The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have arrived with the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony set for today (July 26). Among the elite athletes competing on the world stage are three exceptional individuals whose hometown is Tampa. Let’s add some more gold to Champa Bay! These athletes are:
Erriyon Knighton
Sport: Track & Field
Education: Hillsborough High School (2022)
Olympic History: 2020 Olympian
Erriyon Knighton, a prodigious talent from Hillsborough High School, is set to represent the United States in Track & Field. Knighton, who previously competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has continued to make waves in the sprinting world. His explosive speed and determination have established him as a rising star, and all eyes will be on him as he aims for Olympic glory in Paris.
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Parker Valby
Sport: Track & Field
Education: University of Florida
Joining Knighton on the Track & Field team is fellow Tampa native Parker Valby. A standout athlete from the University of Florida, Valby has consistently demonstrated her prowess in middle-distance and long-distance events. Her dedication and hard work have earned her a spot on the Olympic team, and she is poised to deliver a strong performance in Paris.
Dania Vizzi
Sport: Shooting
Education: University of Florida
Representing Tampa in the Shooting events is Dania Vizzi, an accomplished shooter and University of Florida alumna. Vizzi has honed her skills through years of rigorous training and competition, making her a formidable competitor on the international stage. Her precision and focus will be key as she vies for a medal in Paris.
More locals and USF Bulls to cheer on
They join athletes from the greater Tampa Bay Area such as surging tennis talent Danielle Collins from St. Pete representing the US this summer. The Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics will officially begin at 7:30pm local time in Paris. This translates to 1:30pm Eastern, 12:30pm Central, 11:30am Mountain, and 10:30am Pacific time.
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The University of South Florida (USF) will be proudly represented by several talented athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Here are the Bulls who are set to compete on the international stage:
- Zahria Allers-Liburd: Competing in cross country and track & field for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Abdul-Rasheed Saminu: Competing in cross country and track & field for Ghana.
- Katie Kitching: Playing women’s soccer for New Zealand.
- Bethy Mununga: Playing women’s basketball for Belgium.
- Evelyne Viens: Playing women’s soccer for Canada.
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