Hamilton Athletes Set to Shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics!
Get ready, Hamiltonians! The Paris 2024 Olympics kick off tomorrow, July 26, and our city is well-represented by an impressive lineup of athletes. From sailing to cycling, basketball to beach volleyball, let's meet the local stars who will be showcasing their talents on the world stage.
Will Jones: Sailing Sensation
Will Jones, a proud member of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, is setting sail for glory alongside Justin Barnes from Pickering, ON. This dynamic duo will be representing Canada in sailing, aiming to navigate their way to the podium with precision and skill.
Alena Sharp: Golfing Great
Two-time Olympian and LPGA professional golfer Alena Sharp is no stranger to the big stage. A native of Hamilton, Alena has been a formidable competitor since her professional debut in 2003. She won bronze at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games and had strong showings at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Let's cheer her on as she aims for gold in Paris!
Carson Mattern: Cycling Champion
Hamilton’s own Carson Mattern will be competing in Cycling - Road. A three-time junior world champion, Carson bagged two gold medals at the 2022 UCI Junior Track World Championships in the men’s individual pursuit and men’s omnium. Watch out for him as he speeds his way to victory.
Eleanor Harvey: Fencing Phenom
Eleanor Harvey made history at Rio 2016 by defeating the world’s number one ranked fencer and achieving Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in an individual fencing event. With her seventh-place finish, she set a high bar, and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes in Paris.
Heather Bansley: Beach Volleyball Veteran
Heather Bansley is back for her third Olympic appearance after coming out of retirement. Partnering with Sophie Bukovec, Heather won the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament in June 2024. This Waterdown native has twice reached the quarterfinals at the Olympics and is aiming for even greater heights this time around.
James Hedgcock: Cycling Prodigy
James Hedgcock’s journey from BMX racing to track cycling has been nothing short of spectacular. The Hamilton cyclist won four gold medals at the 2023 Canadian Track Cycling Championships and successfully defended most of his titles in 2024. He’s ready to race his way to Olympic glory in Paris.
Kia Nurse: Basketball Star
Basketball runs in the family for Kia Nurse, who started playing at age 4. Her father, Richard Nurse, was a wide receiver for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Known for her motto, “Respect All, Fear None,” Kia will be leading the Canadian women's basketball team with her unmatched skill and determination.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Basketball Ace
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a phenomenal 2023, becoming just the second basketball player to be named Canada’s Athlete of the Year and Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year. This Hamilton star is set to dazzle the courts in Paris, showcasing why he's one of the greatest Canadian basketball players ever.
Lisa Thomaidis: Coaching Maestro
Born in Dundas, Hamilton, Lisa Thomaidis has a rich basketball history. After a successful stint as the head coach of the University of Saskatchewan, she joined the National Team of Germany in 2023. Now, Lisa is leading the German women’s basketball team into their first-ever Olympics, bringing her expertise and Hamilton spirit to the global stage.
Cheer on Our Local Heroes!
Hamilton’s athletes are ready to make their mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Let’s show them our support and cheer them on as they strive for excellence. Go, Hamilton, go!
