The University of Washington (UW) made a remarkable impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing an impressive 13 medals. This tally, if UW were a country, would tie them for 16th place in the overall medal count, matching Uzbekistan’s performance.
The Husky rowing team led the charge, clinching 11 medals at the Paris regatta. This outstanding achievement broke the program’s previous record set in 1936 by the legendary “Boys in the Boat.” The team fell just short of matching UW’s all-time Olympic record of 12 medals, set in both 1936 and 1984.
On the final day of competition, two UW athletes added to the medal count. Sami Whitcomb earned bronze in women’s basketball, while Kelsey Plum secured gold, bringing the total to 13.
The university’s medal breakdown consisted of two golds, two silvers, and nine bronzes. Gold medalists included Plum and Jacob Dawson, who rowed for Great Britain. Logan Ullrich of New Zealand and Gert-Jan van Doorn from the Netherlands claimed silver medals. The bronze medals were predominantly won by rowers representing various nations, including the United States and Great Britain.
UW sent a diverse contingent of 29 athletes to Paris, competing across five sports and representing 12 different countries. The delegation included 16 rowers, six track and field athletes, three golfers, two basketball players, and two kayakers. Additionally, two UW coaches contributed to the medal count, with volleyball coach Tama Miyashiro winning silver and rowing coach Michael Callahan securing bronze, both for Team USA.
This exceptional performance at the Paris Olympics underscores the University of Washington’s strong athletic tradition and its significant influence on the global sporting stage.
