Olympic Channel launches new documentary series “Athletes to Watch - Paris 2024” - Watch now for free
Follow the exciting journeys of 15 top athletes from Europe, who are hoping to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in Olympic Channel’s newest original documentary: Athletes to Watch - Paris 2024.
The 15-part original series features Enzo Lefort (France, fencing), India Sardjoe (Netherlands, breaking), Kauli Vaast (France, surfing), Kieran Reilly (Great Britain, BMX), Lauriane Nolot (France, kiteboarding), Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (Germany, equestrian), Carla Neisen (France, rugby sevens), Matteo Zurloni (Italy, speed climbing), Iris Tió Casas (Spain, artistic swimming), Helen Glover (Great Britain, rowing), Lisa Klein (Germany, cycling track), Niklas Kaul (Germany, decathlon), Leonardo Fabbri (Italy, athletics), Teresa Portela (Spain, canoe sprint), and teammates Anders Mol and Christian Sørum (Norway, beach volleyball).
Each episode takes you into the athletes’ lives, where you will discover their emotional backstories, sacrifices they have made, what the life of an elite athlete is like behind-the-scenes, and what the people closest to them have to say.
While their sports are contrasting in nature, all seven athletes all have one thing in common: they have dedicated their lives towards competing at the Olympic Games.
The series is available to watch now for free on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and on the official Olympics apps for mobile and connected TV devices.
Enzo Lefort of France celebrates after defeating Alaaeldin Abouelkassem of Egypt to advance to the Semi-finals in Men's Fencing Foil Team Quarterfinal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on August 01, 2021 in Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Episode 1 - Enzo Lefort (France, fencing)
Explore Enzo Lefort's journey from his Guadeloupean roots to Paris 2024, driven by his ambition for individual gold. Witness his rigorous training regime and unwavering determination, fueled by past victories at World Championships and Olympic Games in the team events. As the Games draw near, Lefort's focus intensifies as he prepares to compete on home turf, aiming to etch his name in Olympic history with a triumphant performance in a memorable venue: le Grand Palais at the heart of Paris.
Episode 2 - India Sardjoe (Netherlands, breaking)
Follow India's remarkable rise from her hometown studio of La Hague to the Olympic stage. While she qualified for the Games at the European Championships, with her unique style blending raw energy and finesse, she faces formidable rivals on her quest for breaking glory. Will her unmatched determination and skill make history at the Olympics where the sport is making its debut at Paris 2024?
India Sardjoe is a breaking athlete from the Netherlands, and hopes to compete at Paris 2024, where the sport will make its Olympic debut.
Episode 3 - Kauli Vaast (France, surfing)
Kauli Vaast's childhood was spent on Tahitian shores but he now competes on the world stage. Surrounded by his family and long time friend and mentor Jeremy Flores, the surfer refines his craft at Teahupo'o impressive pipe where he is set to battle for an Olympic Gold medal.
Episode 4 - Kieran Reilly (Great Britain, BMX)
Join Kieran Reilly on his quest for Olympic glory as he reflects on his journey from Gateshead to becoming BMX world champion. He navigates the challenges of training, family support, and personal growth, while striving to make his hometown proud. Follow his inspirational story as he prepares to represent his community and Team GB at the next Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
Episode 5 - Lauriane Nolot (France, kiteboarding)
Lauriane Nolot, the current world champion, aims for Gold at Paris 2024 on the shores of Marseille where the formula kite sailing event will make its Olympic debut. Hailing from Camps-la-Source, an hour away from the Olympic venue, she climbs the ranks with determination from family get-aways to world podium. Her impressive journey propels her to the pinnacle of her sport.
Lauriane Nolot of France celebrates winning the gold medal in the Women's Kite Final F1 during Day Six of the Paris 2024 Sailing Test Event at Marseille Marina on July 14, 2023 in Marseille, France.
