LSU Alumni Shine at Paris Olympics: From Track & Field to Basketball

The Paris Olympics are in full swing, and LSU alumni are making their mark on the global stage. From track and field to swimming and basketball, former Tigers are showcasing their athletic prowess and representing their respective countries with pride.

Track and Field

LSU’s alumni roster at the Paris Olympics includes 14 athletes competing for different nations, representing the university's global reach. One of the standout performers is Mondo Duplantis, the world record holder in pole vault, who is aiming to become the second man in history to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals. His quest to repeat his Tokyo 2020 success is a major storyline for LSU fans following the Games. The Tiger alum is already off to a strong start in Paris, easily winning his qualifying group with a 5.65 meter clearance. Duplantis, who represents Sweden, will be looking to continue his dominance in the final event.

Another noteworthy alum is Sha'Carri Richardson, who earned a silver medal in the 100m. Richardson, competing for the United States, has been a hot topic in the media throughout the Olympics. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health and athlete wellbeing. Richardson has also been open about her struggles with substance abuse, which led to her being banned from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for a positive test. She has used her experience to raise awareness and inspire others to prioritize their mental and emotional wellbeing. Richardson made history by becoming the first female American sprinter to break 10.7 seconds in the 100m race in 2022. This impressive feat has led to her being widely regarded as one of the fastest women in the world.

Vernon Norwood also brought home a silver medal for the United States, competing in the mixed 4x400m relay. This is Norwood's second Olympic medal after also winning a silver in the 4x400m relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Other Notable Track and Field Alumni

Other LSU alumni participating in track and field include:

Favour Ofili (Nigeria): Ofili, who qualified for the 100m race but unfortunately missed the event due to a registration error, is making waves in the 200m. She advanced to the semi-final after a strong showing in the round 1 heats, and then to the final, demonstrating her speed and strength. She ultimately finished in 7th place.
Ella Onojuvwevwo (Nigeria): Onojuvwevwo, who qualified for the 400m, is making a strong impression in her debut Olympic Games. She is known for her speed and her ability to maintain her form throughout the race. She has a competitive spirit and a desire to succeed. Onojuvwevwo has a great chance of earning a medal in the 400m.
Thelma Davies (Liberia): Davies, a promising athlete with a bright future ahead of her, participated in both the 100m and 200m, but fell short of qualifying for the later rounds in either event.

Swimming

LSU’s swimming program also saw several alumni compete at the Paris Olympics, including:

Brooks Curry (USA): Curry, a rising star in the world of swimming, earned a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay. This impressive feat is further proof of Curry’s talent and potential for greatness. He is known for his exceptional endurance and his ability to maintain his pace throughout long races.
Maggie MacNeil (Canada): MacNeil, a two-time world champion, participated in the 4x100 medley relay. MacNeil’s talent and dedication are evident in her multiple world championships and Olympic successes. She is known for her speed and technique.
Sabrina Lyn (Jamaica): Lyn, a promising young swimmer, represented Jamaica in the 50m freestyle. Lyn is known for her speed and her competitive spirit.

Basketball

LSU’s basketball program also boasts a strong presence at the Paris Olympics.

Duop Reath (Australia): Reath, a former LSU Tiger, is playing for the Australian national team. Reath is known for his size and strength, which he uses to his advantage on the court. He is a valuable asset to his team and brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the game. Reath and LSU Associate Head Coach David Patrick helped Team Australia secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Tremont Waters (Puerto Rico): Waters, a former LSU guard, is competing for Puerto Rico. Waters is a skilled ball-handler and a versatile player with a knack for scoring.

Other LSU Alumni

Other LSU alumni who participated in the Games in various sports:

Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (Beach Volleyball): The pair, known as TKN, won three matches in pool play before being eliminated in the bracket play.
Juan-Celaya Hernandez (Mexico): Hernandez won a silver medal in the 3m Synchronized Springboard, continuing the strong performances of LSU swimmers on the international stage.
Neal Skupski (Great Britain): Skupski competed for the men’s doubles title in tennis, but his team was upset in the first round.
Aleah Finnegan (Philippines): Finnegan competed in the women’s all-around competition in gymnastics.

A Legacy of Success

LSU alumni continue to represent the university with excellence on the international stage. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of Tigers, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. The university's legacy of athletic success is evident in the achievements of its alumni, who are making their mark on the global stage.

The Paris Olympics are a testament to the impact that LSU has on the athletic landscape. The university is a breeding ground for talent and a springboard to success for aspiring athletes. It’s clear that LSU's alumni will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports.