The Latest on Austin Olympic Athletes
What a weekend for Austin locals in London for the 2012 Olympic games! I’m still trying to soak up all the awesome-ness I witnessed in the wake of the swimming events, including AMAZING performances by current and previous Austinites (and Pflugervillians) such as Micah Lawrence, Kathleen Hersey, Brendan Hansen, Ricky Berens and James Feigen. However, I can’t spend too much time basking in their glory, there are plenty more athletes who are just beginning to show London what they’ve got or are yet to compete.
Troy Dumais, four-time Olympian and Austinite, has already managed to medal (bronze) in the Men’s 3m Synchronized Springboard. And if this wasn’t enough, he is moving on to the semifinals for the Men’s Individual 3m Springboard after placing 3rd in the preliminary round today. Looking forward to seeing how he does, good luck Troy! (Watch the Semifinals tomorrow at 4am, if you’re up!)
Destinee Hooker, previous UT athlete, has been doing her part (and more) as a member of the US Women’s Volleyball Team. After defeating Turkey in yesterday’s match, the US will move on to the Quarterfinals and play the Dominican Republic tomorrow at 1pm.
Kevin Durant, another UT alum, has helped the Men’s Basketball team in defeating Lithuania, Nigeria, Tunisia and France. Their game against Argentina began at 4:15 pm – Hook ‘Em Kevin!
UT sure knows how to make ’em! Michelle Carter, yet another previous Longhorn, advanced to the finals in Women’s Shot Put and placed 6th, a mere 1.06M from a medal!
Sanya Richards-Ross – what can I even say about this woman? She’s amazing! Richards-Ross, two-time Olympian and Austin local, has put in A LOT of hard work over the years, and it’s paying off! She took home the gold for the Women’s 400m and is yet to compete in two other events: the Women’s 200m (semifinals tomorrow at 2:25 pm) and the Women’s 4x400m Relay (round 1 Friday at 1:10 pm.). We’re all cheering for you back in Austin, Sanya!
Marquise Goodwin competed in the Men’s Long Jump, and while he placed 10th in the event, he was only .32 meters from the bronze medalist’s (American Will Claye) jump. Goodwin is a current UT athlete. He participates in track and field as well as football, where he is a starting wide receiver. This was Goodwin’s first Olympic games, but we’re sure we’ll see him back!
Leo Manzano, Austin’s beloved distance runner, has made his way to the finals in the Men’s 1500m. Make sure to watch him race for the gold tomorrow at 2:15 pm – Go Leo!
Impressed yet? Below are even MORE Austinites who have yet to compete. Their events and viewing times are listed next to their names, can’t wait to see how they do!
Bianca Knight Women’s Track and Field – Women’s 4x100m Relay, Round 1 Thursday 2:20 pm
Amy Acuff Women’s Track and Field – High Jump, Qualifications Thursday 3:30 am
Mike Rogers Men’s Track and Field – 4x100m Relay, Round 1 Friday 1:45 pm
Trey Hardee Men’s Track and Field – Men’s Decathlon, Wednesday 4:10 am – Thursday 3:20 pm
