Among the more than 10,000 athletes, Washington state is represented at this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris with almost a dozen athletes, some from Snohomish County.
The achievements of these local athletes highlight the exceptional talent and dedication found in Washington state. From gold medals to historic finishes, their performances have not only brought pride to their communities but also underscored the global impact of local talent. Their stories of perseverance and excellence continue to inspire and exemplify the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Snohomish County Athletes at the Summer Olympics
Snohomish County has two athletes competing this year: swimmer Matt King and rower Evan Olson.
Matt King, Snohomish—Swimming
The 22-year-old Matt King, a Glacier Peak High School graduate, won a gold medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay. While at Glacier Peak, King was a state high school champion in the 50 and 100 freestyles. After high school, he swam at the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of Virginia.
Evan Olson, Bothell – Rowing
Bothell High School alum Evan Olson is competing in his first Olympics. The University of Washington graduate and former member of the Everett Rowing Association rowed for Team USA after finishing in 5th place at the 2023 World Championships in the men’s pair.
At the Olympics, Olson was part of the eight-boat crew that won its heat and advanced to the finals in Paris. Olson and his crew rowed to a bronze medal finish, giving the U.S. its first eight-boat medal since 2008. Great Britain took gold in the race, and the Netherlands earned silver.
Seattle Area Athletes at the Summer Olympics
Keana Hunter, Issaquah/Seattle – Artistic Swimming
Hunter, a graduate of Issaquah High School and a member of Seattle Synchro, is competing in her first Olympic Games after a highly successful youth career. She appeared in three consecutive World Championships from 2022 to 2024 and medaled in each.
Nevin Harrison, Seattle – Canoe/Kayak
Seattle’s Nevin Harrison, a Roosevelt High School graduate, is competing in her second Olympics after winning gold in the 200-meter canoe event at the Tokyo Olympics. Harrison will compete in the 200-meter event on August 8 in Paris, hoping to medal again.
Aaron Small, Seattle – Canoe/Kayak
Small, a University of Washington graduate, is competing in his first Olympic Games in the 500-meter kayak event alongside fellow Washingtonian and Bellingham resident Jonas Ecker. Small grew up paddling with Seattle’s Green Lake Canoe and Kayak Club. Before the Paris Games, he competed in two Pan American Games for the U.S., winning bronze in the K1 500-meter in 2023 and silver in the K2 500-meter in 2024.
Additional Washington State Athletes at the Summer Olympics
Rielly Milne from Woodinville is serving as the coxswain for Team USA’s eight-boat crew. Milne and his team, which includes Olson, secured a spot in the championship race on August 3. Milne has previously won two medals at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships in 2017 and 2018.
Jordan Chiles of Vancouver is a key performer on Team USA’s gymnastics squad in Paris. She earned a silver medal in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics and one gold and two silver medals at the 2022 World Championships.
Kenneth Rooks from College Place is making his Olympic debut in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Although his qualifying time was below the standard, his impressive global ranking, bolstered by his 2023 NCAA championship at BYU, secured his place.
Hailey Van Lith from Wenatchee, a rising star in college basketball, brings significant 3×3 experience to her first Olympics. She won gold in the 2022 and 2023 3×3 World Cups and transferred to Texas Christian for her final collegiate season after standout years at Louisville and LSU.
Jacob Plihal of Vashon Island, a 6-foot-10 rower, is aiming for Olympic gold in the men’s single sculls as he makes his debut following numerous international competitions. Jonas Ecker from Bellingham continues his partnership with Aaron Small, competing in the men’s K2 500-meter and K2 1,000-meter races.
Marisa Howard from Pasco, a veteran long-distance runner, is making her Olympic debut in the 3,000-meter women’s steeplechase, an event she recently contested at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Finally, CJ Allen from Bremerton, now based in Pullman, is a 29-year-old hurdler with a distinguished career at Washington State. He is competing in the 400-meter hurdles in Paris after finishing 10th at the 2023 World Championships.
Author: Merrick Parnell
