With the Olympic Games getting closer every day, fans' attention is directed towards both established stars and promising newcomers looking to make their mark on history. Of the 290 athletes (288 athletes + 2 refugees) heading to Paris for 2024, 19 athletes are under the age of 21 and could become some of the youngest Olympic champions.
The youngest participant in Paris will be Sol Gum PAK from the DPRK, representing women's wrestling. She is just 18 years old. Sol Gum PAK earned her entry at the Asian license tournament. This is her first major tournament on the international stage and she will now head to Paris in search of Olympic glory.
Among the world's young talents are some who have already become household names, having announced themselves at recent tournaments and demonstrated their prowess by winning major competitions.
Amit Elor (USA, women's wrestling) - 2 times world champion
Akari Fujinami (Japan, women's wrestling) - 2x World Champion
Nonoka Ozaki (Japan, women's wrestling) - 2x World Champion
Ahmed Tajudinov (Bahrain, freestyle wrestling) - World Champion and 2-time Asian Champion
Khasrat Jafarov (Azerbaijan, Greco-Roman wrestling) - 2-time world champion and 2-time European champion.
Top 15 youngest participants in Paris 2024:
1. Sol Gum Park (DPRK) - 18 years old | November 2, 2005 | Women's Wrestling
2 Antim Antim (India) - 19 years old | August 31, 2004 | Women's Wrestling
3. Amit Elor (USA) - 20 years old | January 1, 2004 | Women's Wrestling
4. Akari Fujinami (Japan) - 20 years old | November 1, 2003 | Women's Wrestling
5. Kennedy Blades (USA) - 20 years old | September 4, 2003 | Women's Wrestling
6. Gabia Dilite (Lithuania) - 20 years old | September 3, 2003 | Women's Wrestling
7. Aman Aman (India) - 20 years old | July 16, 2003 | Wrestling
8. Saeed Esmaeili (Iran) - 21 years old | July 15, 2003 | Greco-Roman wrestling
9. Aurora Russo (Italy) - 21 years old | June 3, 2003 | Women's wrestling
10. Nonoka Ozaki (Japan) - 21 years old | March 23, 2003 | Women's Wrestling
11. Ahmed Tajudinov (Bahrain) - 21 years old | January 25, 2003 | Freestyle Wrestling
12. Alireza Mohmadipiani (Iran) - 21 years old | October 30, 2002 | Greco-Roman Wrestling
13. Khasrat Jafarov (Azerbaijan) - 21 years old | October 5, 2002 | Greco-Roman wrestling
14. Zaineb Sgayer (Tunisia) - 21 years old | September 25, 2002 | Women's wrestling
15. Amirali Azarpira (Iran) - 22 years old | March 26, 2002 | Freestyle Wrestling