Native Olympians to Watch

This Friday, August 5^th the eyes of the world will be turned to the Olympics as they begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Among the American and Canadian delegations will be three First Nations athletes to be watching as the Olympic Games get underway.

The youngest of the three Native athletes in Rio this year is Ashton Locklear.  At 18 years old this Lumbee athlete is one of America’s top gymnasts.  Watching the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia inspired this young Olympian to set her sights on the most prestigious award in gymnastics: an Olympic Gold Medal.  After winning international titles every year since 2014 she was poised to claim her place on the 2016 U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team.  Due to a back issue that restricts Locklear from competing in all four gymnastics events she was placed on the team as an alternate.  Gymnastics competition begins August 6 and continues until August 11. 

The next American Indian Olympian is not a new name among those who follow Native athletes.  Navajo golfer Rickie Fowler will help return golf to the Olympic Games after its 112 year break.  Make sure you watch closely during the Opening Ceremonies because Rickie Fowler will be the only American golfer participating in Friday night.  Men’s golf competition takes place August 11 through August 14.

The final Native athlete competing in this year’s Olympics will be representing Canada on the women’s volleyball team.  Jaimie Thibeault of the T’Sou-ke Nation in Alberta will make her Olympic debut this year.  After helping lead her team grab a spot in the NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament she will surely be one to watch during these Games.  Women’s Volleyball competition begins on August 6.

Be sure to cheer on your favorite First Nations athlete during the Games!