From Simone Biles to George Foreman, Patrick Mahomes to Nolan Ryan, Texas has a long-running tradition of producing some of the most dominant athletes in the history of sports. With America leading the total medal count and being tied for gold, it’s worth examining just how many of the contributing athletes are directly tied to the Lone Star State.
Where better to start than gymnastics?
The Texas medal count is led by Simone Biles, a native of Spring, Texas, who secured four medals (three gold Medals and one Silver) during the 2024 Olympics, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11 and making her the most decorated female gymnast of all time! Widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles’ unsurprisingly dominant performance further enhanced her track record of greatness. In addition to Simone Biles’s three gold medals, Hezly Rivera, Team USA Gymnastics’ youngest member and a resident of Plano, Texas, also won gold. It’s worth noting that Jordan Chiles, who trains year-round in Spring, Texas, also added another gold to America’s Medal count.
Texans made an impact in Track and Field as well!
Julien Alfred, who attended the University of Texas, and represented Saint Lucia not only won gold in the 100-meter dash but won her country’s ever Olympic medal. With a time of 10.72 seconds, she set a national record. Despite beating two American runners, including pre-race favorite and Texas native Sha’Carri Richardson, the support and congratulations she received surpassed national boundaries.
Sha’Carri Richardson was able to secure a gold medal herself, as she was a part of the United States women’s 4×100 team that achieved a 41.78-second first-place win. There’s no doubt that Richardson’s Silver finish last week motivated her to win her first career gold this week. Lastly, Ryan Crouser, another UT athlete secured the gold in men’s Shot Put, throwing 22.90 meters. With this win, Crouser became the first-ever Olympian to win three shot put titles in a row.
Golf and Swimming
Hubert Kos (Hungary) and Scottie Scheffler (USA) won the gold medals in their respective sports. Kos dominated the men’s 200m backstroke, and Scheffler excelled in men’s Golf. Hubert Kos announced his transfer from Arizona State to Texas, making Texas the new home of yet another dominant athlete. Scottie Scheffler, on the other hand, was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended UT.
As of August 9th, 2024, eight Texas athletes have won a gold medal. However, U.S.A. basketball stars Kevin Durant and Brittney Griner are both expected to win a gold medal, which would push the total count to ten.
Here’s an overall list of Gold Medalists from Texas:
- Simone Biles – 3 Gold Medals (Gymnastics)
- Hezly Rivera – 1 Gold Medal (Gymnastics)
- Jordan Chiles – 1 Gold Medal (Gymnastics)
- Julien Alfred – 1 Gold Medal (100m Dash, Track and Field, representing Saint Lucia but with Texas ties)
- Sha’Carri Richardson – 1 Gold Medal (4×100 Relay, Track and Field)
- Ryan Crouser – 1 Gold Medal (Shot Put, Track and Field)
- Hubert Kos – 1 Gold Medal (200m Backstroke, Swimming, with Texas ties through his transfer)
- Scottie Scheffler – 1 Gold Medal (Golf)
Delivered by Cullen Avent
