USC Athletes Shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds, the University of Southern California (2024 USNews Ranking: 28) (USC) has made a remarkable impact, particularly in water sports. On July 30, 2024, the USC Trojans showcased their prowess in various events, with all seven male water polo players achieving victories. Hannes Daube, representing the United States, stood out in the match against Romania, scoring three goals for the second consecutive game, leading the American team to a 14-8 triumph. Additionally, USC’s twin athletes, Michal Chmielewski and Krzysztof Chmielewski, excelled in the 200-meter butterfly semifinals, with Krzysztof advancing to the finals with a time of 1:54.28, marking a historic best for USC. Michal, while not advancing, finished with a personal best of 1:54.64.
In men’s indoor volleyball, USC alumnus Micah Christenson contributed significantly to the U.S. team with 39 assists, helping secure a 3-2 victory over Germany in their second group match. Furthermore, in men’s beach volleyball, first-time Olympian Andy Benesh celebrated his inaugural win, defeating a Moroccan opponent 2-0. The rowing events also saw success, with Danish athlete Astrid Steensberg excelling in the women’s four-person boat repechage, advancing to the B final.
USC athletes have demonstrated formidable strength at this Olympic Games, with more competitions scheduled for July 31, including men’s swimming, women’s beach volleyball, women’s diving, women’s rowing, women’s soccer, and women’s water polo. Notably, Trojan athlete Kate Miller is set to make her Olympic debut in the women’s 10-meter platform diving event, while Krzysztof Chmielewski aims for a better performance in the 200-meter butterfly finals.
USC Athletes Performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics
The performance of USC athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to the university’s long-standing tradition of excellence in sports. On July 27, 2024, USC announced that 14 water polo players would represent the university at the Olympics, a proud moment for the USC water polo program and a significant chapter in the university’s Olympic history. USC has produced 512 Olympians and garnered 326 medals, making it the university with the most Olympic medals in the United States. If USC were a separate nation, its total medal count would rank 12th globally, with its gold medal tally placing it 11th.
The representation of male athletes in water polo is particularly noteworthy, with seven male players participating, matching a record set in 1956. Among the female water polo athletes, Tilly Kearns, representing Australia, has excelled at USC, earning All-American honors twice. Incoming freshman Emily Ausmus, despite not yet competing for USC, brings a wealth of international experience. Canadian players Hayley McKelvey and Verica Bakoc have also made their mark, with McKelvey winning national championships in 2016 and 2018, while Bakoc achieved similar success in 2018 and 2021. Kaleigh Gilchrist and Amanda Longan represent the U.S. team, with Gilchrist winning a national championship in 2013 and Longan receiving the Cutino Award in 2018.
In men’s water polo, Kostas Genidounias stands out as USC’s all-time leading scorer, having competed for Greece in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Hannes Daube and Marko Vavic are also representing the U.S., with Daube making his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and Vavic winning gold medals in 2018 and 2019. The Edwards brothers, Blake and Lachlan, will compete for Australia, while Jacob Mercep and Nic Porter are set to make their Olympic debuts.
The impressive roster of 14 athletes underscores USC’s strength in water polo, a sport that, while not the university’s most prominent, showcases the depth of talent cultivated within its programs. Annenberg Media will continue to monitor these athletes’ performances throughout the Olympic Games.
Impact of USC Training Programs on Olympic Success
The success of USC athletes at the Olympics can be attributed to the university’s comprehensive training programs and commitment to developing athletic talent. On March 7, 2024, USC launched a collaborative initiative with SoLa Impact aimed at providing science, design, and engineering training to Los Angeles youth. This program, facilitated through USC’s Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, seeks to empower young individuals in South Los Angeles by offering hands-on training in materials science, computing, modeling, prototyping, and manufacturing.
Each year, the program aims to serve 750 youth aged 8 to 21, providing after-school and scholarship opportunities that pave the way for careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, with USC Iovine and Young Academy Dean Thanassis Rikakis emphasizing the importance of creative learning opportunities for local youth.
