by Deji Ogeyingbo
Top 10 US Female Athletes of the Year 2024 (10-6)
As we count down to the Top 10 female US athletes of the year, we look at some of the athletes who distinguished themselves at major competitions such as the Olympics and Diamond League and how their performances at the global level gave them the nudge ahead of their rivals.
10. Chase Jackson
Chase Jackson’s 2024 season in the shot put was filled with noteworthy achievements and valuable lessons. While she didn’t make the podium at the Paris Olympics, her performances throughout the year demonstrated her skill and potential to dominate in the event.
Jackson’s season highlights included a dominant victory at the Athletissima meet in Lausanne, where she threw 20.64m which was her best mark of the year. This performance capped a series of strong outings in prestigious competitions. She also claimed wins in Suzhou, Marrakech, and Stockholm, consistently surpassing the 20-meter mark and solidifying her place among the world’s top shot putters.
At the Memorial van Damme in Brussels, Jackson finished second with a throw of 19.90 meters, showcasing her ability to compete against the best in the Diamond League. Despite falling short of her Olympic aspirations, her consistent performances throughout the season underlined her technical skill and competitive mindset.
9. Grace Stark
Grace Stark’s 2024 season was full of promise, highlighted by her strong performance in the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics. Although she did not medal, finishing fifth in the final with a time of 12.43s, her presence in the final was a clear indication of her potential at the world level.
Stark had a series of impressive results throughout the season, including wins at the NCAA Championships, the Memorial van Damme and Diamond League events in Silesia and Lausanne. Her ability to consistently finish in the top spots at these prestigious meets helped her earn a spot on the Olympic team.
While she did not medal in Paris, Stark’s journey is just beginning, and her performance on the biggest stage proves she is a rising star in hurdling.
8. Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson had a standout year in 2024, cementing her place as one of the fastest women on the planet. She earned a Silver medal in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, clocking 10.87 seconds in a thrilling final. It was a defining moment for Richardson, proving she is back at her best after overcoming past hurdles.
Her season was filled with strong performances. She won the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, running 10.83 seconds, and followed it with another win at the Weltklasse meet in Zurich with a time of 10.84. At the U.S. Olympic Trials, Richardson delivered her fastest run of the year, blazing to a 10.71s finish to secure her spot in Paris.
The Olympic Silver was a hard-earned reward for her consistency and dedication. Richardson’s ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stages shows she is a serious competitor in the 100 meters. With her speed and determination, the future looks bright. Sprint fans have every reason to be excited about what’s next for her.
7. Masai Russell
Masai Russell’s breakout year in 2024 saw her rise to the top of the 100m hurdles. At the Paris Olympics, she delivered a stunning performance, winning gold in 12.33s. Her start was sharp, her rhythm flawless, and she led the race from beginning to end.
Throughout the year, Russell found a way of winning when it mattered most, especially in an event that was keenly contested this year. In fact, there were eleven athletes that ran sub-12.40s this year in the women’s 100mH. With a second-place finish at the Golden Gala in Rome, where she ran a personal best of 12.31s.
The 24-year-old’s Olympic Gold was a remarkable achievement and a significant step in her hurdling career. With her talent and dedication, Russell is one of the athletes to watch in 2025.
6. Brittany Brown
Brittany Brown’s 2024 season was an exciting journey of growth and performance. At the Paris Olympics, she earned a well-deserved Bronze medal in the 200m, running a 22.20s. Her performance in Paris was one of grit and determination, securing her place among the world’s fastest sprinters.
Earlier in the season, Brown had an impressive run of form, with victories at the Memorial van Damme meet in Brussels and the Rome Diamond League, where she clocked in at a season’s best of 22.00s. Her consistency across the season helped propel her to the Olympic podium, where her tactical and precise running earned her a spot in the history books.
Brown’s ended her season with a fine win over Gabby Thomas in the 200m at the ATHLOS meet.
