The 2024 Olympics in Paris are just around the corner, and many athletes are preparing for the qualifying rounds to represent the United States and their hometowns.
As in previous years, many of Virginia's athletes are competing for a chance to compete not only for their state, but for their country as well. While we look forward to cheering on our fellow Virginians as they battle for a spot in the games, it's important to remember the athletes who have brought medals along the way.
Here's a look back at Virginia's past and future Olympians. Spoiler alert: We are so proud of all of our athletes and think they are valuable. Money.
past award winners
Benita Fitzgerald Mosley
NEW ORLEANS, LA – September 10: Laureus USA Foundation CEO and former Olympic gold medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley participates in the New Orleans Sports for Community Coalition’s Youth Sports Field Day. The event was held at AL Davis Park during the NOLA Laureus Sports for Good Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 10, 2016. (Photo by Andrew J. Cohoon/Getty Images for Laureus)
Benita Fitzgerald Mosley is a former track and field athlete from Dale City. Mosley competed in his 100m hurdle event at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Not only did the Virginia native win a gold medal in this event; First black woman to win gold medal in the 100 meter hurdles. This athlete was scheduled to participate in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, but did not participate Along with most American athletes due to the boycott of the games that year.
Mosley began his career in engineering after a career in competitive sports.She later became CEO increase good thingsan organization dedicated to fostering greatness through service to others.
Parnell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker
FILE – In this Nov. 18, 1995 file photo, WBC welterweight champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whittaker (right) fights challenger Jake during a scheduled 12-round bout in Atlantic City, New Jersey. – Rights to Rodriguez's head Former boxing champion Pernell Whitaker was killed by a car in Virginia. He was 55 years old. On Monday, Virginia Beach police announced that Whitaker was a pedestrian when he was hit by a car on Sunday night, July 14, 2019. The driver remained at the scene, and Whittaker was pronounced dead. (AP Photo/Donna Connor, File)
Pernell Whitaker is a boxer who won silver and gold medals at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Whittaker, a native of Virginia Beach, has held numerous titles including lightweight and light middleweight. boxing title. When he retired in 2001, he had finished his professional career with a record of 40 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses.
During his retirement, Whittaker returned to his hometown, where he worked as a trainer until he was 20 years old. died after being hit by a car In 2019.
melissa bellote ripley
American swimmer Melissa Belote. (Photo credit: Universal/Corbis/VCG, Getty Images)
Springfield native Melissa Belote Ripley is an Olympic swimmer and world record holder in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke.
At just 15 years old, Ripley competed in her first Olympic Games at the 1972 Munich Games. There she won three gold medals, set her world record.
Ripley retired in 1979 and moved to Arizona, where she raised her children. However, she has kept up with her other DMV Olympians over the years. Swimming buddy Katie Rudecky.
Francina Lynette McCorory
LONDON, UK – AUGUST 4: Francena McCorory of the United States during the 2011 Daegu Championships women's 400m final on the first day of the 16th World Athletics Championships London 2017 at London Stadium on August 4, 2017 won the redistributed bronze medal. London, England. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Francena Lynette McCorory is a former track and field athlete who calls Hampton home.during her tenure bethel high schoolMcCauley discovered a passion for running and soon honed his skills in the 400 meter competition.
McColloy competed in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. relay team wins gold medal. McCauley retired from competitive life in 2021.
Players to watch in the preliminaries
Gabby Douglas
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 9: Gabrielle of the United States poses for a photo with her gold medal after the medal ceremony for the women's gymnastics team on the fourth day of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 9.・Douglas. 2016, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Lawrence Griffiths/Getty Images)
After a few years of silence, Gabby Douglas of Newport News recently said: compete for shots At the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gymnast from Virginia wins gold medal made history At the 2012 London Games, she helped the U.S. gymnastics team win its first gold medal in decades. She then won her individual all-around title, making Douglas the first African American to win this honor. At the 2016 Rio Games, Douglas and her Olympic team won another gold medal for the United States.
Douglas has not competed in an Olympics since 2016, but expressed his desire to qualify for this year's Olympics.
nick mayhew
Nick Mayhew of the United States celebrates winning the men's 100m T37 final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on Friday, August 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Hoshiko Eugene)
Nick Mayhew is a Paralympic sprinter and soccer player from Fairfax.
Mayhew last competed for the United States in the 100 meters at the 2020 Paralympics. set a world record He then won gold in the men's 400m, silver in the men's 400m, and gold again in the mixed 4x100m.
Developed by Mayhew cerebral palsy Although he was paralyzed on the left side of his body from an early age, he retained his passion for the sport and eventually won numerous medals, accolades, and even broke world records.Mayhew is aiming for that qualification. 2024 Paralympics.
tori husk
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 12: Women's 100m Butterfly Qualifier on Day 3 of the TYR Pro Swim Series San Antonio at Northside Swim Center on April 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Tori Haske. (Photo by Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Victoria “Tori” Husk is olympic swimmer At the 2020 Olympics, she won a silver medal in the 4x100m medley relay.
Husk is a second-generation immigrant from Arlington whose parents are from China.from when I was youngHaske's parents took her swimming at a local pool, but ironically, she didn't immediately develop an interest in the sport.
Through hard work and dedication, Haske eventually progressed to Olympic level swimming.
