With a plethora of talent set to grace the French capital, Inside The Games has compiled a top-10 list of young stars to watch ahead of this summer's spectacle in Paris. So, ahead of the 30th summer Olympics and Opening Ceremony, who are the ones to keep a close watch on?

Summer McIntosh (Canada) - swimming

At just 17, Summer McIntosh is set to redefine Olympic swimming. Holding the world record in the 400m individual medley and ranking as the second-fastest woman ever in the 400m and 800m freestyle, she recently ended Katie Ledecky's 13-year unbeaten streak in the 800m freestyle. 

In Paris, this two-time world champion will compete in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley, showcasing her prowess across multiple events and relay teams.

Syla Swords (Canada) - basketball

At just 18 years old, Swords is certainly a young star to keep an eye on, having celebrated her birthday earlier this year. She will also make history as the youngest basketball player to represent her country at the Olympics. 

Her lineage adds to the story, as her father competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Toby Roberts (Great Britain) - climbing

At 19 years old, Toby Roberts has secured his place in Olympic climbing history as the first British male qualifier. Joining him is Hamish McArthur, 23, marking a milestone for the sport in Paris.

Roberts, who began climbing at the age of three, achieved his breakthrough with a lead World Cup title at the Chamonix event in July last year. Just weeks earlier, he had claimed his first World Cup victory in bouldering in Italy, becoming the first British climber to excel in two disciplines before his Olympic debut.

Completing Great Britain's climbing squad are Erin McNeice, 20, and Molly Thompson-Smith, 26, adding depth and talent to the team heading to Paris.

Quincy Wilson (USA) - athletics

At a remarkable 16 years old, Quincy Wilson has made history as the youngest male athlete ever selected to represent Team USA in track and field. His outstanding performance at the US trials included breaking a longstanding under-18 world record in the 400m event, initially with a time of 44.66 seconds in the heats, which he improved to 44.59 seconds in the semi-finals just days later. 

Wilson's impressive feats secured his place on the USA's 4x400m relay team for Paris, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking sprinting prodigy.

Zheng Haohao (China) - skateboarding

Zheng Haohao is the youngest competitor on our list at Paris 2024, turning 12 years old on the closing day. Despite her age, she fearlessly competed against seasoned Olympic medalists and X-Games champions in skateboarding's preliminary rounds. 

The talented youngster impressed with her smooth trick transitions and diverse skills, securing her spot in Paris after top competitors were unable to compete due to their countries' full-quota status. Her dedication to skateboarding since age seven has earned her a summer trip she eagerly awaits amidst peers busy with final exams.

Phoebe Gill (Great Britain) - athletics

Phoebe Gill, aged just 17, is poised to make history as the youngest British track athlete to compete in the Olympics in over four decades. Her breakthrough came when she outpaced Jemma Reekie, a fourth-place finisher at Tokyo 2020, securing her maiden British title in June and sealing her spot at the Olympics. 

Gill's achievement includes breaking the European under-18 800m record with a time of one minute 57.86 seconds shortly after turning 17 in May. Now, she aims to follow in the footsteps of her teammate Keely Hodgkinson by aiming for Olympic glory as a teenage athlete.

Pau Cubarsi (Spain) - football

Pau Cubarsi, aged just 17, is a rising star to watch at the Olympics, representing not only his country but also FC Barcelona. Despite not being included in Euro 2024, Cubarsi's determination to prove his worth on the international stage is palpable. 

His impressive performances and dedication in recent competitions highlight his potential to shine at the Olympics, making him a compelling athlete to follow as he aims to make a significant impact.

Quan Hongchan (China) - diving

At only 17 years old, Quan Hongchan is set to make her second Olympic appearance, where she enters as the reigning champion in the women's 10m platform diving event. She made history at 14 by setting a world record in Tokyo, outshining her 15-year-old teammate Chen Yuxi to clinch gold.

Quan achieved perfect scores from all seven judges on two of her five dives, solidifying her dominance in the sport. With five World Championship gold medals under her belt since her Olympic triumph, Quan remains the favorite to continue China's tradition of excellence in diving at the upcoming Games.

Abigail Martin (Great Britain) - artistic gymnastics

Abigail Martin is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris, having recently completed her GCSEs with results yet to be revealed. The 16-year-old, despite her youth, she has already achieved remarkable success, including a European silver medal as part of the British women's team at the championships in Rimini. 

Martin's inaugural year as a senior gymnast has been stellar, with three medals at the British Championships and a floor bronze at the 2024 Osijek World Cup, solidifying her place on Team GB with impressive performances on the international stage.

Anna Hursey (Great Britain) - table tennis

Anna Hursey's journey in table tennis began at the age of five, and by 10, she was already representing her country. At 18, she is set to fulfill her dream of competing in the Olympics in Paris.

Hailing from Wales, Hursey relocated to China in 2019 to pursue full-time training, drawing from her mother's heritage. In a notable achievement three years later, she secured bronze in women's doubles at the Commonwealth Games.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Hursey has taken on the role of a United Nations Young Champion for climate change, a responsibility she embraced at just 13 years old. Her ambitions extend beyond sports as she strives to make a positive impact on the environment while preparing for her Olympic debut.