While wizards and witches have the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, in the Muggle world, we enjoy this wonderful event called the Olympics – which involves way less dragons, but still has its own sporting magic.

Originating from the traditions of Ancient Greece, this sporting event, alongside the Paralympics, has become a worldwide phenomenon – challenging top athletes on absolutely every sport you could think of, from heptathlons to ice hockey to beach volleyball.

We’re getting into the spirit of the Games by imagining what our favourite Harry Potter characters would be good at.

Dean Thomas – Football

In the Harry Potter books, we learn that Harry’s fellow Gryffindor housemate Dean Thomas grew up with Muggle culture too – and as such, is an avid West Ham supporter.

With this in mind, we’d love to sign up Dean for Team GB! Thanks to his brief foray into Quidditch as a Chaser, we know he’s quick off-the-mark. Also, and this is no small thing, he’d already know what the offside rule meant.

The Weasley twins – Synchronised diving

From their expert pranks to finishing each other’s sentences – Fred and George Weasley were always perfectly in concert. So of course, if we were to assign them an Olympic sport, it would absolutely have to be a bit of good old fashioned synchronised diving! The sport involves gracefully flipping off a diving board (and thanks to their Quidditch experience, we know they’re already good with heights!) and landing in unison.

Sure, it’d take a bit of training, and their concentration levels at Hogwarts weren’t exactly abundant, but the pair’s love of all-things-theatrical would make this activity an ideal choice for them. In other words: they’d probably love to show off.

Sir Cadogan – Equestrian events

Look, did we just think to ourselves, “hmm, which Harry Potter character rides a horse?” – sure, sure we did. Oh, alright, a pony.

Nonetheless, you cannot deny that this feisty painting subject would absolutely boss this event. And if he’s not tired afterwards, he could also apply for the fencing.

Harry Potter – Cycling BMX Freestyle

Ooh, how specific. But based on Harry’s experiences as a Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, a role where the player must be steadfast and agile, we actually think he’d transfer to BMX freestyle quite nicely.

This sport involves performing complicated tricks on a BMX bike, such as grinds, flips, spins and tailwhips. Remember Harry’s sterling work as a Seeker during Quidditch, where he was often dodging Bludgers and pulling into impressive dives? Swap the Firebolt for a cool bike – and we reckon he’d be going for gold medals over Golden Snitches in no time.

Cedric Diggory – Marathon swimming

Important to note that the Hufflepuff Triwizard Champion actually won the Second Task: traversing the murky depths of the Great Lake in the fastest time. So why not take that skill and try marathon swimming?

This challenge takes place in open-water environments, so Cedric would already be attuned to his surroundings – and unlike Viktor Krum – he wouldn’t need to Transfigure his head into a shark’s one, which sounds like a faff. Not to mention it would be hard to put an Olympic medal around your neck.

Dobby – Decathlon

Alright, bear with us... No, we’ve not gone mad, we genuinely think Dobby would be absolutely terrific for the decathlon. Yes, this is one of the Olympics’ most esteemed events. And it’s not for the faint-hearted: comprised of running, javelin throwing, high jump, shotput and more besides.

But here’s the thing with Dobby – he is the ultimate multitasker. When he was finally freed from the Malfoy family, Dobby embarked on a period of self-discovery, such as learning to knit, to paint, to decorate – to do right by Harry Potter on absolutely any occasion. He could do it all! If you said to Dobby, “do it for Harry!” we truly believe this ambitious house-elf could achieve anything. Plus, being so nimble and tiny, he would definitely ace the pole vault.

Hagrid – Basketball

Well, he’d just win immediately, wouldn’t he? Just have him stand by the net and keep passing the ball to him. Job done.

Which Harry Potter character do YOU think should go to the Olympics?