Five Mississippi State Track Athletes Are Olympic Bound

July 3rd, 2024

Competing in the Paris Olympics is the pinnacle of athletic achievement, showcasing unparalleled dedication and skill on a global stage. The Paris Olympics hold profound cultural importance, as athletes proudly represent their heritage and ancestral roots. Competing in events inspired by history and modernity allows athletes to showcase their cultural diversity and contribute to a shared celebration of human achievement. For many, the Olympics serve as a platform to honor their nation and past, all while competing at the level every athlete dreams about.

Mississippi State’s track and field athletes Marco Arop, Curtis Thompson and Navasky Anderson, Anderson Peters, Lee Eppie are representing their countries this year in the Paris Olympic Games.

Marco Arop is a talented middle-distance runner and graduate from Mississippi State who will be representing Canada this summer. Arop has made significant strides in his career, including his previous international competitions of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and World Championships already. This year he will be running for Canada again, and hoping to bring pride to his country. Known for his impressive speed and tactical racing prowess, Arop has emerged as a strong contender in the 800 meter race. Arop is the reigning world champion in this race, winning gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championship and bronze at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. He ran his last season for Mississippi State in 2019, and his time at Mississippi State not only elevated his athletic career, but also highlighted his ability to thrive in competitive environments, laying the foundation for his future success on the international stage.

Curtis Thompson, a standout javelin thrower from Mississippi State, has made a significant impact in the world of track and field, particularly in the Olympics. Born in New Jersey, Thompson will be throwing for Team USA. Thompson’s journey from collegiate athlete to Olympic competitor underscores his dedication and skill in javelin throwing. His time at Mississippi State helped shape his career, providing him with the training and opportunities to excel on the global stage. Thompson continues to inspire athletes with his achievements and Paris will be Thompson’s second Olympic appearance.

Navasky Anderson will be making his first Olympic appearance this summer, competing with Arop in the 800 meter race. Representing his country Jamaica, the star runner has reached the highest level an athlete can reach. Anderson is famously known for setting a Jamaican national record of 1:44.70 last July in his specialty 800 meter race. The Mississippi State graduate is now ready to put on ultimate platform and compete for his country and college.

Anderson Peters is a Grenadian track and field athlete who has made a significant impact in the sport of javelin throwing. Known for his impressive technique and powerful throws, Peters gained international recognition when he won the gold medal in the javelin event at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar. His victory not only made him the first athlete from Grenada to win a world championship in any sport but also established him as a formidable competitor on the global stage. Peters had his last season with State in 2019, where he finished his time off by setting the school javelin record.

Lee Eppie will travel to Paris too represent his country, Botswana. The fast and talented runner is set to compete in the 4×400 race, which is his strong suit. At Eppie’s first race as a Bulldog, he placed first in the 400m race with a time of 47.29 and sixth in the 200m with a time of 21.15. His last season at State was the 2022 outdoor season.

Mississippi State’s track and field program is known for its history of producing top-tier athletes and achieving success at both the collegiate and national levels. Having multiple athletes make it to the Olympics is a positive reflection of not only the program, but the state as a whole. The Paris Olympics start on July 26th.

Author administrator Corinne Ellington