Marketers will try to sign recognizable stars like Ashton Eaton and surprise medal winners to quick endorsement deals after Rio. But just as importantly, they’ll be looking for the next big thing ahead of Tokyo 2020. Here are seven athletes who might fit the bill.
Katie Ledecky
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Ledecky is already a gold medalist and will retain her amateur status for a collegiate career. But if she dominates in Rio as expected, the competition for her eventual professional signature will be fierce.
Claressa Shields
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Shields might become the first American two-time, gold medal boxer, male or female. At just 21 years old, the middleweight from Flint, Mich., could make a run for more in the future.
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Adeline Gray
The U.S. has never won a gold medal in women’s wrestling, but the world’s No. 1-rated grappler in the 165-pound weight class is favored to change that.
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English Gardner
The former Oregon Duck carries this year’s second-fastest 100-meter dash time in the world into Rio, where she’ll try to fulfill her goal of becoming the World’s Fastest Woman.
Simone Biles
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Many in the gymnastics world see 19-year-old Biles as the closest you can get to a sure thing in sports. Gymnasts don’t often return to the Olympics, but teammates Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman did this year so don’t write off Biles for Tokyo. By then, she could be one of the all-time greats.
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Carlin Isles and Madison Hughes
If rugby breaks into the American mainstream, expect this duo to be among its first household names. As Team USA rugby sevens’ leading personalities, they’re outgoing, photogenic and eager to grow their sport. Team USA could win a medal, though a gold would require an upset.
