The world is gearing up for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2024, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Where Are The Summer Olympics 2024? The answer is Paris, France! From July 26 to August 11, the City of Lights will host the Summer Olympics, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8. This year, the global spectacle will have a special touch of Knight Nation pride as several outstanding athletes from the University of Central Florida (UCF) are set to compete on this grand stage, representing not only the USA but also Denmark, Germany, and Lithuania.
These exceptional individuals embody the dedication, perseverance, and spirit that define Knight Nation. Get ready to witness their journey and achievements live on NBC or stream through Peacock as we rally behind them in the heart of Paris.
Samantha Bosco smiles brightly in her cycling gear
Samantha Bosco: Paralympic Cycling
Event Date: September 4
Samantha Bosco’s journey to the Paralympics is one of resilience and determination. Born with a bowed tibia in her right leg, she began cycling at a young age. Despite facing significant challenges, including multiple surgeries to correct a leg-length discrepancy resulting from her condition, Samantha’s spirit remained unbroken. Although a surgery at age 11 aimed to lengthen her right leg led to permanent damage, it didn’t deter her athletic aspirations.
Initially on a rowing scholarship at UCF from 2005-07, Bosco had to retire from rowing due to her leg injury after her sophomore year. However, her passion for sport led her back to cycling. Discovering paracycling, she quickly excelled, reaching the world championship in 2013 and securing two bronze medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games. Her relentless pursuit of excellence continued even after a traumatic brain injury in 2021 forced her to withdraw from the Tokyo Games. Making a remarkable comeback, Samantha dominated in 2022, becoming a double world champion in Baie-Comeau, Canada. Her story is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
Kyle Coon poses confidently with his Paralympic medal
Kyle Coon ’13: Paralympic Triathlon
Event Dates: September 1-2
Kyle Coon, a UCF communication alumnus from the class of 2013, is set to make waves in the Paralympic triathlon. His place in Paris was secured after an impressive third-place finish at the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal. This grueling race, consisting of a 760-meter swim, a 20.2-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run, showcased Kyle’s exceptional athleticism and earned him the honor of representing Team USA.
This will be Kyle’s second Paralympic appearance, having competed in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo where he achieved a commendable fifth place. Throughout his time at UCF, Kyle was actively involved in sports as a member of the UCF Wrestling Club and a group exercise instructor at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant, which led to the surgical removal of both eyes by age 7, Kyle drew inspiration from blind extreme athlete Erik Weihenmayer, fostering his commitment to an active life and competitive sports.
Malacchi Esdale stands in athletic wear against a plain backdrop
Malacchi Esdale: Rugby – Team USA
Event Dates: July 24, 25, and 27
Malacchi Esdale, a former UCF student, brings his rugby prowess to Team USA. Turning professional in 2017, Malacchi’s journey includes being named as a travel reserve for the 2020 Summer Olympics, setting the stage for his current Olympic endeavor in Paris.
Malacchi’s rugby career began with the Naples Bears in Florida. He further developed his skills at ASA College in New York and the University of Miami before transferring to UCF. As a key player for the UCF Rugby Club – Men’s Team, he honed his abilities, preparing him for the international rugby scene and his representation of Team USA at the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris.
Sarai Linder poses in her soccer jersey
Sarai Linder: Soccer – Team Germany
Event Dates: July 25, 28, and 31; August 3, 6, 9, and 10
Sarai Linder, a former UCF women’s soccer defender, will proudly represent Germany on the Olympic soccer field. She joins a distinguished group of UCF women’s soccer alumni who have competed at the Olympics, including USA’s Michelle Akers ’89 and Brazil’s Aline Reis ’11.
During her time with the UCF Knights in the 2020-21 season, Sarai showcased her talent in seven matches. Her outstanding performance earned her First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors, All-AAC Rookie Team accolades, and recognition on the AAC All-Academic Team. Now, she takes her skills to the global stage at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Julie Poulsen smiles in her rowing uniform
Julie Poulsen ’20: Rowing – Team Denmark
Event Dates: July 28 and 30; August 1
Julie Poulsen, a UCF communication alumna from the class of 2020 and a native of Denmark, will represent her home country in the women’s four rowing event. Her rowing journey started at the age of 10, inspired by her mother.
Julie is celebrated as one of UCF’s most accomplished rowers. She is among a select group of Knights to be named a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-American. Her consistent excellence earned her First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors three times and CRCA National Scholar Athlete and American Athletic Conference All-Academic honors for four consecutive years. Julie credits her UCF experience for instilling resilience and a belief that no challenge is insurmountable, qualities she carries into the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris.
Viktorija Senkute in her rowing gear, looking determined
Viktorija Senkute ’18: Rowing – Team Lithuania
Event Dates: July 27-August 3
Viktorija Senkute, a UCF interdisciplinary studies alumna from the class of 2018, will compete for Team Lithuania in women’s single sculls rowing. During her time at UCF, the rowing team achieved remarkable success, winning four American Athletic Conference championships.
Viktorija’s personal achievements include a CRCA All-Region nod in 2018 and multiple First and Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors. She emphasizes the transformative impact of UCF in teaching her teamwork and unity, values that she brings to her Olympic journey in Paris. UCF provided her the unique opportunity to combine high-level sports with education, shaping her into the athlete she is today as she competes at the Summer Olympics 2024.
Kristen Thomas smiles warmly in athletic wear
Kristen Thomas ’16: Rugby Reserve – Team USA
Event Dates: July 28-30
Kristen Thomas, a UCF theatre studies alumna from the class of 2016, serves as a rugby traveling reserve for Team USA. A veteran of the sport, she previously co-captained Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, contributing to the team’s top 10 finish.
Kristen’s rugby career began at UCF in 2011 with the Rugby Club – Women’s Team. Her exceptional talent quickly propelled her to the national team within just two years. Kristen acknowledges UCF’s pivotal role in her development as a player, particularly the coaching of Raoul Besse, who emphasized skills and physicality, and nominated her for the under-20 national team. As she supports Team USA in Paris for the Summer Olympics 2024, her UCF roots remain a strong foundation of her success.
As the where are the Summer Olympics 2024 excitement builds, remember to cheer on these incredible UCF Knights as they compete in Paris. Their dedication and achievements exemplify the best of Knight Nation, and we are proud to support them on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
