Harvard University has reached stunning heights at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, showcasing exceptional talent among its student-athletes and graduates. With this event officially wrapped up, the university is celebrating its historic achievement of winning 13 medals.
This remarkable count breaks the previous record of 12 medals, which Harvard set during the inaugural modern Olympics held back in 1896. The achievement this year includes eight gold medals, one silver, and four bronze medals, marking the institution’s most successful Olympics to date.
Among the standout stars was Gabby Thomas, a 2019 Harvard graduate and track and field sensation from Northampton, Massachusetts. She made waves by earning three incredible gold medals during these Games.
Reflecting on her experience, Thomas said, "Harvard was a great community for me. Everyone from my teammates, to my coaches, to friends there have all been such an influential part of this [journey]."
Adding to the excitement, around 30 supporters flew from Harvard to Paris just to cheer Thomas on. "I saw them when I was on the starting blocks," she shared. "And I thought, 'Okay, this is amazing, this is really special and unique.'"
Another remarkable athlete was Lauren Scruggs, who made headlines as the first Black American female fencer to earn an individual medal at the Olympics. Scruggs notched two medals at Paris, solidifying her legacy as one of Harvard's finest athletes.
"I keep thinking it's like a dream — when I was getting ready I was like, this is unreal," Scruggs expressed, soaking in the moment and support from her Harvard community. The excitement surrounding her achievements was palpable, as friends and family sent good luck wishes to her before events.
Then there's Kristen Faulkner, who shifted from the rowing team at Harvard to the world of cycling after graduation. She proved her mettle by winning two gold medals with Team USA, highlighting her exceptional versatility as an athlete.
Faulkner emphasized the life skills she developed during her time as a college athlete, stating, "Being a college athlete definitely taught me time management and discipline. That was really important... when I was working full-time and also cycling."
The Olympic achievements don’t just celebrate individual accomplishments but represent Harvard’s collective success. The university amassed the most medals not only among Ivy League institutions but throughout New England and the NCAA FCS.
With 26 Harvard-affiliated athletes attending the Paris Games, 14 of them represented Team USA. This high level of participation showcases the strength of Harvard’s athletic training programs and the competitive spirit nurtured within their ranks.
Erin McDermott, Harvard’s Director of Athletics, commented on the significance of this achievement: "Just feeling the joy, seeing the joy, knowing all the hard work...you can't really put words to it - it's really incredible."
After these remarkable performances, there's anticipation for Harvard’s athletes stepping up at future competitions, especially with the next Summer Olympics scheduled to take place state-side. McDermott expressed hope for maintaining this momentum, aiming to send as many athletes as possible to Los Angeles 2028.
"We would love to see about the same number, if not more, to represent Team USA and to showcase our pride during the next Summer Games," she said confidently.
The spotlight at the Paris Olympics showcased how far Harvard athletes have come and what they have accomplished. Their dedication, hard work, and talent have not only contributed to personal glory but have elevated the university’s status on the global sports stage.
Harvard's flavor for breaking records isn’t just about the past but also about the promising future ahead.