Off Podium Empire: Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois Fighting Illini

Ah, my beloved Fighting Illini. For how solid our track and field team has been recently, I’m a little surprised to not have more names here. But the double golf Belgians does fit our history as a golf school. Let’s get to it.

Who’s on the roster?

Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Golf. Belgium.

Jordyn Poulter, Volleyball. USA.

Rajeev Ram, Tennis. USA.

Thomas Detry, Golf. Belgium.

Rose Yeboah, Track and Field. Ghana.

Any previous Olympics experience?

Yep! Thomas Detry tied for 22nd at the Tokyo games, Jordyn Poulter won gold in 2020, and Rajeev Ram snagged a silver in 2016 (with his doubles partner Serena Williams (!!!)), although he didn’t make the podium in 2020. Lots of experience on this small Illini delegation.

Best chance for a medal?

The women’s volleyball team looks pretty stacked this cycle. I think Poulter is a good bet to win a second gold, along with the tons of B1G alums on that team. Rose Yeboah won the NCAA high jump championship just earlier this summer. Her winning jump would have placed 5th in the 202One Olympics. That’s a pretty good start. I could see both medaling.

Who’s the school’s most famous Olympic alum?

I’m thinking this is Deron Williams. Two-time gold medalist in 2008 (as part of the Redeem Team) and in 2012.

But who’s the most interesting?

I actually wrote about this earlier this summer! Harold Osborn won gold in the high jump and the decathlon in 1924, 100 years ago exactly. He was a world champion, a record breaker, and still smashing high jumps at the age of 45. After his career, he settled down and taught at Champaign High School, coaching another generation of track and field stars.