The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway, and nearly two dozen athletes with Michigan connections are representing the United States. Here’s a look at some of the standout competitors:
Heath Baldwin
Event: Decathlon
Michigan Connection: Michigan State University
Schedule: August 2-3
Baldwin is making history as the first Spartan in two decades to qualify for the Olympic decathlon, boasting a personal-best score of 8,625 points at the U.S. trials.
Devin Booker
Event: Men’s Basketball
Michigan Connection: Grandville High School
Schedule: July 27-August 10
The Phoenix Suns star returns to the Olympics after leading Team USA to gold in Tokyo, aiming for another stellar performance on the court.
Adam Coon
Event: Greco-Roman Wrestling (130 kg)
Michigan Connection: University of Michigan
Schedule: August 5-6
Coon, a former high school wrestling phenom, seeks Olympic glory in Paris following a gold at the 2019 Pan American Wrestling Championship.
Freddie Crittenden III
Event: Athletics (110-meter hurdles)
Michigan Connection: Utica High School
Schedule: August 4-8
After narrowly missing previous Olympic teams, Crittenden finally secured his spot with a personal-best time of 12.93 seconds at the trials.
Aaron Cummings
Event: Rugby Sevens
Michigan Connection: Grand Haven High School
Schedule: July 24-27
Cummings, who led his team to a national championship in 2021, is making his Olympic debut in rugby sevens.
Andrew Evans
Event: Discus
Michigan Connection: Portage North High School
Schedule: August 5-7
Evans returns for his second Olympics after dominating the U.S. trials with a throw of 218 feet, 6 inches.
Grant Fisher
Event: Athletics (5,000 meters, 10,000 meters)
Michigan Connection: Grand Blanc High School
Schedule: August 2-10
Fisher, known for his American record times, is aiming for the podium after a strong showing in Tokyo.
Tori Franklin
Event: Athletics (Triple Jump)
Michigan Connection: Michigan State University
Schedule: August 2-3
Franklin, who made history with a bronze at the World Championships, is set to challenge for a top spot in Paris.
Zach Hammer
Event: Sport Climbing (Speed)
Michigan Connection: Ann Arbor Skyline High School
Schedule: August 6-8
At 18, Hammer is the youngest Michigan athlete in Paris, bringing impressive speed and skill to the climbing wall.
Paul Juda
Event: Gymnastics
Michigan Connection: University of Michigan
Schedule: July 27-29
Juda, overcoming injury, is a top contender after leading scores at the U.S. trials.
Hannah Roberts
Event: BMX Freestyle
Michigan Connection: Buchanan High School
Schedule: July 30-31
Roberts aims to build on her silver medal from Tokyo, coming off a gold-winning performance at the Pan-Am Games.
These athletes, along with others from Michigan, are ready to make their mark on the world stage. Whether it’s on the track, field, or court, they embody the spirit and talent of Michigan, and we’re excited to see what they achieve in Paris.