in 2021 when she won the US Open as a teenager, becoming the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam. Known for her powerful baseline game and agility, Raducanu has quickly become a fan favorite.
Why She’s a Rising Star: Raducanu’s ability to perform under pressure and her technical skills make her a promising young player. Despite dealing with injuries in the following years, she has shown resilience and commitment to improving her game.
What to Expect in 2024: Raducanu is focused on refining her skills and making a strong comeback. With more experience, she could challenge top players on the WTA Tour and aim for another Grand Slam title in the coming years.
7. Armand Duplantis – Pole Vaulting
Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has already set several world records in his sport and is widely considered the best young pole vaulter in history. At just 24 years old, Duplantis is redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in pole vaulting.
Why He’s a Rising Star: Duplantis has set multiple world records, with his best performance reaching over 6 meters. His athleticism, speed, and technique have taken pole vaulting to new heights, quite literally, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
What to Expect in 2024: Duplantis will be a strong contender for gold in the Paris Olympics, where he hopes to break his own records. His potential to achieve even greater heights makes him one of the most exciting athletes to watch.
8. Gavi – Soccer
At just 19 years old, Spanish soccer player Gavi has already made a significant impact with his skill, vision, and playmaking abilities. Playing for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, he has demonstrated maturity and composure beyond his years.
Why He’s a Rising Star: Gavi is known for his agility, quick decision-making, and ball control. His performances at Barcelona and for Spain have made him a key player, and he is often compared to legendary Spanish midfielders like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta.
What to Expect in 2024: Gavi is expected to become an even more influential player, potentially leading Spain in the 2024 Euros and elevating Barcelona’s midfield. With his skill set and potential, he’s likely to be a standout player in European soccer.
Final Thoughts
These young athletes represent the next generation of sports icons. As they continue to train, compete, and develop their talents, they’re likely to achieve even greater success and inspire fans worldwide. From the tennis court to the football field, these rising stars embody dedication, resilience, and a passion for excellence. In 2024, keep an eye on these names as they rise to the top and redefine what it means to be a champion.
