As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Manchester once again stands tall as a key contributor to Team GB’s impressive medal tally.

52 medals

Athletes made in Manchester earned 52 medals across both games in 2024. With athletes hailing from or training in the city earning 16 medals in total, including 3 golds, 5 silvers, and 8 bronzes, in the Olympics, and Para-athletes reaping in a whopping 36 medals including 20 gold, 11 silver and 5 bronze, Manchester has proven itself to be a powerhouse of athletic talent and a city alive with sport.

The achievements of these athletes showcase not only their personal dedication but also the strength of the city's sporting infrastructure and culture. We've picked out some highlights below.

athletics

Among Manchester’s standout performances at the 2024 Olympics was Keely Hodgkinson, who delivered a spectacular victory in the 800m, clinching the gold medal. Training at the Manchester Regional Arena, Hodgkinson’s triumph was a testament to the city's commitment to nurturing athletic talent. Known for her incredible pace and tactical prowess, she dominated the field, finishing with a gold medal solidifying her status as one of the world’s premier middle-distance runners.

Her success is a shining example of how Manchester’s top-tier training facilities and support systems can propel athletes to the pinnacle of their sport. Manchester-based athletes secured a further two bronze medals on the track through Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey, also fellow members of M11 Track Club based at the Regional Arena.  

cycling

Cycling was, unsurprisingly, the crown jewel in Manchester’s Olympic & Paralympic success. The National Cycling Centre, home to the GB cycling team, has become a beacon for elite cyclists from around the world, providing cutting-edge facilities that have directly contributed to this year’s remarkable medal haul. The city’s world-class cycling facilities and coaching programs yielded 13 gold medals across both Games, and a remarkable 35 in total. Some highlights include:

- GB set the world record and earned gold in the Women's Olympic Team sprint, with teammember Emma Finucane going on to attain a further two bronze medals.
- Dame Sarah Storey remained undefeated at her 9th Paralympics with 2 golds. Her successed marked her 19th medal in a row in cycling and 29th medal overall.
- Sophie Unwin, a cyclist with roots in Manchester, added to the city's glory with two golds, a silver, and a bronze. Unwin’s versatility and tenacity on the track were pivotal to Team GB’s cycling dominance.
- Fellow cyclists Lora Fachie and Jaco Van Gass brought further accolades to Manchester. Van Gass brought home two golds, while Fachie secured three silver medals.

The National Cycling Centre in Manchester has long been a breeding ground for Olympic success, and its athletes once again delivered on the biggest stage, underlining and cementing the city’s status as the 'Capital of Cycling'. These athletes are proven examples of what sets Manchester apart from the rest. With the world famous 'medal factory' marking it's 30th birthday this year, these recent successes are testament to the on-going legacy and foresight by city leaders 3 decades ago.

taekwondo

Home of the National Taekwondo Centre, Manchester saw incredible success in taekwondo at the games. 

It was gold-galore at the Paralympics, with Matt Bush and Amy Truesdale adourning the top step of the podium with spectacular golds in their respective weight classes. At the Olympics, Manchester's Caden Cunningham added a silver medal to the City's tally. Caden fought hard, narrowly missing out on gold in the +80kg final. 

Each medal is richly deserved recognition of Manchester's commitment to the sport, with continued investment paying dividends on the global stage.

swimming

Manchester-based para-swimmers dominated the pool at the Paralympic Games. Poppy Maskill led the charge in swimming, claiming a stunning five medals, including three golds and two silvers.

Rising stars like Grace Harvey, Tully Kearney and Ellie Challis also secured sensational gold medals in swimming, which come as no surpise following their amazing successes at the World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester in 2023.

With Manchester home to the GB Para Swim team, the views of local swimmers on the podium paints a larger picture of Manchester’s enduring commitment to para sport. The city's longstanding history with Paralympic and disability sports is a testament to its role as a leader in fostering inclusivity and athletic excellence. With a thriving sporting community, athletes are provided with an environment that encourages them to not only excel but also inspire the next generation of Paralympic stars.

manchester is alive with sport

Manchester’s success at the Olympics is no accident. The city's continued, committed investment in world-class facilities and programs, particularly in sports such as cycling, swimming and taekwondo,  have seen homegrown athletes soar to international success, on the biggest stage of all.

The National Cycling Centre, home to the GB cycling team, has become a beacon for elite cyclists from around the world, providing cutting-edge facilities that have directly contributed to this year’s remarkable medal haul. The city’s medal tally is a reflection of years of investment in infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development. 

Manchester’s sporting legacy is underpinned by a commitment to inclusion and community engagement. The city has worked hard to create accessible sporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, fostering a culture of participation that reaches far beyond elite competition. As Manchester continues to thrive as a worldwide sporting power, we hope all Mancunians are inspired by the success of this year’s Games to move more.

As the 2024 Games draw to a close, Manchester’s athletes return home as heroes, having not only brought pride to our city but also having showcased the best of British sport on the world stage. Their success stands as a beacon of what is possible when talent meets opportunity in a city that lives and breathes sport.