Louisville’s Jayden Ulrich is trading Cardinal red for red, white, and blue this summer. The discus dynamo has punched her ticket to Paris, becoming the first U of L track athlete ever to rep Team USA at the Olympics.
Ulrich’s selection cements her status as a true heavyweight in the throwing world. She’ll be hurling for gold alongside Olympic champ Valarie Allman and NCAA title-holder Veronica Fraley.
“This is what dreams are made of,” Ulrich told reporters, her smile as wide as her discus arc. “All those long hours in the ring are finally paying off!”
The Illinois native has been on a tear, shattering school records and landing among the collegiate all-time greats with a monstrous 210-11 heave. Her silver at the Olympic Trials was just the cherry on top of a dominant season that saw her bag ACC and regional honors.
Cards fans, mark your calendars. Ulrich’s quest for Olympic glory kicks off August 2, with finals set for August 5. As she steps into the ring in Paris, she’ll be carrying more than just a discus – she’ll have the hopes of an entire university on her shoulders.
From the banks of the Ohio to the banks of the Seine, Jayden Ulrich is ready to show the world what Louisville track and field is all about. The City of Lights better watch out – there’s a Cardinal coming to town, and she’s got her sights set on gold.
Louisville Track & Field at the Olympics
Athletes:
Men
Matt Hughes – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase – Team Canada – 2016, 2020
Wesley Korir – Men’s Marathon – Team Kenya – 2016
Ben Williams – Men’s Triple Jump – Team Great Britain – 2020
Women
Chinwe Okoro – Women’s Discus Throw – Team Nigeria – 2016
Jayden Ulrich – Women’s Discus Throw – Team USA – 2024
Coach:
Ron Mann – Middle Distance Coach – Team USA – 2008
