University of Louisville student-athlete to represent US in Olympics

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A student-athlete at the University of Louisville will represent USA Track and Field at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Jayden Ulrich will compete in the women's discus throw in Paris. She will be the first track and field athlete in school history to represent the United States at the Olympics. Ulrich is the second female Olympian from UofL's track and field team after Chinwe Okoro contested the women's discus throw for Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

"I couldn't be more excited to represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Games," Ulrich said in a news release. "It means so much that all the work I've put in is finally paying off."

Ulrich posted a mark of 63.61 meters in the preliminaries, and then tossed 62.63 meters in the finals to clinch a spot on Team USA. 

"Being selected to the U.S. Olympic team is indicative of Jayden's ability and dedication that has allowed her to reach the pinnacle of our sport," UofL director of track and field and cross country Joe Franklin said. "Making the team and becoming the first U.S. Olympian in our program's history is not only important for Jayden but also for the entire University of Louisville to be represented on the Olympic stage."

Ulrich was the 2024 NCAA runner-up in the women's discus throw. She was selected as the USTFCCCA Southeast Regional Women's Field Athlete of the Year and ACC Women's Field Athlete of the Year.

The women's discus throw competition will open on Aug. 2. 

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