Death Valley erupted Saturday night when LSU honored 22 of its alumni who competed at the Olympics during halftime of the football game against Alabama. Among the 22, four athletes were recognized for medaling in their respective sports and events.
The Olympic medalists who were honored were Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, Sha’carri Richardson, Vernon Norwood and Juan Celaya-Hernandez.
Duplantis broke the world record for pole vaulting to claim gold for Sweden this summer. Duplantis’ world record pole vault measured 20 feet 6 inches, equivalent to a two-story building.
Richardson, another former LSU track and field member, was also honored for bringing home some hardware for the United States. She earned gold in the women’s 4×100 relay and silver in the women’s 100-meter dash.
The last of the LSU track and field alumni to medal was Norwood, who represented the U.S. as well. He set an Olympic record when he won gold in the men’s 4×400 relay. He also won silver in the mixed 4×400 relay and set a world record in his heat.
Former LSU diver Celaya-Hernandez represented Mexico and won silver in the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard event.
The other Olympians who were honored on the field were:
– David Patrick, Men’s Basketball, Australia (LSU Assistant Coach)
– Taryn Kloth, Beach Volleyball, U.S.
– Kristen Nuss, Beach Volleyball, U.S.
– Aleah Finnegan, Gymnastics, Philippines
– Jere Hribar, Swimming, Croatia
– Jovan Lekic, Swimming, Bosnia & Herzegovina
– Sabrina Lyn, Swimming, Jamaica
– Maggie MacNeil, Swimming, Canada
– Lizzie (Cui) Roussel, Diving, New Zealand
– Helle Tuxen, Diving, New Zealand
– Neal Skupski, Tennis, Great Britain
– Thelma Davies, Track and Field, Liberia
– Tima Godbless, Track and Field, Nigeria
– Aleia Hobbs, Track and Field, U.S.
– Shakeem McKay, Track and Field, Trinidad & Tobago
– Favor Ofili, Track and Field, Nigeria
– Godson Oghenebrume, Track and Field, Nigeria
– Ella Onojuvwevwo, Track and Field, Nigeria