As the Olympic torch makes its final leg before the opening ceremony this Friday, we’re thinking about the incredible LGBTQ+ athletes representing the United States at this year’s games. Here are 25 athletes to cheer for as the games begin.
Women’s Soccer
Tierna Davidson: (Defender) Davidson is currently a center back for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Jane Campbell (Goalkeeper): Campbell plays for the NWSL’s Houston Dash and is the alternate goalie for the games.
Women’s Rugby
Alev Kelter (Center): Kelter is playing in her third Olympic games as a member of the Women’s Seven Rugby team.
Nicole Heavirland (Hooker, Scrumhalf): Heaverland made her Olympic debut in Tokyo and returns for this year’s games.
Laura Doyle (Flyhalf, Wing): Chicago North Shore player and Olympic vet is one of the co-captain’s for this year’s team.
BMX Freestyle
Hannah Roberts: Roberts is a five time world champion, competing in her second Olympic games.
Track and Field
Nikki Hiltz: Hiltz is one of the few out transgender nonbinary athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics. The seven time All-American is competing in their first Olympic games.
Sha’Carri Richardson: Fastest woman in the world as of 2023, Richardson makes her Olympic debut representing Team USA in track and field.
Raven Saunders: Known for her tremendous feats with shot put, Saunders who uses they/them or su/son pronouns took home the silver in 2021. They return for a shot at gold in Paris.
Nico Young: A two-time NCAA indoor and cross-country champion, Young makes his Olympic debut in Paris.
Volleyball
Haleigh Washington (Middle Blocker): Washington returns to the Olympics after receiving a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo games.
Women’s Basketball
Kahleah Copper (Forward/Center): Copper makes her Olympic debut with Team USA after winning gold in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. She joins Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner.
Brittney Griner (Center): Griner is back for her third Olympic games, having taken home gold in 2021 and 2016.
Chelsea Gray (Guard): After winning gold in Tokyo, the Las Vegas Aces’ player is back for a second shot at a medal in Paris.
Jewell Lloyd (Guard): Lloyd, who holds two national titles with the Seattle Storm, makes her second Olympic appearance in Paris,
Breanna Stewart (Forward/Center): The New York Liberty star could potentially bring home a third gold medal for team USA.
Diana Taurasi (Guard): Longtime professional women’s basketball star Taurasi makes her sixth Olympic appearance at the Paris games, playing in more Olympic basketball games than any other U.S. Olympian.
Alyssa Thomas (Forward): Thomas is a four-time WNBA All-Star and Connecticut Suns player since 2014, going for gold for the first time in Paris.
Canoe/Kayak
Evy Leibfarth: Leibfarth competed in Tokyo at just 17 and returns to the water in Paris.
Rowing
Nina Castagna (Coxswain): Castagna is steerwoman of the Women’s 8, and competing in her first Olympics.
Teal Cohen (Rower): A recent graduate of University of Washington, Cohen is heading to compete in her first Olympics.
Grace Joyce: (Rower) Joyce will make her Olympic debut as part of the Women’s Quadruple Sculls.
Regina Salmons (Rower): Part of the Women’s 8 rowing team, Paris will be Salmons’ second Olympic games, having competed in Tokyo.
Fencing
Lauren Scruggs: A fencer since she was six, the Harvard championship team member makes her Olympic debut in Paris.
Wrestling
Kayla Miracle: Miracle returns to the Olympic games with two World Championships silver medals under her belt.
The 2024 Summer Olympics officially kick off Friday, July 26 on NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, CNBC, E!) Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC App or the NBC Olympics App.