The establishment of this laboratory, funded by the Howmet Aerospace Foundation, aims to provide STEAM education to underserved communities, while Verizon Communications supports the vocational training aspects of the program. The lab is expected to open in June 2024, marking a significant step toward enhancing educational opportunities in the region.
The Iovine and Young Academy, founded by entrepreneurs Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, is dedicated to cultivating talent at the intersection of technology, design, and business. The academy’s unique learning framework has yielded exceptional student outcomes, and the collaboration with SoLa Impact is poised to create lasting change in the lives of South Los Angeles youth.
Comparison of USC Athletes with Other Universities in Olympic Events
The discussion surrounding the status of college athletes has gained momentum, particularly regarding whether they should be classified as employees. On April 22, 2024, The New York Times reported on a case being reviewed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that involves USC football and basketball players. Witness Elijah Higgins shared his experiences at Stanford University and with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, highlighting the similarities between college athletes and professional athletes in terms of their work nature, yet noting the lack of corresponding compensation and employee status.
The hearing, which lasted five months, gathered substantial evidence and is now awaiting a ruling from Judge Eleanor Laws. The case’s plaintiff is Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the National College Players Association, while the defense includes USC, the Pac-12 Conference, and the NCAA. The proceedings have raised critical questions about athlete control and compensation, especially in light of USC’s reported $212 million in sports revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed concerns about the potential risks college athletes face, particularly regarding job security in the event of poor performance. In contrast, Stanford athlete Liam Anderson argued that college sports would adapt to market changes, and athlete employee status could yield positive outcomes.
Additionally, the Dartmouth College men’s basketball team recently voted to form a union, seeking employee status, a decision that is also under appeal. The NCAA hopes to secure exemptions through Congress, but the prospects appear dim ahead of the presidential election.
This hearing not only challenges the amateur model of college sports but also reflects the growing attention to athlete rights. As legal and societal landscapes evolve, the future of college athletics may undergo profound transformations.
Historical Achievements of USC in Olympic Sports
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has been the home of the USC Trojans since its groundbreaking in 1921, boasts a rich history of over 100 years. This iconic venue is not only a significant symbol of American sports culture but also a site of numerous historic events. The Coliseum has hosted the Olympic Games twice, in 1932 and 1984, making it the only venue in the world to achieve this feat. The 1932 Olympics attracted over 100,000 spectators, reflecting the city’s population at the time. The 1984 Games featured the famous “Olympic Fanfare” composed by John Williams, which remains widely celebrated.
In addition to the Olympics, the Coliseum has hosted major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, national championships, and World Series, as well as concerts by legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1984, the venue was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. government.
With Los Angeles set to host the Olympics again in 2028, the Coliseum will reach another milestone, becoming the site of the opening ceremony and track and field events for the third time. To prepare for this momentous occasion, the Coliseum underwent extensive renovations in 2019, adding a seven-story scholarship club tower equipped with luxury suites and modern press facilities. While the Coliseum is renowned for USC football, it has also served as the home for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Raiders, witnessing countless moments in professional football history.
Moreover, the Coliseum hosted its first NASCAR event in 2022, further solidifying its status as a versatile venue for various sports. To commemorate its centennial, the Coliseum collaborated with the USC Thornton School of Music to produce the song “We Came To Bring The Fire,” celebrating its deep-rooted connection with the Trojan football team. The history and achievements of the Coliseum underscore its unique position in the realms of sports and culture, making it an indispensable part of Los Angeles and American history.
Conclusion
The 2024 Paris Olympics have provided a platform for USC athletes to showcase their exceptional talent and dedication, reinforcing the university’s legacy in Olympic sports. With a rich history of producing Olympians and a commitment to nurturing athletic talent through innovative training programs, USC continues to excel on the global stage. The university’s athletes have not only achieved remarkable individual successes but have also contributed to the broader conversation about the status and rights of college athletes in the evolving landscape of collegiate sports.
As USC prepares for the future, including the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the university’s historical achievements and ongoing initiatives will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of athletes. The commitment to education, community engagement, and athletic excellence positions USC as a leader in both collegiate and Olympic sports, ensuring that its legacy will endure for years to come.
