Athletes To Follow In 2026: You Shouldn’t Miss Betting On Them

Stay ahead of the game by tracking the most influential athletes to follow in 2026 today. Our detailed guide explores the careers of rising stars and established champions alike. Because these athletes are breaking records, they define the future of international sporting competition.

The current sports landscape features a remarkable variety of talent across many disciplines. Fans constantly look for the next big star to dominate their favorite leagues. Therefore, we have highlighted the most important athletes to follow in 2026 to keep you informed.

These competitors represent the pinnacle of dedication, skill, and professional mental strength today. Because they face unique challenges, their stories inspire millions of people around the world. Thus, following these specific stars ensures you never miss a historic moment in sports. Register at any of the online sportsbook sites in Australia to bet on these athletes!

Jutta Leerdam: Athletes To Follow In 2026

The fiancé of Jake Paul, and the latest Olympic Gold medal winner. Her training routine requires extreme discipline to maintain such high explosive speeds. Because the 1000m event demands perfect technique, she spends hours refining every single stride. She also claimed a silver medal in the 500m event in Milan. This versatility makes her one of the most dangerous skaters on the circuit. Furthermore, her ability to perform under pressure makes her a fan favorite worldwide.

She often shares her journey on social media to connect with her followers. Therefore, her influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the skating rink. Her partnership with Jake Paul remains a significant part of her public image. He frequently attends her races to offer support from the front row. Because they both lead busy lives, they navigate a complex long-distance relationship. Nevertheless, they celebrated her Olympic gold together in Italy with great public fanfare. Register at 22BET Sportsbook to bet on her next challenge!

Breezy Johnson

Clearly, among the newest athletes to follow in 2026! The Winter Olympics introduced us to many new rising athletes. Among them, Breezy Johnson stood out the most. Breezy skied with incredible precision during her winning run in the downhill. She hit speeds of over 80 miles per hour on the icy slopes. Because she maintained a clean line, she beat her closest rival by four-hundredths. This tiny margin highlights the intense nature of professional alpine skiing today. However, she remained calm and focused throughout the entire high-speed descent.

She credited her success to her persistence during the darkest moments of her career. Therefore, she serves as a beacon of hope for athletes facing similar setbacks. Her teammates often describe her as a quiet but fierce competitor on the snow. She does not always seek the same spotlight as other global skiing superstars. Because she focuses on her craft, her results speak louder than any words.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Athletes To Follow In 2026

The rookie of Mercedes, Adrea Kimi Antonelli, has already achieved more than what most have on the grid. Entering his second year, he is driving for one of the top F1 teams for the 2026 season. Mercedes provides him with a competitive car and an experienced teammate in George Russell. Because they both came through the junior program, they share a strong bond. However, Kimi’s raw speed often rivals the most seasoned drivers on the grid. He focuses heavily on his cardio to handle the hottest races this season.

Thus, he aims to maintain 100% energy throughout the grueling 24-race calendar. His ability to stay disciplined will determine his success in the standings this year. Consequently, he remains a central figure for the future of the silver arrows. Furthermore, we love to see all the F1 World Champions competing for who should be their ‘racing-parent’. Max Verstappen treats him much more softly than he’d treat anybody else.

Coco Gauff

We already know her, yet it’s time we pitch her among the athletes to follow in 2026! At just 21 years old, she already holds multiple Grand Slam titles. However, she recently decided to change her coaching staff to fix her serve. Because her service motion became inconsistent, she sought help from new experts. She treats her game like a new language that she must master. Thus, she spends long hours on the practice court refining her biomechanics. This dedication shows her desire to remain at the top of the rankings. According to Tennis 365, Coco Gauff’s latest moment of rage got ATX to introduce a rage room for athletes.

Her mental health has also become a priority during her recent tournament runs. She admitted to experiencing a panic attack during a high-stakes match last year. Because she is honest about her struggles, many fans feel a deep connection. She realized that the support of the crowd is a great blessing. Therefore, she tries to love herself even when things go wrong on court. This emotional maturity helps her navigate the intense pressure of being an icon. Thus, she remains a role model for young athletes across the globe today. Coco’s athleticism allows her to cover the court better than almost anyone else. Because she is so fast, she can turn defense into offense instantly.

AJ Dybantsa: Athletes To Follow In 2026

According to Reddit, AJ Dybantsa is one of the most promising NBA draft players this year. He currently plays as a freshman at BYU and dominates the college scene. Standing at 6’9″, he possesses the ideal frame for a wing. He combines elite size with explosive athleticism that leaves scouts in total awe. Therefore, many experts project him as a top-three pick in the upcoming draft.

He can score from anywhere on the floor with relative ease today. Thus, he carries the “superstar” tag before even reaching the professional league. His scoring ability is truly special for a player of his young age. He hits contested jumpers and dunks over defenders with incredible physical force. Because he has a 7-foot wingspan, he also impacts the game defensively. He can guard multiple positions, which makes him a versatile asset for any team. However, scouts still want to see more consistency from his outside shot. He works hard to refine his perimeter game during the college season.

Sierra Kerr

Finally, the one who is the most deserving to be featured among the athletes to follow in 2026. According to Red Bull, Sierra Kerr is a dedicated surfer from Australia. Sierra is famous for her incredible aerial maneuvers that mirror skateboarding tricks. Because she also skates and snowboards, she brings a unique edge to surfing. She is not afraid to try technical moves that most women avoid. Consequently, she is redefining what is possible on a surfboard in 2026. She travels the world chasing the best breaks to film her progress. Therefore, her social media edits often go viral among surf fans and pros. Thus, she has built a massive following before even reaching her peak.

Her approach to competition is fearless, regardless of the wave size or conditions. She recently competed in Peru and showed great maturity during her heats. Because she understands priority and strategy, she wins even in poor surf. However, she truly shines when the waves are powerful and offer air sections. She wants to be a world champion just like the legends before her. Therefore, she trains daily to ensure her fitness matches her high technical skill. Thus, she is a constant threat to the established names on the tour. Register at 22BET Sportsbook and bet on the featured athletes!

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