PARIS (WCJB) – Imagine if a university could go toe-to-toe with entire nations on the global stage. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Florida Gators demonstrated just that.
With 41 former and current Gators competing across more than 20 countries, the university racked up 11 medals. If the University of Florida were its own country, it would be tied for 19th place worldwide in total medals, alongside Sweden and Kenya, and tied for 16th in gold medals with Sweden, Kenya, and Norway.
Leading the charge was Caeleb Dressel (USA), who won three medals. Dressel earned his third consecutive Olympic gold in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, which was also the United States’ first gold of the Games. He added another gold in the mixed 4×100-meter medley relay, although he didn’t swim in the finals. Dressel’s sole individual medal was a silver in the 4×100-meter medley.
Bobby Finke delivered another standout performance, winning two medals. He set a new world record in the 1500-meter freestyle and secured his second consecutive Olympic gold in that event. Finke also earned a silver in the 800-meter freestyle with a dramatic near-comeback finish, reminiscent of his Tokyo 2021 gold medal.
Canadian Josh Liendo was the only non-U.S. Gator to medal, earning a silver in the 100-meter butterfly.
Emma Weyant (USA) and Kieran Smith (USA) each captured their second career Olympic medals. Weyant claimed bronze in the 400-meter individual medley, while Smith earned silver in the 4×200-meter freestyle.
In track and field, Grant Holloway (USA) finally clinched his Olympic gold medal with a 12.99-second finish in the 110-meter hurdles, redeeming his silver from the previous Games.
Jasmine Moore (USA) made history by becoming only the second female Olympian ever to medal in both the triple jump and long jump, winning bronze in both events.
Women’s basketball assistant coach Rhyne Howard also made her mark, helping the U.S. team secure a bronze medal in women’s 3×3 basketball—her first Olympic medal. Howard joined Kelly Rae Finley’s staff as an assistant coach and director of player personnel for the 2023-2024 season.
Although the Gators don’t count the four medals won by volunteer assistant coach Katie Ledecky in their official tally, her achievements are notable.
As the 2024 Games come to a close, the Gators’ future looks bright. Many current and incoming athletes, including track and field stars Anna Hall and Parker Valby, made their Olympic debuts this year. Hall finished fifth in the heptathlon, and Valby placed 11th in the 10,000-meter.
The next Olympic Games are set to take place in Los Angeles from July 14 to July 30, 2028.
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Publish date : 2024-08-12 10:37:00
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