The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to begin this weekend in Paris, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday and the first medals to be awarded on Saturday. Over the next two weeks, the world’s top athletes will compete for their Olympic dreams, and three of them have strong ties to the Treasure Valley.
Meet the Athletes
- Matteo Jorgenson from Boise
- Alyssa Mendoza from Caldwell
- Marisa Howard (formerly of Boise State University)
For these athletes, the Paris Games will be their first Olympic experience.
Matteo Jorgenson: Cycling Star
Matteo Jorgenson has secured a spot on the U.S. road cycling team and will race in the road event on August 3. The challenging 273-kilometer course will start and end in Paris’s Trocadero neighborhood, right across from the Eiffel Tower.
Jorgenson is having an exceptional year. He recently finished eighth in the Tour de France, narrowly missing a stage win when Tadej Pogacar overtook him near the finish line. At just 25, Jorgenson has already made a mark in professional cycling. This season, he achieved notable victories, including winning the Paris-Nice race and Dwars door Vlaanderen, solidifying his place on Team USA.
“The Olympics have always been a dream of mine,” Jorgenson said. “Watching the Games as a child inspired me to pursue a career in sports. Racing in Paris, especially after such a great year, feels like a dream come true.”
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Alyssa Mendoza: Boxing’s Rising Star
Alyssa Mendoza, at 20 years old, is the youngest member of Team USA Boxing and the first Idaho native to qualify for the Olympics in boxing. She secured her spot at the Olympic Games World Qualifying Tournament.
Despite the challenges of being from Idaho, Mendoza has made a name for herself. Trained by her father, JR Mendoza, she won gold at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite National Championships and earned multiple international medals in 2023, including silver and bronze in several prestigious tournaments.
Mendoza will compete in the 57-kilogram category, with preliminary matches starting on July 30. “Representing Team USA is an incredible honor,” she said. “I’ve always dreamed of this moment and can’t wait to compete on the world stage.”
Marisa Howard: Track and Field Competitor
Marisa Howard, a two-time All-American from Boise State University, has qualified for the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She earned her spot by finishing third at the Olympic Team Trials in June.
Howard’s experience in the steeplechase includes winning three Mountain West titles and earning a silver medal at the Pan-American Games in 2019. She will compete in the first round of her event on August 4.
Following the Olympics, Howard will join the Boise State track and field and cross-country team as an assistant coach. Boise State is holding a sendoff event for her on Saturday at Dona Larsen Park, where she will run a 1,200-meter test, interact with fans, and sign autographs.
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Conclusion
As the Paris Olympics approach, the Treasure Valley is proud to support these local athletes representing Team USA. Their dedication and achievements highlight the region’s athletic talent and spirit.
