The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are Going On, and Illinois is set to send over two dozen athletes to represent Team USA.
Only three U.S. states are sending more athletes to the Paris Games than Illinois. California is leading with 120 athletes, followed by Florida with 42, and Texas with 41. Illinois, alongside Pennsylvania, will each contribute 27 Olympians, according to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Since the inception of the Games, Illinois athletes have earned the fourth-highest number of Olympic gold medals among U.S. states, with 40 golds, according to The Sports Geek.
The Games will run from July 26 to August 11, with some events starting before the official opening ceremony on July 26. Athletes will compete in 32 sports and 329 medal events, with Illinois athletes participating in soccer, wrestling, volleyball, rowing, rhythmic gymnastics, and more.
Here’s what you need to know about Illinois’ Olympic athletes this year, including an alum from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a resident from East Alton.
Illinoisans representing US in Olympics 2024
Here are the 27 Olympic athletes and three Paralympic athletes from Illinois who will represent the U.S. at this summer’s Games. [List Source:bnd.com]
- Korbin Albert, from Grayslake, will compete in soccer.
- Kamal Bay, from Bellwood, will compete in wrestling.
- Kennedy Blades, from Chicago, will compete in wrestling.
- Lauren Carlini, from Aurora, will compete in volleyball.
- Peter Chatain, from Winnetka, will compete in rowing.
- Owen Cravens, from Algonquin, will compete in the Paratriathlon.
- Anthony Davis, from Chicago, will compete in basketball.
- Lauren Doyle, from Boody, will compete in rugby. Doyle is an Eastern Illinois University alum.
- Tori Franklin, from Chicago, will compete in track and field.
- Kendall Gretsch, from Downers Grove, will compete in Paratriathlon.
- Evita Griskenas, from Orland Park, will compete in rhythmic gymnastics.
- Ryan Held, from Springfield, will compete in swimming.
- Thomas Jaeschke, from Wheaton, will compete in volleyball.
- John Jayne, from Chicago, will compete in judo.
- Jeff Jendryk, from Wheaton, will compete in volleyball.
- Grace Joyce, from Northfield, will compete in rowing.
- Paul Juda, from Deerfield, will compete in gymnastics.
- Casey Krueger, from Naperville, will compete in soccer.
- Courtney Lindsey, from Rock Island, will compete in track and field.
- Jewell Loyd, from Lincolnwood, will compete in basketball.
- Chuck Melton, from Richview, will compete in wheelchair rugby. Melton attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
- Anna Peplowski, from Germantown Hills, will compete in swimming.
- Josef Rau, from Chicago, will compete in wrestling.
- Erin Reese, from Mt. Prospect, will compete in track and field.
- Dana Rettke, from Riverside, will compete in volleyball.
- Kelsey Robinson-Cook, from Bartlett, will compete in volleyball.
- Maggie Shea, from Wilmette, will compete in sailing.
- Gabriel Slonina, from Addison, will compete in soccer.
- Jayden Ulrich, from East Alton, will compete in track and field.
- Zach Ziemek, from Itasca, will compete in track and field.
Conlusion
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games unfold, Illinois proudly stands as one of the top states contributing athletes to Team USA, with 27 Olympians and 3 Paralympians representing the nation on the world stage. This year’s participants reflect Illinois’ longstanding tradition of athletic excellence, continuing a legacy that has earned the state the fourth-highest number of Olympic gold medals in U.S. history. From soccer to wrestling and volleyball, these athletes showcase the diverse talents and determination that Illinois brings to the global arena. As they compete in the upcoming events, they carry the hopes and pride of their communities, aiming to add to the state’s impressive Olympic history.
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