The 2024 Paris Olympics are 6 days away! While fans all over the world are anticipating what the Summer Games will bring this year, the University of Texas has one more reason to celebrate. Over the years, former or current Texas Longhorns have been competing on the world’s biggest stage. From their very first appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the upcoming Summer Games in the French capital, their presence continues to have everyone throwing up the “Hook ’em Horns” symbol!

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, the number of Texas Longhorn stars was at its lowest—it barely made the double digits. But this time, around a whopping 37 athletes are on their way to the French capital. Amidst them are 3-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant, 2022 Tokyo gold medalist Ryan Crouser, 2024 World Indoor Champion Julien Alfred, and many more. Let’s take a look at who these UT athletes are and what event they will be competing in.

“The Eyes of Texas,” echoing throughout the Paris Olympics

The University of Texas has several of its former and current athletes representing their home counties at the Paris Olympics. Along with the 37 Longhorns, seven coaches who were or are currently associated with UT Athletics will also be heading over to the French capital. The largest Longhorn delegation was previously set during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. However, they have bested that number magnitudinally this time around. And while that number might surprise you, there’s more that can leave you in awe!

The delegation will partake in 12 different events and represent a vast number of 16 different countries. In Team USA, there are a total of 14 former or current UT athletes and 3 coaches, 2 of whom are competing in the men’s and women’s track and field events. Six Longhorns will compete in the men’s and women’s swimming events, representing the USA. As for the three coaches, Erik Sullivan is the head coach of the men’s volleyball team. Assisting with the swimming is Carol Capitani. In the diving department, Matt Scoggin is part of the coaching staff.

The UT athletes on Team USA comprise 2-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Carson Foster, Luke Hobson, 3-time gold medalist Kevin Durant, Erin Gemmell, Kaitlin Knifton, Scottie Scheffler, Drew Kibler, Aaron Shackell, Daisy Mazzio-Manson, and Chaika Ogbogu. Here’s the list of events and the positions they will play in.

The 14 athletes and 3 coaches put UT in a tie with Penn State among the NCAA Division I schools sending athletes to the Paris Olympics. They trail behind Stanford, which has sent 38 members across, UCLA, which sent 17, and USC, which sent 16. Throughout the Summer Games from 1936 to now, a whopping 162 UT athletes have made it to the Olympics. This large number has a combined total of 156 medals, comprising 89 gold medals, 43 silver medals, and 24 bronze medals.

Texas Longhorns representation throughout the years

Before this year’s Olympics turnout, the largest delegation UT sent across was during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. A total of 26 Longhorns, along with two UT coaches, made their way to the Japanese capital. Ryan Crouser, Kevin Durant, and Tara Davis-Woodhall made an appearance on that list too. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, 20 UT athletes and 5 coaches were a part of the Summer Games. The delegation was spread across 10 sports, with athletes from seven countries.

The 2012 London Olympics saw the lowest number in terms of Texas Longhorns. Only seven UT athletes from the women’s track and field program made it through. The list consisted of Sanya Richards-Ross, Raasin McIntosh, Christy Udoh, Michelle Carter, Bianca Knight, Melaine Walker, and Allison Peter, who represented their nations. 10 UT athletes represented their respective countries at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Together, they won a total of 14 medals, 10 of which were gold.

As we slowly inch closer to the 2024 Paris Olympics, UT’s largest-ever delegation will be putting their best foot forward across several events. The Summer Games will commence on July 26th, opening up the world’s biggest stage for a thrilling show. Who are you looking forward to cheering for in the French capital?