Image courtesy from Ole Miss Athletics, McKenzie Long
Meet the Team: 7 Ole Miss Athletes in Paris for Olympics
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is making waves on the global sports stage with seven of its athletes competing in the upcoming Olympics. This remarkable achievement exemplifies the university’s commitment to athletic excellence and its ability to nurture talent that competes on the world’s biggest stage. Here’s a closer look at these outstanding athletes and the countries they represent.
1. Raven Sanders – United States (Track and Field)
Raven “Hulk” Sanders has made her way to the Olympics with her powerful performances. Specializing in the shot put and discus events, she is known for her strength and technique. Sanders had consistently dominated at collegiate meets, and has already won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for shot put. Her dedication and skill have earned her a spot representing the United States in the Olympics again this year, where she years for gold.
2. McKenzie Long – United States (Track and Field)
An Ole Miss favorite, McKenzie Long, has gained recognition for her exceptional speed and agility while racing. She has competed in and won 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, and 800 meter races. Long will run the 200 meter dash for Team USA and her dedication and relentless training continue to make her mother proud.
3. Mario Garcia Romo – Spain (Track and Field)
Mario “The Rocket” Garcia Romo, a standout track and field athlete from Ole Miss, will represent Spain in the 1500 meters event at the Olympics. Known for his impressive endurance and tactical racing, Garcia Romo has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of Spain’s top middle-distance runners. This will be his first Olympic appearance, one he has earned after winning bronze in the 2022 European Championships and silver in the 2021 U23 European Championships.
4. Rafaelle Souza – Brazil (Women’s Soccer)
Rafaelle Souza will represent Brazil in the upcoming Olympics. She will showcase her exceptional skill on the pitch as a defender/midfielder. Souza was a key player for Ole Miss, and will now be a key player for her nation. Her international career dates back to 2012, and could even date back to 2008 when she played for Brazil’s U17 team.
5. Sam Kendricks – United States (Track and Field)
Sam Kendricks, an elite pole vaulter and graduate of Ole Miss, has earned a spot on the USA Team- again. This is not his first international appearance and will be his second Olympic appearance. Kendrick’s dominated in his first Olympic appearance back in 2016, where he finished with bronze. He won gold in both his World Championships appearances and silver in all three of his World Indoor Championships appearances. With these consistent victories all falling during the span of 2016-2019, Kendricks has secured a place representing the United States in the Olympics for pole vault almost five years later .
6. Sintayehu Vissa – Italy (Track and Field)
Sintayehu “Sinta” Vissa Schmidt has excelled in both collegiate and international competitions. Her performances have earned him a spot on Italy’s national team, as she holds the Italian indoor record for the mile. She has previously competed on the international stage, representing Italy in the2022 and 2023 World Championships in the 1500 meter dash.
7. Shu Onba – Japan (Women’s Soccer)
Shu Ohba, a talented goalkeeper, will represent Japan in the Olympics as an alternate for the women’s national soccer team. As a goalkeeper, she has sharp reflexes and crucial saves. Ohba has made a significant impact both at the collegiate level and on the international stage, as she also played for Japans U-20 international team.
The participation of these seven athletes in the Olympics not only reflects their individual achievements but also the strength of Ole Miss’s athletic programs. The university’s dedication to supporting its athletes, from training to top-notch facilities, has fostered an environment where talent can flourish on the international stage.
As these Rebels compete against the world’s best, they carry with them the hopes and pride of Ole Miss. Their presence in the Olympics serves as an inspiring example of the university’s impact on global sports and the potential of its athletes to shine on the world’s most prestigious stage.
