These 2024 Olympians Have Deep Ties to Sarasota and Manatee Counties
The 2024 Olympics kick off this Friday night, July 26, in Paris, and—as always—Sarasota and Manatee counties are well-represented. Five athletes with deep ties to the region are headed to France this week, and we're excited to cheer them on from afar.
Here's a list of who's participating and when to tune in to watch them—but heads up, you're going to have to wake up early to see them compete live.
Icon ✨@NellyKorda at the 2024 #MetGala pic.twitter.com/nziEROYb5V
— LPGA (@LPGA) May 7, 2024
Nelly Korda, Women's Golf
Korda, 25, is a Bradenton native who's part of a renowned sports family and is the No. 1 ranked women's golfer in the world. She won Olympic gold for women's golf in Tokyo in 2020.
When to watch: Round 1 of women's golf tees off on Wednesday, Aug. 7; following rounds take place Aug. 8-10. All rounds will be broadcast at 3 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Mary Tucker, Shooting (10-Meter Air Rifle)
Tucker, 23, is a Sarasota native who won a silver medal in the 10 meter air rifle competition in 2020. She started shooting at age 16 and ultimately quit her high school team and learned to shoot through YouTube videos and other online sources.
When to watch: Shooting qualifications are Sunday, July 28, at 3:15 a.m. The finals are Monday, July 29, at 3:30 a.m.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Clark Dean, Rowing (Men's Eight)
Dean, 24, is a Sarasota native, Pine View School alum and Harvard grad who began rowing for Sarasota Crew in middle school. His men's four boat finished fifth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; this year, he's competing in men's eight.
When to watch: Heat 1 takes place Monday, July 29, at 5:40 a.m. Heat 2 takes place Tuesday, July 30, at 5:50 a.m. Repechage—a practice in which participants who missed qualifying standards by a small margin are allowed to compete for a chance in the next round (think wild card system)—takes place Thursday, Aug. 1, at 4:20 a.m. Final A is Saturday, Aug. 3, at 5:10 a.m.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Emma Weyant, Women's Swimming (400-Meter Individual Medley)
Weyant, 22, grew up swimming with the Sarasota Sharks and won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for the 400-meter individual medley. She's also an aspiring swimwear designer and recently signed a name, image and license deal with Visit Sarasota County.
When to watch: The 400-meter individual medley heats are Monday, July 29, at 5 a.m. The finals are later that same day at 2:30 p.m.
