Olympians make a name in their sport in a matter of minutes. Their stardom flashes for a few weeks every four years, but making it to the highest stage in sports requires constant determination and commitment.
"Hometown Hopefuls: Road to Paris" gives an up-close look at the most dedicated and decorated athletes in the world. The series dives into who these elite athletes really are, and what makes them sacrifice so much to accomplish their goals.
These are eight extended conversations, focused exclusively on athletes with Chicago-area ties. The athletes cover a range of sports and experience, from multi-gold medal winners to Olympic rookies ready to make history in Paris. Two-time Olympian Evita Griskenas talks about falling in love with her sport when she was 4 years old. Ryan Murphy discusses what it will take to make Olympic history in the backstroke this year. Maggie Shea reveals what it’s like to sail the winds of the Mediterranean.
The mission is to introduce you to these outstanding Chicago-area athletes, giving you a fuller picture on some of the people performing their very best for Team USA.
Episodes will appear below as they air on the NBC 5 Chicago streaming channel. Check back each week in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Games for the latest.
Paul Juda
Paul Juda went viral for his emotional reaction to making the U.S. Olympic team. But now, he's setting his sights much higher and looking to put USA Men's Gymnastics back on the podium. The suburban Chicago native opens up in multiple raw interviews where he talks about Olympic Trials, his road to Paris, his family and more
Kennedy Blades
Kennedy Blades couldn't figure out what was missing after she made Team USA and secured her status as an Olympian, but she quickly she realized what it was. The Chicago native sits down with Alex Maragos in a raw interview to discuss her journey to the Olympics, her family history in the sports and more
Sandi Morris
Pole vaulter Sandi Morris is heading to her third Olympics, this time as an alternate. The suburban Chicago opens up about what she calls the 'worst day of her life' while also explaining why she keeps coming back for more and why she says the sport chose her.
Maggie Shea
Olympic sailor Maggie Shea is ready to return to her second Olympics with her partner Stephanie Roble. What would be better than a gold medal? The suburban Chicago native reveals her inspiring answer, how she started sailing and gives an in-depth look at what it's like to compete in 49er FX sailing
Ryan Murphy
Olympic swimmer Ryan Murphy, known as the "king of the backstroke," is set to return to his third Olympic games. The suburban Chicago native shares how he was introduced to swimming, his hopes for his third Olympic games and how he got to where he is today
Felicia Stancil
Olympic BMX racer Felicia Stancil lost her mother at a young age, but she believes the tragedy may have been the catalyst that led her to BMX racing -- and changed her relationship with her father forever.
Evita Griskenas
A suburban Chicago-native, Evita Griskenas knew immediately she wanted to be a gymnast --- just not the kind her mother thought.
