FOR the first time since 2012, the Summer Olympics are back in Europe.

After Covid restrictions had meant Tokyo's arenas would be empty in 2021, fans will be back in the stands to see Team GB's 327 athletes compete in 25 sports.

Much like in previous years, some of the country's best and brightest have ties with Worcestershire. 

Who are they? What do they compete in? And what can we expect to see from them this summer?

Rose Harvey - Marathon

Evesham-born Rose Harvey was just an amateur runner during the Tokyo Olympics.

The 31-year-old joined a running club in 2015 after moving to London, but wouldn't get the chance to run much due to her job as a finance lawyer.

After being made redundant in 2020 during the pandemic, Harvey would finally get the chance to devote her time to running,

With years of training and now running professionally, Harvey completed the Chicago Marathon in 2:23.21, the ninth female runner on the day, and the fifth-fastest time in the British all-time list. Her time would also be fast enough to qualify for Paris.

Harvey will take to the streets of Paris on Sunday, August 11, the final day of the tournament.

Matt Richards - Swimming

Richards enters Paris 2024 as one of Team GB's hottest prospects.

The Droitwich swimmer burst onto the scene in 2021 aged just 18. 

Alongside Thomas Dean, James Guy and Duncan Scott, Richards won gold in the 4x200m freestyle.

Now, Richards will be aiming for solo glory in the 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle, with the finals on Wednesday, July 31 and Monday, July 29 respectively.

The Olympics won't be the biggest part of Richards's month even if he wins gold, as he is set to marry fellow swimmer Emily Large just days after Paris 2024.

Evie Richards - Cycling

The Malvern Hills are the perfect place for mountain bikers like Evie Richards to hone their skills. 

The 27-year-old made her debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, finishing seventh out of the 38 riders.

Richards will be among the first athletes from Team GB to try and take home a medal, with the Women's cross-country scheduled for Sunday (July 28).

Matt Hudson-Smith - Athletics

400m sprinting ace Matthew Hudson-Smith grew up in Wolverhampton but attended the University of Worcester to study while training.

Hudson-Smith has seen medal success in the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, but missed out on Tokyo 2020 due to an injury.

Alongside Charlie Dobson, Hudson-Smith will attempt to reach the 400m final on Wednesday, August 7.

Jade Shekells - Rugby Sevens

The 27-year-old grew up in Worcester and learnt her craft playing for the Warriors. 

She was part of the Great Britain rugby sevens team that won gold at 2023 European Games and subsequently qualified for the tournament in Paris.

After a tough group stage against Australia, Ireland and South Africa, Shekells and her teammates may have the chance to win gold in the Stade de France on Tuesday, July 30.