Next Generation of Elite Athletes: Poised for Greatness

While we recently celebrated the top 100 athletes of the 21st century, let’s look ahead to the next generation of rising stars who are poised to make their mark on the world of sports.

Carlos Alcaraz: Tennis

With four major titles and a world ranking of No. 1, Alcaraz is already one of the most dominant players in tennis. At just 21 years old, he has the potential to achieve even greater success.

Kimi Antonelli: Auto Racing

As a member of the Mercedes junior program, Antonelli is tipped to become the next great Formula 1 driver. At just 17 years old, he has already won multiple championships and is set for a promising future in the sport.

Connor Bedard: Hockey

Bedard is widely regarded as the most talented young hockey player in the world. He led the Chicago Blackhawks to the Calder Trophy in his rookie season and is expected to become a perennial All-Star.

Linda Caicedo: Soccer

Caicedo is a rising star in women’s soccer. She was named the South American Footballer of the Year in 2022 and is set to make a significant impact at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Caitlin Clark: Basketball

Clark is the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and was the 2024 AP College Player of the Year. She has already made a name for herself in the WNBA and is poised for even greater success.

Dakota Ditcheva: MMA

Ditcheva is an undefeated fighter who has quickly made a name for herself in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). She is a rising star in the sport and is expected to challenge for a title soon.

Luka Doncic: Basketball

Doncic is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. He is a five-time All-Star and has led the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals. Doncic is poised to become one of the league’s best players.

Endrick: Soccer

Endrick is a highly-rated Brazilian forward who has already drawn comparisons to Pelé. At just 16 years old, he joined Real Madrid in a €72 million deal and is expected to become a global superstar.

Gabriela Fundora: Boxing

Fundora is a rising star in women’s boxing. She is the IBF flyweight champion and is known for her power and aggression. Fundora has the potential to become one of the best female boxers in the world.

Naoya Inoue: Boxing

Inoue is a four-division boxing champion and one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. He is known for his incredible power and has won 24 of his 27 fights by knockout.

Lamar Jackson: Football

Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. He is a threat to both run and pass and has led the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs in each of his five seasons.

Justin Jefferson: Football

Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He has led the league in receiving yards in two of his first four seasons and is a key part of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense.

Nelly Korda: Golf

Korda is the current world No. 1 in women’s golf. She has won 14 LPGA Tour events, including two major championships. Korda is one of the most dominant players in the sport and is poised for continued success.

Vicky López: Soccer

López is a rising star in women’s soccer. She has won multiple titles with Barcelona and is a key player for the Spanish national team. López is expected to become one of the best players in the world.

Noah Lyles: Track and Field

Lyles is one of the fastest men in the world. He is a six-time world champion and is expected to challenge for a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Cale Makar: Hockey

Makar is one of the best young defensemen in the NHL. He is a three-time All-Star and helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022. Makar is expected to become one of the leaders of the Avalanche for years to come.

Sean O’Malley: MMA

O’Malley is a rising star in the UFC bantamweight division. He is known for his striking skills and has won nine post-fight bonuses in just 10 fights.

Angel Reese: Basketball

Reese is one of the best young players in women’s college basketball. She was the SEC Player of the Year in 2023 and is expected to be a key part of the LSU Tigers’ success for the next few seasons.

Hezly Rivera: Gymnastics

Rivera is the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is a two-time junior world championships silver medalist and is expected to be a major contributor to the U.S. team’s bid for a gold medal.