2024 Olympics: Athletes to watch as the Games officially open on July 27-28

Luca Jones is one of New Zealand’s top medal hopefuls and will be competing on the first day of the Games.
photo: Photo sports

The Paris Olympics is about to open, and all New Zealand athletes are making their debut.

While some sports with multiple preliminary rounds, such as rugby sevens, started earlier in the week, Saturday – followed by Opening Ceremony – marks the official first day of the Olympics. (Due to the time difference, New Zealand viewers will watch the games on Sunday morning.)

Whether you are a fan of rowing, tennis, cycling, equestrianism, surfing or hockey, there is something for everyone on the first day.

Here are the people to watch. All times are New Zealand time.

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Tim Price, pictured, forms one third of the New Zealand equestrian team with his wife Jonelle and Clark Johnstone.
photo: Photo by Libby Law/ESNZ

Tim and Jonelle Price and Clark Johnstone, individual and team dressage, Saturday 7:30pm

The New Zealand equestrian team will take to the stage at Versailles with high hopes.

Jonelle He is the only athlete from the group to have won an Olympic medal so far, winning a bronze medal in the team triathlon at the 2012 London Olympics.

All three represented New Zealand at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing fourth and just missing out on the podium. It remains to be seen whether they can go one step further this time around.

Erika Fairweather in Doha.
photo: Sebastian Bozon

Erica Fairweather, women’s 400 freestyle preliminaries, Saturday at 9 p.m.

Only one New Zealand female swimmer has ever won an Olympic medal – and that was 72 years ago.

but Erika Fairweather from Dunedinmay be about to achieve another success.

This 20-year-old girl Won New Zealand’s first world championship title She won the 400m freestyle in Doha earlier this year and is seen as a medal contender.

You can watch the final from 6:55am on Sunday morning, if she makes it to the final.

Sun Lulu rose to fame at the Wimbledon Tennis Open.
photo: AFP

Sun Lulu, women’s doubles (first round), Saturday at 10 p.m.

Sun Yang was fresh off her Wimbledon triumph, becoming the first New Zealand woman to reach the quarter-finals. Says she has “reset” herself She is about to compete in her first Olympic Games.

This 23-year-old young man Partnering with world number one doubles player Erin Routliff Representing New Zealand.

Sun Yang has come under the spotlight of casual tennis fans in recent weeks for her singles performance, but she said she is “also doing well in doubles” and is excited to compete in the Olympics.

Luuka Jones is back in action after a long bout with Covid.
photo: Photo sports

Luuka Jones, canoe slalom, Sunday at 2 and 4:10 a.m.

Jones has changed coaches and training methods, Dedicated to her final Olympics.

The Rio Olympics silver medalist previously said Having missed most of 2022 due to the long COVID pandemic, she has now rediscovered her passion.

She is seen as one of New Zealand’s top medal prospects and will be gunning for glory.

The first round of the women’s K1 preliminaries starts at 2 a.m. and the second round starts at 4:10 a.m.