NI Connections

The countdown is on for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Northern Irish athletes are gearing up to take centre stage. It all kicks off on 26 July with the Paralympics on 28 August when familiar faces will return to defend their titles and exciting new talents are ready to make their mark! Here, we shine a spotlight on some of our heroes ready to bring home the gold! So get your flags and voices at the ready and cheer on our Northern Irish hopefuls!

Gymnastics

Rhys McClenaghan, the pommel horse sensation from Newtownards, has already made a name for himself on the international stage. Known for his prowess on the pommel horse, Rhys became the first Irish gymnast to win a European Championship gold medal in 2018. Rhys has a knack for making the impossible look easy with routines nothing short of spectacular! Surely he’s a cert to bring home a medal!

Athletics

Burning up the tracks is Ciara Mageean from Portaferry and she is one to watch! Competing in 1500m, she has high hopes to set a new PB. Ciara’s discipline and dedication to her sport are inspirational, and her journey to the Olympics is a testament to her hard work and resilience. Get ready to cheer her on as she races towards Olympic glory!

Swimming

Daniel Wiffen, the rising star from County Down, is set to make waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Known for his exceptional prowess in freestyle swimming, Daniel has already broken several Irish records and is determined to showcase his talents on the world stage.

Boxing

Packing a punch is Belfast’s Aidan Walsh ready to represent Northern Ireland in boxing. After clinching a bronze medal in Tokyo, Aidan is back with a vengeance, aiming for gold this time. With lightning-fast jabs and knockout power, we’ll be hooked watching him fight to the top! One to watch is Jude Gallagher from Co. Tyrone who fought his way into his first Olympic Games in the World qualifiers in Busto Arsizio. One to watch!

Michaela Walsh has also secured her place and a win would complete a truly great career and cement her legacy as Northern Ireland's most successful female boxer! C’mon Michaela!

Golf

Taking a swing at gold this year, Rory McIlroy hopes to become an Olympic champion having missed out on a medal in Tokyo two years ago. He’s looking forward to competing and we’re excited to watch!

Field Hockey

We’ll also be keeping a close eye on the Irish Men’s Field Hockey Team; local athletes Michael Robinson & Matthew Nelson (Belfast) John McKee (Banbridge) and team captain Sean Murray (Lisburn) will be key to the team’s success. We’re very excited to see them all in action.

Rowing

As she takes to the water, Coleraine's Hannah Scott has become a force to be reckoned with in the rowing world. Having already achieved notable success in international competitions, she is poised to make a significant impact in Paris!

Shared Goals and Unity

The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be an exciting event, especially for the Northern Irish diaspora, as both Team GB and Team Ireland feature a strong contingent of athletes with Northern Irish roots.

Both teams exemplify the spirit of perseverance and excellence, with athletes from Northern Ireland demonstrating their prowess on the global stage. The participation of these athletes not only highlights their personal achievements but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among the Northern Irish diaspora.

The Northern Irish diaspora knows how to support its own, and the Paris 2024 Olympics are the perfect opportunity to show our athletes some love. Whether supporting Team GB or Team Ireland, the Northern Irish community can take pride in the remarkable talent representing their heritage. Let’s cheer them on as they strive for Olympic glory!

Whether you’re hosting a watch party, sharing their stories on social media, or simply sending positive vibes, every bit of support counts!

Paris 2024 is set to be an unforgettable and memorable event, and our Northern Irish hopefuls are ready to steal the show. Buckle up for a summer of sporting brilliance, Northern Ireland style!