Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to the Triad 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 through 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 five Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to the Triad that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin .

Samantha Heyison , Track and field

The sophomore at Wake Forest University is set to compete in both the discus and shot put for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris from August 28 to September 8. The Demon Deacon says she is hoping to bring home a medal or two.

Dearica Hamby , Women’s 3x3 basketball

During almost a decade in her WNBA career, Hamby has won multiple awards, including the Sixth Woman of the Year award. She’s the most decorated women’s basketball player in Wake Forest University history. The US women’s basketball team will play against Azerbaijan on Wednesday, July 31.

Bam Adebayo , 5X5 Men’s basketball

The two-time Olympian from High Point won a gold medal in Tokyo in 2020. The three-time NBA All-Star player will play as part of the team against Puerto Rico on Saturday, Aug.3 at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Gianluca Busio , Soccer

The Greensboro soccer player is the youngest player to sign with an MLS team since 2004. The 22-year old is part of the men’s soccer team that will play against Guinea on Tuesday, July 30 at 1 p.m. ET.

Steven Insixiengmay , Swimming

Born in the Twin City, Insixiengmay attended Forsyth Country Day School and qualified for his first North Carolina Age Group Championships at the age of 10. Although the athlete did not make it to the finals for the men’s 100m breaststroke, he plans to continue his career at the University of Georgia.