Athletes from across the globe traveled to Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Did you know that Lansing had a few athletes of our own make their way to the City of Lights? Along with current athletes, Lansing has seen a few competitors go to the Olympics over the years, dating all the way back to 1928.
MSU graduate student Heath Baldwin competed in the decathlon. After winning the decathlon at the U.S. Track and Field trials, Baldwin's next stop was Paris. The last Spartan to compete in the Olympic decathlon was Paul Terek in 2004.
Continuing in the Track and Field category, Tori Franklin joined the U.S. team for the triple jump. Franklin, a former Spartan athlete and Olympian (2020), holds the MSU school record for both indoor and outdoor triple jump.
Lansing native Kyle Dake represented the U.S. in wrestling this year, marking his second time attending the Olympics. After graduating from Lansing Catholic High School, Dake continued his wrestling career at Cornell University, where he became a four-time NCAA Champion.
Past Lansing Olympians include Fred Alderman, who competed in the 1928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. He was born in East Lansing and attended MSU. Not only did he win the NCAA Championships in 1927 for the 100-yard and 220-yard dash, but he secured a gold medal in the 4 x 400 relay for the 1928 Olympics.
One of the most notable Lansing athletes is Magic Johnson. Lansing native and MSU alum, Johnson was a member of the 1992 Men’s basketball team. He helped lead the team as co-captain and bring home the gold from Barcelona.
Lansing has also been home to some impressive Para athletes. Among them is Jayci Simon, who has excelled in Paralympic badminton and earned a silver medal in Paris this year. Simon, a Lansing native, played with the recreational badminton club at Michigan State University and has made significant contributions to the sport. Her achievements have brought notable recognition to her hometown.
Not only has Lansing seen Olympic athletes of our own, but Olympic qualifying events as well! In November 2022 Lansing hosted a pre-olympic qualifier for team handball. This was the first time a national team competed in Lansing on their path to the Olympics.
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