Confident as only he can be, Pedro Pichardo has already warned that only a lot of bad luck can prevent him from becoming a double Olympic champion (something unprecedented in Portuguese sport) in Paris 2024. After winning gold in the triple jump in Tokyo2020 the Benfica athlete has limited himself to participating in the top events in search of the world record held by Jonathan Edwards since 1995 (18.29 meters).

Pichardo missed the World Championships due to a back injury and has not yet competed. Moreover, the recent problems at Benfica could disrupt the Olympic champion’s plans, as he has not yet registered to participate in 2024 and the World Cup in Glasgow is already in March.

With 23 quotas achieved, Portugal is still far from the 92 athletes qualified for Tokyo 2020, and many of the most qualified athletes have not yet guaranteed their attendance. Declines in form, injuries and changes to qualifying dates and models, combined with the disappointment of not qualifying for football (Under-21) are among the reasons for the number of qualifiers “slightly lower than what could be estimated”, according to the chairman of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), José Manuel Constantino, who aspires to win as many medals as in Tokyo2020 (four).

Auriol Dongmo was five centimeters away from medals in the last PB and is one of the doubters for Paris2024. The European and world shot put champion broke her leg during training and underwent surgery before Christmas, meaning she now faces a lengthy layoff. The World Cups in Glasgow have been ruled out and the European Championships in Rome (July) are unknown. Reaching the Games in top form will be a challenge worthy of Auriol, who has been a true example of overcoming.

Just like the already eternal Fernando Pimenta. At 34, the double Olympic medalist is looking to add gold to the London 2012 Silver and Tokyo 2020 Bronze, but despite guaranteeing a place for Portugal by becoming world champion in the K1 100, he may not be selected . If Pimenta was “recalled” for the European Championship in July, he took revenge in August and became world champion. João Ribeiro and Messias Baptista can be honorable heirs.

The Olympic number two in the triple jump, Patrícia Mamona, left injured and with a bronze medal at the European indoor track in Istanbul. Problems with both knees forced her to quit and consult a German specialist, but her return remains an unknown for the athlete accustomed to last-minute qualifications and extraordinary jumps when least expected.

Also special was the appearance (and disappearance on a similar scale) of judoka Jorge Fonseca. After two world titles and an Olympic bronze, the athlete has found it difficult to return to his best physical and mental shape.

The good news is that the first to guarantee his presence was swimmer Diogo Ribeiro, who will make his debut at the Olympic Games at the age of 18 and will soon have the ambition to reach a final – something never done by a Portuguese swimmer has been reached. And who knows if the national medalist, who has 28 medals: 5 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze, will gain weight.

From the expected return of Simone Biles to the wish of Mbappé

Olympism continues to wait to enthrone new legends like Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt… in Paris it could be Simone Biles’ turn. The gymnast will seek redemption after the dramas that forced her to take a break. Duplantis, Kipchoge, Ledecky and Mbappé are among the stars who promise to shine in the City of Light.

Simone Biles. Owner of 7 medals, the 26-year-old American gymnast returns to the Olympic Games, announced after the break at Tokyo2020.

Armand Duplantis. The pole vault phenomenon and candidate for the best in history, the Swede has “guaranteed” the gold and will try to set the Olympic record (6.03 m).

Eliud Kipchoge. Two-time marathon champion, the Kenyan is looking for an unprecedented third Gold… if World Record holder Kiptum doesn’t stand in his way.

Katie Ledecky. Considered the best ever, the American swimmer will look to repeat the five Tokyo 2020 Golds and move closer to the legend Phelps.

Kylian Mbappe. The PSG footballer offered to play for the French Olympic team and since he is the captain of the Blues, the “Yes” is guaranteed.