July 26, 2024

Summer Olympic Games: Top Athletes Who Also Shone as University Athletes

Discover Today’s Sports Stars Who Had Successful University Sports Careers

University sports in the USA have a strong tradition of showcasing talent and nurturing future sports stars. As the Olympic Games approach, we’re highlighting athletes who are competing in Paris and have also made their mark in university sports.

University sports in the US have a strong tradition of showcasing talent and nurturing future sports stars. The university sports system provides outstanding opportunities and various paths for student-athletes – including becoming the best in their sport!

Over 1,000 competitors in this year’s Olympic Games are former, current, or incoming NCAA student-athletes. As the 19 days of top-level competition approach, we’re highlighting athletes who are competing in Paris and have made their mark in university sports during their early careers. Let’s take a closer look at five standout athletes from around the globe!

Rui Hachimura – Basketball (Japan)

Rui Hachimura, born and raised in Japan, currently plays for the LA Lakers in the NBA and represents Japan’s national basketball team. During his early years as an international student-athlete, he played Division 1 basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Gonzaga University). Hachimura’s university highlights include being selected as WCC Player of the Year in 2019, and he consistently delivered impressive performances and high scores throughout his entire NCAA career. His impact has been truly remarkable, both in university basketball and on the international level.

Julia Grosso – Football (Canada)

Julia Grosso, a rising star in women’s football, has made a significant impact both in university football and as a professional player. As a midfielder for the Division 1 Texas Longhorns (University of Texas), Grosso played a key role in leading her team to various victories, including the Big 12 Championship. Her success has continued beyond university football, with notable achievements as a professional player for Juventus F.C. in Italy and with the Canadian national team. A major highlight of Grosso’s career is her contribution to Canada’s victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, including her decisive penalty kick that secured the gold medal.

Kieran Smith – Swimming (USA)

Kieran Smith is an American swimmer and current world record holder in Freestyle Relay and Medley. During his time at the University of Florida, Smith made a significant impact on university swimming and contributed to the Florida Gators’ success in team relay events. He set records in university and won individual titles at the NCAA Championships. Smith’s outstanding achievements in university swimming not only show his talent but also set the stage for his continued success in international swimming at the absolute top level.

Pan Cheng Tsung – Golf (Taiwan)

Pan Cheng Tsung, also known as C.T. Pan, is a standout golfer from Taiwan who made a significant impact at the University of Washington as a university golfer. Throughout his university golf career, Pan was a force on the golf course, winning several tournaments and being a twice-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. Since turning professional, he has continued to shine on the PGA Tour with multiple titles. As he represents Taiwan in the Paris 2024 Olympics, Pan’s impressive journey and accomplishments in university and as a professional golfer make him an exciting player to watch in the golf competition.

Mondo Duplantis - Pole Vaulting (Sweden)

Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, a pole vaulter from Sweden, is currently one of the leading figures in the sport and holds the world record in pole vaulting. Before deciding to go fully professional, Duplantis competed in university pole vaulting at Louisiana State University (LSU) for one year. During his time at LSU, Duplantis not only broke the collegiate pole vault record but also claimed the title at the NCAA National Championships. His outstanding performances earned him titles such as the USTFCCCA National Field Athlete of the Year for Indoor Season and Men’s SEC Freshman Field Athlete of the Year.

Olympic Athletes Supported by Keystone Sports in Their University Sports Journey

In addition to shedding light on the five top athletes above, Keystone Sports is proud to highlight Olympic athletes we supported in becoming student-athletes in the US. These individuals have made an incredible journey, qualifying and being selected to represent their countries in the Olympic Games. Through dedicated training, perseverance, and exceptional performances both in university sports and professionally, they have demonstrated the talent, strength, and commitment needed to succeed on the world’s largest stage.

Rafael Miroslaw – Swimming (Indiana University), Div I
Rafael Miroslaw is a two-time NCAA runner-up in the 400-yard medley relay, an 11-time All-American, and a two-time Big Ten team champion. As a junior, he broke the U.S. Open Championships record in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:45.92 at the Toyota U.S. Open in January.

Lisa Tertsch – Triathlon (Harvard University), Div I
Lisa Tertsch is a First Team All-Ivy Outdoor and Indoor Selection and finished 1st in the Ivy League Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Julia Mrozinski – Swimming (University of Tennessee) Div I
Julia Mrozinski has won two SEC Championships in the 500 free and 800 free relay and has been named to the All-SEC team all three years of her career. She has earned five total medals at the SEC Championships.

Cedric Büssing – Swimming (University of Indianapolis), Div II
Cedric Büssing is a two-time NCAA champion in the 1000 free (2023 and 2024), a three-time GLVC Swimmer of the Year, and a 17-time NCAA All-American with 15 First Team honors. He holds University of Indianapolis records in the 500, 1000, 1650, 200 back, 200 IM, 400 IM, 800 FR, and 400 MR.

Stay tuned to read more about these remarkable athletes!

How University Sports in the USA Shape Elite Athletes for Professional Careers

This list, highlighting just a few of the many international athletes with student-athlete backgrounds, shows how university sports in America help build a strong foundation for those aiming to go professional after graduation. With dedicated coaching, support and top facilities, university athletes are well-prepared to advance in their careers. Many university competitions and tournaments attract scouts, which also gives athletes an opportunity to get noticed by professional teams.

Furthermore, the experience of competing at a high level in university supports personal growth. Athletes learn to handle pressure, build resilience, stay motivated, and develop a strong work ethic—key traits that are crucial for a successful professional career in any field.

Apart from sharpening athletic skills, university sports emphasise the importance of education. While training and competing in their respective sport, athletes also earn a degree, which is an invaluable asset for the future. Learning to balance academics and athletics is another key experience that helps student-athletes develop essential skills, which will be advantageous in various career paths.

Do you want to learn more about the benefits of university sports? Read more in our article listing the top benefits of being a university student-athlete!

From University Champions to the Olympics

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are set to be thrilling, showcasing former university athletes like Rui Hachimura, Mondo Duplantis, Julia Grosso, Kieran Smith, and Pan Cheng Tsung. These athletes stood out at the collegiate level and their progress to the top of their sports and the Olympics is both inspiring and remarkable. Joining them are new stars with student-athlete backgrounds who have also made significant impacts in their respective sports. Their journeys highlight the benefits of combining sports and education, demonstrating how a college athletic career can lead to international success. Their achievements underscore the dedication and talent required to excel at the highest level of global competition.

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About the author

Paulina Romo

Paulina Romo, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.