2024 Paris Olympics: Western New York athletes to watch

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – The 2024 Paris Olympics are upcoming and there are a handful of Olympians from the Western New York region.

Breanna Stewart (Women’s Basketball) – Syracuse

The UConn legend and New York Liberty star will likely be one of the top options on Team USA’s women’s basketball team. Stewart won gold with the team in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds in Tokyo while bringing home MVP honors.

Brynn King (Pole Vaulting) – Roberts Wesleyan

King isn’t a Rochester native but just finished up her grad year at Roberts Wesleyan, so she’s an honorary Rochesterian. Plus, she’s got a great chance at medaling after an awesome showing with a career best 4.73 meters in the Olympic Trails finals.

Jason Turner (Shooting) – Rochester

While not an athlete, Turner is the coach for the United States Pistol Team. He competed for the U.S. in 2004, 2008, and 2012, winning Bronze in the Beijing Games. Turner graduated from McQuaid.

Jessica Pegula (Women’s Tennis) – Buffalo

The daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Kim and Terry Pegula has made quite the name for herself in the professional tennis landscape. She’s ranked fifth in the world and should be one of the favorites, especially considering her track record in the French Open. Pegula will pair up with world number two Coco Gauff as the Americans look to take home gold in doubles.

Kevin Penev (Gymnastics) – Penfield

Penev is a Penfield grad, but will actually be competing for Bulgaria in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has an older brother, Eddie, who has also competed for Bulgaria and the United States in International competitions.

Lanae-Tava Thomas (Track & Field) – Henrietta

Thomas is a Rush-Henrietta grad and Section V Hall of Famer and in 2024 will look to add Olympic medalist to her impressive resume. She will compete for Jamaica in the 200M after hitting a mark of 22.34 seconds in trials.

Magnus Sheffield (Cycling) – Pittsford

Just 22 years young, Sheffield will make his Olympics debut in Paris. He’s on Team USA’s road team, with competition days set for July 22nd, August 3rd, and August 4th.

Matt Anderson (Beach Volleyball) – West Seneca

The 6-foot-10-inch Anderson is competing in his fourth straight Olympics, having won Bronze in 2016. That year, he also ranked second among all scorers in the tournament. He’s also led the United States men’s team in scoring every year since 2011.

Meghan Musnicki (Rowing) – Naples

Musnicki has been on the U.S. Women’s Rowing team for a long time and in the 2024 Paris Olympics will become the oldest American to row at an Olympics. The 41-year-old has two gold medals and clearly wants to go for the trifecta in France.