Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones.
Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up eight 2024 Olympians with ties to Richmond and Virginia that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Richmond
Charlie Swanson, Swimming
All of Richmond will be cheering for Charlie Swanson, a St. Christopher’s grad who has qualified for his first Olympics. Swanson swam for NOVA before going to University of Michigan. At this year’s trials, he set three personal records in the 100m Breaststroke, which he’ll swim in Paris. You’ll also probably find him on the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay and Mixed 4 x 100m Medley Relay teams.
Virginia
Alex Walsh, Swimming
Alex Walsh already has some Olympic hardware — she won silver in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley in Tokyo. Born in Nashville, Walsh racked up 19 NCAA championships while attending UVA.
Gretchen Walsh, Swimming
The younger sister of Alex, Gretchen Walsh qualified for her first Olympics this year. She is currently at UVA, going into her senior year with 18 NCAA championships already under her belt.
The Hoos are well-represented on USA Swimming — the head coach of Virginia Swim, Todd DeSorbo, was named head coach of the US women’s swim team last year.
Emily Fox, Soccer
This Ashburn native will help anchor the defense as USWNT seeks to reclaim their international clout after a heartbreaking exit from the 2023 World Cup. Fox plays professionally in England for Arsenal FC.
Claire Collins, Rowing
Claire Collins grew up in McLean before going to Princeton to continue her academic and rowing career. This will be her second Olympic outing — she placed 7th as part of the Four - Women team in Tokyo.
Emma Navarro, Tennis
This first-time Olympian is from Charleston, but played college tennis at UVA. Look for her on the courts competing in the Women’s Singles and Doubles events.
Hadley Husisian, Fencing
This 20-year-old Princeton student hails from Oakton. Fun fact: Husisian credits her introduction to fencing to an episode of “iCarly” she saw in elementary school.
Will Coleman, Dressage
A Gordonsville native and UVA grad, Coleman returns to the Olympics for the first time since the 2012 London Games, where he competed in team and individual events.