Episode 6 - Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (Germany, equestrian)
Jessica’s dream became reality at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 with two Olympic Gold medals in dressage in the individual and team events. But her incredible bond with her horse, Dalera, is forged by hard work and strict discipline at Aubenhausen world-class riding centre. With her title back on the line at Paris 2024, she opens the doors of her family estate and reflects, with her family and her team, on an emotional journey full of joy and determination.
Episode 7 - Carla Neisen (France, rugby sevens)
Backed by a great team and high performing coaches, Carla's quest for Olympic gold symbolizes the rise of women's rugby since returning to the programme at Rio 2016. From competing with boys to leading her nation to sevens silver in Tokyo 2020, the French squad’s captain inspires resilience and dedication on the road to Paris 2024.
Episode 8 - Matteo Zurloni (Italy, speed climbing)
Dive into Matteo's remarkable journey, from small town dreamer to Olympic contender. He won the speed event at the 2023 IFSC Climbing World Championships, earning a shot at Olympic glory. Follow his ascent from humble beginnings to the dizzying heights of international competition, where every climb is a test of skill, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Episode 9 - Iris Tió Casas (Spain, artistic swimming)
Iris joined the senior national team at 15, living away from her parents most of the time. Four years later she competed in Tokyo where she was the youngest on the team. For Paris 2024, she will be crucial to the team’s chances, aiming for gold at Paris 2024. Her journey reflects immense dedication, resilience, and a dream realised through hard work. She will compete in the team as well as in the duet event with her partner Alissa Ozhogina.
Episode 10 - Helen Glover (Great Britain, rowing)
After winning back-to-back gold in London 2012 and Rio 2016, Helen made a remarkable come-back in Tokyo 2020 held in 2021, being the first mother to row for Britain. She and partner Polly Swann finished fourth. Helen now has her sights on Paris 2024 where she should be competing in the Women's four event, focusing on adding another Olympic medal to her impressive career for Team GB.
Episode 11 - Lisa Klein (Germany, cycling track)
Breaking three world records and winning gold in Tokyo 2020, Lisa and team are now focusing on Paris 2024, aiming for another medal in the Women's Team Pursuit event. She came third in the 2024 German National Championships and, as she prepares for a second Olympic appearance, her focus will be on helping Germany defend their Olympic gold medal on the biggest stage of them all.
Lisa Klein and Mieke Kröger (the pair on the right) celebrate gold at Tokyo 2020 held in 2021.
Episode 12 - Niklas Kaul (Germany, decathlon)
Despite an incredible 2019 season, winning gold at the World Championships and setting a world’s best record, Niklas faced challenges at Tokyo 2020 due to an injury sustained in the high jump event. After focusing on recovery and preparing for future competitions, he reached an impressive 4th place at the European Championships in Roma, which puts him back in a position to medal at Paris 2024.
Episode 13 - Leonardo Fabbri (Italy, shot put)
From his early athletic beginnings to his emotional 22.34m throw, Leonardo's journey is marked by family support and a dream of Olympic success. Despite setbacks, his determination remains unshaken as he aims for glory at Paris 2024. The Tuscan shot putter won gold at the European Championships, setting a championship record and placing him as a serious contender for the coming games.
Episode 14 - Teresa Portela (Spain, canoe sprint)
Marked by determination, Teresa's journey unfolds over six Olympics. From Rio to Tokyo, Her pursuit of Olympic glory was balanced between being an elite athlete and the joys of motherhood. In Tokyo, she finally won a long-awaited medal by bringing home silver in the K-1 200 canoe sprint event. Now training for Paris 2024, she will become the first Spanish woman to compete in seven Olympic Games.
Episode 15 - Anders Mol & Christian Sørum (Norway, beach volleyball)
The reigning World and Olympic Champions are dominating beach volleyball. Their partnership, rooted in a Viking mentality, has kept them atop the sport for six years. They are now preparing for a historic back-to-back Olympic gold at Paris 2024 to honour Christian's mother's legacy.
As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.