Paris Olympics: When to Watch Team USA’s Top Stars

The Paris Olympics will commence with an unprecedented and historic opening ceremony on Friday, marking a significant departure from tradition. Team USA’s star-studded lineup features several athletes poised to compete for medals and break world records. This year’s Games promise thrilling performances and inspirational stories from the American contingent.

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, is set to enhance her legacy by adding to her impressive tally of seven Olympic medals. Biles, who had to withdraw from individual events at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics due to mental health concerns, made a remarkable comeback to help Team USA secure a bronze in the balance beam team competition. Her journey to Paris has been marked by resilience and determination, and she will first compete in the Women’s qualifying event on Sunday at 5:40 a.m. EDT. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate seeing Biles back in action, showcasing her exceptional skills and unwavering spirit.

Sunisa Lee, who captured the world’s attention with her outstanding performance at the Tokyo Games, winning three medals including the individual All-Around gold, has overcome significant health challenges in the past year. Diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, Lee missed several major events, including the 2023 World Championships. Despite these setbacks, she secured silver in the individual All-Around and gold in the Uneven Bars events at the U.S. Olympic trials, earning her spot in Paris. Her competition begins on Sunday in the Women’s qualifying event, where she aims to continue her remarkable journey of triumph and perseverance.

LeBron James makes his much-anticipated return to the Olympics for the first time since 2012. The NBA legend, alongside superstars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, forms a formidable team aiming for gold in Paris. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, adds to his impressive record of two Olympic golds and a bronze. Their first game against Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. EDT promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the potential for a gold medal game on August 10. This Olympic run represents a significant chapter in James’s illustrious career, highlighting his enduring impact on the sport.

Coco Gauff, the world number 2 in singles, is set to shine as the U.S. tennis team’s star at the Olympics. Competing at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium, which hosts the French Open, Gauff aims to build on her impressive performance this year. She reached the semi-finals in the Women’s singles tournament at the French Open, ultimately falling to world number 1 and eventual winner Iga Świątek. However, Gauff secured the doubles title with Czech star Kateřina Siniaková. The Women’s tennis events commence on August 3 at 6 a.m. EDT, where Gauff hopes to showcase her exceptional talent and determination.

Katie Ledecky, already a decorated Olympian with seven golds and three silvers, has the opportunity to become the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history. Her pursuit of this historic achievement begins with the 400-meter freestyle, with qualifying heats scheduled for Saturday at 5:00 a.m. EDT and the finals at 2:55 p.m. EDT. Ledecky’s journey from winning her first Olympic gold at 15 at the London 2012 Games to potentially overtaking Jenny Thompson’s record of 12 Olympic medals and eight golds underscores her extraordinary career and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Caeleb Dressel, who made history at the Tokyo Games by winning gold in the 50-meter Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, and 100-meter Butterfly events within the same Olympics, returns to the pool with high expectations. Dressel also contributed to gold medals in the Freestyle and Medley relay events in Tokyo, adding to his two relay golds from Rio 2016. His first event, the Men’s Freestyle Relay qualifying heats, begins on Saturday at 5:00 a.m. EDT, followed by the finals later in the day at 3:44 p.m. EDT. Dressel’s pursuit of further Olympic glory highlights his remarkable speed and competitive spirit.

Diana Taurasi, a basketball icon, seeks an unprecedented sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal. At 42, the WNBA legend leads a team of stars, including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Kahleah Copper, aiming for victory in Paris. The U.S. Women’s Basketball team’s first game is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. EDT. Taurasi’s quest for another gold medal underscores her enduring excellence and leadership in the sport, inspiring teammates and fans alike.

Sha’Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris. Richardson, who admitted to using marijuana to cope with the grief of her mother’s unexpected death, has since won gold in the 100 meters at the World Athletics Championships. She will compete in the 100-meter individual and relay events, with the Women’s 100 meter prelims starting on August 2 at 4:35 a.m. EDT, followed by the finals on August 3 at 3:20 p.m. EDT. Richardson’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who recently set a new world record in the Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles with a time of 50.65 seconds, continues to push the boundaries of her sport. This was the fifth time she has broken her own world record since 2021, showcasing her dominance in the event. The first round of the Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles takes place on August 4 at 6:35 a.m. EDT, with the final scheduled for August 8 at 3:25 p.m. EDT. McLaughlin-Levrone’s quest for Olympic gold reflects her relentless pursuit of excellence and her impact on track and field.

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay, aims to end the U.S. men’s sprinting drought at the Olympics. Lyles’s first competition is in the 100 meter prelims on August 3 at 4:35 a.m. EDT, with the finals the following day at 3:50 p.m. EDT. His performances in Paris are highly anticipated, with the potential to make history and inspire the next generation of American sprinters.

The opening ceremony, the first outdoor event in Olympic history, will take place on Friday along the Seine River. Team USA will be led by flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff, with dignitaries such as First Lady Jill Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in attendance. The ceremony, which will see participating nations move along the Seine River on floats, will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock at 1:30 p.m. EDT. This innovative and scenic celebration promises to be a memorable start to the Paris Olympics.