Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Seattle competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics

Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.

At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones.

Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up 11 Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Seattle, Wa that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin .

Photo by Tim Shelby

Kevin Durant , 3x3 Basketball
While the basketball superstar currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, he spent a long stint of his career — 2007-2016 — with the Seattle SuperSonics (RIP) . Durant already has three gold medals — we’ll see if he earns his fourth this year. Men’s 3x3 Basketball starts Tuesday, July 30 .

Jonas Ecker , Canoeing - Men’s K-2 Sprint
Ecker, born in Bellingham, was first introduced to paddle sports by his mother, who was a surfski paddler. She enrolled him in the Bellingham Canoe Kayak Sprint Team’s summer camp, and he’s been racing ever since. Canoe Sprints begin Tuesday, Aug. 6 .

Aaron Small , Canoeing - Men’s K-2 Sprint
Another Bellingham-born athlete, Small and Ecker became fast friends through their love of paddle sports. Small first got his oars wet with the Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club on Green Lake. Canoe Sprints begin Tuesday, Aug. 6 .

Nevin Harrison , Women’s Canoe Sprint
Having already become the first US woman to win an Olympic gold medal in kayak or canoe at age 19, this Roosevelt High School alum is considered to be at the top of her game. Canoe Sprints begin Tuesday, Aug. 6 .

Jessica Theonnes , Rowing
While originally from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Theonnes was a walk-on to the University of Washington’s rowing team. Rowing events begin Saturday, July 27 .

Nina Castagna , Rowing
Castagna’s not just competing with the US Rowing team, she’s in the driver seat as its coxswain. In this position, the UW alum will have to orchestrate the team’s other eight rowers to control the boat’s steering, speed, and fluidity. Rowing events begin Saturday, July 27 .

Photo by Lorie Shaull

Breanna Stewart , Women’s basketball
While it breaks our heart that this stellar WNBA player is no longer with our beloved Seattle Storm, we’re at the edge of our seats to see if this two-time gold medalist will win her third. Women’s basketball begins Sunday, July 28 .

Cierra Burdick , 3X3 Women’s Basketball
Another Storm star will be out in Paris ready to shoot for the gold. Burdick joined our local WNBA team in 2021 when she was also named MVP of the Red Bull 3×3 National Championship. Women’s 3x3 Basketball begins Tuesday, July 30 .

Hailey Van Lith , 3X3 Women’s Basketball
Originally a native to Wenatchee, this athlete now plays for Texas Christian University when she’s not out on an international court. Women’s 3x3 Basketball begins Tuesday, July 30 .

Keana Hunter , Artistic Swimming - Team
Hunter is a current member of Seattle Synchro and will also be a member of the first full US team of nine artistic swimmers being sent to the Olympics in 16 years . Artistic Swimming begins Monday, Aug. 5 .

Audrey Kwon , Artistic Swimming - Team
Kwon is the youngest member of the US team and performs as the team’s flier, where she’s been described as their “not-so-secret weapon” that keeps them ahead in acrobatics. Artistic Swimming begins Monday, Aug. 5 .