The University of Utah has been a nurturing ground for Olympic talent, and this summer at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, several of its athletes demonstrated their skills on a global platform. Six alumni, one current student, and two future students proudly represented the university in various sports.
Among the youngest competitors were 18-year-olds Zachary Hammer and Sam Watson, who made their Olympic debut in Men’s Speed Climbing. Watson entered the Games as the world record holder thanks to his time of 4.79 seconds, achieved earlier this year. During the qualifying rounds, he broke his own record with a time of 4.75 seconds, earning a bronze medal. However, this record-breaking run occurred during an elimination heat against Hammer, resulting in Hammer’s early exit from the competition. Both athletes will reunite as incoming freshmen at the university.
In women’s 3×3 Basketball, three University of Utah alumni—Michelle Plouffe, Paige Crozon, and coach Kim Gaucher—represented Canada. Plouffe and Crozon, who played for the Utes from 2010 to 2016, were part of a team that made a strong showing in Paris. They secured a notable victory against Australia, reaching the semifinals, but ultimately placed fourth after losing to the United States in the bronze medal match.
Emilia Nilsson Garip, a sophomore and member of the Utah Diving team, represented Sweden in the women’s 3m Diving event. Garip had an impressive collegiate career, including a ninth-place finish at the NCAA 1m Championships and two individual titles at the Pac-12s, helping her team win the championship. In Paris, she performed well, finishing ninth with a score of 279.40.
In track and field, Utah alumni Simone Plourde and Josefine Eriksen competed for Canada and Norway, respectively. During her time at the U, Plourde set five school records and won a Pac-12 title in the 1500m race, the event she participated in at the Olympics, where she finished sixth in her heat. Eriksen graduated this year and has set 11 school records in various track events. She helped the Norwegian team debut in the 4×400 relay, which set a national record at the World Championships. In the Olympics, they finished sixth in their heat, just missing the chance to advance to the finals.
Despite their varying degrees of success, these athletes have made their university proud, proving that competing at the Olympics is a remarkable achievement that will inspire future generations of Utes.