Local legends — acclaimed artists, celebrities or politicians — are a source of pride for U.S. small towns. And this summer welcomes an opportunity for a new generation of hometown heroes to form as Team USA athletes head to Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
States like Maryland, home to Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, claim some of America's most accomplished athletes. But Olympians don't usually live in their hometowns forever — only one-third of this year's Team USA still live in the town where they grew up.
Includes qualified Olympians as of July 15, 2024.
Hometown, school and current residence information is not available for all Olympians. Map does not include locations outside the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Most Olympians disperse throughout the country in search of top-notch training facilities, professional teams or college athletics.
California is the most popular destination for this year's Team USA. Part of the Golden State's appeal may be the athletic opportunities at its universities.
San Diego County has ties to more than 50 athletes, including basketballer Kelsey Plum, both the men's and women's rugby teams and more than half of Team USA's Olympic skateboarders.
The top four schools that have enrolled members of this year's Olympic team are in California, with Stanford University (37 athletes) at number one.
Although Olympians may relocate countless times throughout their lives, the towns which they inhabit are not likely to forget them. A local athletic legend is surely reason enough to tune into this year's Games.
Hero from Home
We asked some of Team USA’s biggest names who from their hometowns made the biggest impact on them. Then we went to meet their heroes in person.
