The Tokyo Olympics are starting tomorrow (July 23-Aug. 8) and to get you excited about all of the athletic talent competing this year, we’ve put together a list of 10 TN athletes to watch this summer.
Check out the schedule + plan your Olympic events in advance. And don’t forget the Paralympic Games from Aug. 24-Sept. 5 — here’s the schedule.
Monica Abbott | softball
Former UTK softball player Monica Abbott will be pitching in the Olympics for the second time in her career, the first being in 2008 when she left with a silver medal. Last time around, she pitched 24 innings and struck out 32 batters.
Erica Bougard | track and field
Born and raised in Memphis, Erica is a first time Olympian this year. Her event is the heptathlon — be on the lookout for her rainbow spikes that she wore in the 2019 World Championships.
Erika Brown | swimming
First-time Olympian Erika will compete in the 100-meter freestyle. She’s from Knoxville + graduated from UTK with a degree in kinesiology.
Will Groulx | paralympics — cycling
Will is a 4-time Olympian + prior to his injury, attended UTK on a volleyball scholarship. He was nominated for an ESPY in the Best Male Athlete with a Disability category in 2009.
Wes Kitts | weightlifting
Wes is from Knoxville and this is his first time competing as an Olympian. He currently holds 2 American records.
Kara Lawson | basketball
Coach Lawson was a Lady Vol and will be coaching her first-ever 3x3 competition at the Olympics. Previously, she earned a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics on the women’s team.
Tennys Sandgren | tennis
As fate would have it, Tennys will play for the US men’s tennis team this year. Tennys was born and raised in Gallatin + went to UTK.
Darryl Sullivan | track and field
The high jump is the name of UTK alum Darryl’s game. He was previously named a 2016 All-American in his category.
Alex Walsh | swimming
Nashville native Alex is a first-time Olympian competing in the 200 individual medley event. She is a 3-time Pan American Games gold medalist.
Alex Young | track and field
Alex — who was born in Nashville + attended La Vergne High School — will be competing in the hammer throw event in his first Olympic games.
ProTip: If you don’t have cable + are looking for ways to stream your favorite events, here’s how.
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