As the 2024 Paris Olympics kick off with Friday’s opening ceremony, Maryland is sending more Olympians and Paralympians than most states in the U.S. despite being the 18th most populous state.
According to Newsweek, Maryland is sending 24 athletes to Paris for the United States. The top five states are California (142), Florida (46), Texas (44), Illinois (39) and Pennsylvania (35).
Several of Maryland’s athletes, including swimmer Katie Ledecky, wrestler Kyle Snyder and sprinter Quincy Wilson, have ties to Montgomery County.
The county has produced several athletes in swimming alone, with Ledecky being joined by fellow Stone Ridge graduates Phoebe Bacon and Erin Gemmell.
The Games will run from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympics will take place from August 28 to Sept. 8.
