The Eiffel Tower is welcoming visitors from all over the world for the 2024 Paris Games, running from July 26 to Aug. 11.
All eyes are on Syracuse University as students, faculty and alumni make their way to France to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Whether competing in one of 32 sporting events, serving as on-air commentators or working behind-the-scenes for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Games, following the Olympic Torch Relay or presenting at an international symposium, the Orange are well represented.
Most of the action takes place in Paris, where the modern Olympics were conceived 130 years ago. The “City of Light” has since hosted the Summer Games in 1900 and 1924. In a first, this year’s events are being held amidst famous Parisian landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and Place de la Concorde.
Orange Athletes Strike Gold
Basketball standout Carmelo Anthony (left) and Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim ’66, G’73, H’24 at the 2012 London Games.
Ever since long jumper Myer Prinstein (Class of 1902) leapt his way to gold-medal success in Paris in 1900, the Orange have been a fixture at the Summer Games. Our athletes have won a total of 35 medals (19 golds, 10 silvers and six bronzes) in the Summer Olympics. Learn more about other Syracuse-affiliated Olympians.
This year, Syracuse University is represented by Kayla Alexander ’13 (Canada) and Alexis Peterson ’17 (Germany) in women’s basketball; Kamile Kralikaite ’24 (Lithuania), Kristen Siermachesky ’21 (Canada) and Hattie Taylor ’17 (Great Britain) in women’s rowing; Nick Kohl ’22, G’23 (Italy) in men’s rowing; Miles Robinson ’17 (United States) in men's soccer; Lysianne Proulx ’21 (Canada), an alternate in women’s soccer; and Freddie Crittenden ’17 (United States) in track and field.
Students Contribute Behind the Scenes
The Summer Olympics provide hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduates, especially those in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College. Nico Horning ’26, a junior majoring in broadcast and digital journalism (BDJ), is interning at NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios in Connecticut. As a programming runner, he gathers highlights, stats and predictions for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Games.
Margaret McCann ’25 is working for the Acton Style Group in Paris during the Olympic Games.
“This internship supports my dream of becoming a TV sports commentator,” says Horning, who credits the Newhouse School’s alumni network for getting his foot in NBC’s door. “I want to learn as much as I can.”
Fellow BDJ major Margaret McCann ’25 is in Paris working for the Acton Style Group, whose clients include NBC Sports. “I’m in NBC’s production studios, assisting with wardrobe and brand management any way I can,” says the CitrusTV social media team member. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Other interns include Marguerite Bellotti ’26 (BDJ) at NBC Sports and Livia McQuade ’25 (sport management) at Olympus Sports Group.
Syracuse Alumni Report the Action
When Mike Tirico ’88 returns to anchor NBC Sports’ primetime coverage of the Olympics, he’ll continue a tradition begun by Bob Costas ’74 more than 30 years ago.
Mike Tirico ’88 at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.
Other alumni commentators this summer include:
- Noah Eagle ’19 (men’s and women’s basketball)
- Ahmed Fareed ’02 (NBC daytime host)
- Jason Knapp ’91 (swimming)
- Andrew Siciliano ’96 (NBC Gold Zone co-host)
- Bill Spaulding ’13 (track and field)
- Scott Hanson ’93 (NBC Gold Zone co-host)
Professor Studies 'Olympic Legacy'
Falk College professor Jeeyoon "Jamie" Kim is interested in the social, cultural and economic benefits of the Olympic Games.
The Olympics reward creativity and athletic performance. They also provide opportunities for professors like Jeeyoon “Jamie” Kim, who studies the short- and long-term effects of hosting the Games.
This summer, she’s presenting at the 11th International Sport Business Symposium in Paris. “I’m discussing how the Youth Olympic Games, an Olympic-style event for athletes ages 15-18, can benefit their host city and support the aims of the Olympic movement,” says the sport management professor.
Syracuse Strasbourg Students Witness the Olympic Torch
Students enrolled at Syracuse Strasbourg are getting a rare glimpse of the Olympics, given their proximity to Paris. Recent highlights include the Olympic Torch Relay, which came to Strasbourg on June 26.
The torch entered the Council of Europe headquarters, where it was greeted by officials, parliamentarians and staff. After crossing several 13th-century bridges and stopping at the Alsatian Museum, the flame proceeded to the 800-year-old Strasbourg Cathedral—one of the world’s tallest churches and a marvel of Gothic architecture. The relay concluded in the heart of the city at Place Kléber.
