Learn more about our area's Olympians

The Paris Olympics have commenced, and for the next 16 days, the world will be captivated as the finest athletes compete for gold.

Team USA boasts a roster of 529 athletes. According to the US Census, 46 states are represented, with California leading the pack with 120 athletes. New York has sent 31 athletes to the games, two of whom have ties to the Capital Region.

Jimmer Fredette

photo via REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Jimmer Fredette, from Glens Falls, NY, is a name well-known among basketball fans. He rose to national prominence during his college career at Brigham Young University (BYU) from 2007 to 2011. Renowned for his exceptional scoring ability, especially his long-range shooting, Fredette led the nation in scoring his senior year, averaging 28.9 points per game. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year.

Selected 10th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night, Fredette played for several NBA teams, including the Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks. Despite his college success, he struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA and eventually took his talents overseas. He enjoyed successful stints in China with the Shanghai Sharks and in Greece with Panathinaikos, where he continued to showcase his scoring prowess.

Fredette is now part of Team USA's 3x3 basketball team. 3x3 basketball, a relatively new addition to the Olympics, was introduced in 2021. Team USA's first game is scheduled for Sunday.

Rudy Winkler

photo via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rudy Winkler, an American hammer thrower from Sand Lake, is also representing the Capital Region at the Paris Olympics.

Winkler has established himself as one of the top hammer throwers in the country. He competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, placing 18th in the qualifying round. His breakthrough came at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials, where he set a new American record with a throw of 82.71 meters (271 feet, 4 inches). This performance secured his spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Tokyo, Winkler reached the final and finished seventh with a best throw of 78.73 meters.

Known for his technical skill and power, Winkler had a successful collegiate career at Cornell University, where he won multiple Ivy League titles and the NCAA Championship in 2017. His contributions to the sport have made him a prominent figure in American track and field.

As the Paris Olympics unfold, keep an eye on these outstanding athletes from the Capital Region as they strive for glory on the world stage. 

Did we miss someone from our area competing in the Summer Games?  Let us know below: