Watching the Olympics over the last few weeks was fun.
As someone with Aphasia, the stress of watching sports can be a unique challenge. Take the Men’s Basketball game, for instance. The USA was trailing by 10 points at the end of the third Quarter. I found it too intense and had to step away. I only returned to watch the final minutes of the game.
I watched when we were winning but did not like to watch when they were losing. I don’t know if this was Aphasia or sports.
Shifting gears, let’s talk about Penn State and the Olympics. Seeing our athletes competing on the world stage was a powerful display of Penn State pride. Moments like these remind us of the strong community and unity we share.
For the 2024 Olympics, thirteen athletes represent countries from the United States, Germany, and Poland.
It was a moment of personal pride when the USA Women’s Soccer team, including Alyssa Naeher and Sam Coffey, clinched the Gold Medal at the Olympics.
Other Penn State Medals.
Bronze Medal for Germany’s Women’s Soccer Olympics: Laura Freigang.
Bronze Medal for USA Men’s Gymnastics: Stephen Nederoscik (individually and with his team.)
Silver Medal for USA Shot Put: Joe Kovacs (also won Silver for Olympics in 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo)
Bronze Medals for USA Men’s Volleyball: Matt Anderson, Max Holt, and Aaron Russell.
Silver Medal for USA Women’s Volleyball: Micha Hancock (alternate) and Haleigh Washington
Bronze Medal for USA Women’s Rugby 7: Kayla Canett
Bronze Medal for USA Wrestling: Aaron Brooks
Bronze Medal for Polish Fencer: Renata Knapik-Miazga (PSU assistant coach)
Even those who didn’t win medals but were part of Penn State at the Olympics deserve our admiration. We’re incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.
Watching the Women’s Field Hockey games against the USA, I felt a personal connection as Phia Gladeux, a player from Penn State, was on the team. Despite not winning a medal, Phia performed remarkably at the Olympics. Her goal against Spain to tie the game 1-1 was a moment of pride. Knowing she will continue playing at Penn State in 2024 fills me with anticipation and excitement.
