The following compilation highlights the extraordinary feats of breakout stars in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Featured athletes include 13-year-old skateboarding sensation Momiji Nishiya from Japan, American track star Athing Mu, and gymnast Sunisa Lee. It also spotlight’s Italy’s Lamont Marcell Jacobs who surpassed Usain Bolt as the fastest man, Norway’s Karsten Warholm who shattered a world record, India’s golden javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, skateboarder Yuto Horigome, Australia’s paddler Jessica Fox, hurdler Hansle Parchment from Jamaica, and Bermuda’s first-ever gold medalist, triathlete Flora Duffy. Their awe-inspiring performances have etched their names in the history of the Olympics.
1. Momiji Nishiya
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 witnessed the crowning of a new queen in the field of skateboarding, Momiji Nishiya. This prodigiously talented 13-year-old etched her name into the record books as she won the gold medal in the women’s street skateboard event, making her one of the youngest gold medalists in the history of the Olympics. The Japanese teenager showcased a remarkable display of agility, creativity, and courage, thus cementing her place among the breakout stars of the tournament.
2. Athing Mu
Hailing from the United States, Athing Mu was one of the standout performers in track and field events. The 19-year-old won the gold medal in women’s 800 meters in her first-ever Olympics. With her stunning performance, she became the first American woman to win the event since 1968. Her name will now be penned down in history books as one of the breakout stars of Tokyo 2020.
3. Sunisa Lee
Sunisa Lee, or more fondly known as Suni, was America’s sweetheart at the Tokyo 2020. She stepped out of the shadows of Simone Biles to win the women’s gymnastics all-around event with an awe-inspiring performance. Despite being only 18, Suni showcased incredible composure in the stressful situation and secured her status as a breakout star.
4. Lamont Marcell Jacobs
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will forever be a memorable one for Lamont Marcell Jacobs, who sprinted his way into the elite club of global superstars. The Italian athlete defied the odds to win the men’s 100m race, succeeding Usain Bolt as the fastest man on earth. Jacobs’s amazing story of resilience, determination, and sheer speed makes him one of the breakout stars of 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
5. Karsten Warholm
Norway’s Karsten Warholm shattered the world record in the men’s 400m hurdles, finishing the race in an astonishing 45.94 seconds. His incredible performance and disbelief at his own achievement made for one of the most iconic moments of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
6. Neeraj Chopra
India’s Neeraj Chopra was a revelation in the field events at the Tokyo Olympics. The 23-year-old won the gold medal in Javelin Throw, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat and the second Indian ever to win an individual gold at the Olympics, making him one of the standout athletes at the Games.
7. Yuto Horigome
Japanese skateboarder Yuto Horigome made history by winning the first-ever skateboarding gold medal in the men’s street event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His mastery over the board and the streets of Tokyo, his hometown, made him a breakout star on the global stage.
8. Jessica Fox
Australia’s Jessica Fox won the most coveted prize in canoe slalom – a gold medal in the inaugural women’s C1 event. Already recognized as the most successful paddler in history, Fox’s unprecedented success added a missing piece to her trophy cabinet and confirmed her status as a breakout star.
9. Hansle Parchment
Jamaican hurdler Hansle Parchment seemingly came out of nowhere to nab gold in the men’s 110m hurdles. His extraordinary display of skill and speed in what is considered a surprise win, cemented his position as one of the breakout stars of Tokyo 2020.
10. Flora Duffy
Triathlete Flora Duffy created history by winning Bermuda’s first ever Olympic gold medal in the women’s event. Her balanced performance in swimming, cycling, and running caught the world’s attention, marking her as a breakout star of Tokyo 2020. With her stunning victory, Bermuda has now become the smallest country ever to win a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.