Lo Chia-ling was only 19 when she made her Olympics debut, winning a bronze medal in the women’s 57-kilogram class at the Tokyo Games. Now 22, she is going for the gold this summer—although she has a few other plans for her time in the French capital too. “I like the streets of Paris—the scenery is very beautiful, but the most important thing is probably shopping,” Lo says, laughing. Also on her mind? The world-famous gastronomie: “At the end of the competition, I want to experience some local French food!”—MM
Misa Rodríguez, Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Olga Carmona, Soccer, Spain
La Roja’s Misa Rodríguez, Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Olga Carmona all have deep roots in their sport, but when asked about the athletes who inspire them most, their responses are wonderfully varied: Besides soccer legends Vero Boquete, Iker Casillas, and Hope Solo, names like LeBron James and Serena Williams also surface. Why? Because this is a group that privileges excellence, period—they’re part of Spain’s first women’s soccer team to qualify for the Olympics, ever. That means they’ll be leaving it all on the field this summer—though Olympic gold is, of course, only one measure of success. The bigger goal, for 30-year-old midfielder Putellas? “To continue enjoying this sport for many years, and for the fans to enjoy the matches with me.”—MM