The Olympic Games bring together the most exceptional and skilled athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level. Many 2024 Paris Olympians excel not only on the field—but also in the classroom. This year, 114 Ivy League students and alumni competed in or coached the Olympic and Paralympic Games, representing all eight of the Ivy League schools in 20 different sports. This is the highest number of athletes the Ivy League has ever sent to the Games, making this a historic year. These athletes stand as an inspiration to students around the world who dream of both studying and competing at the highest level. For students who aspire to join their ranks, we have spotlighted five impressive Ivy League Olympic athletes—and provided our mentors’ advice for how you can level up your game and join them one day!
1. Gabby Thomas
Gabby Thomas is a Harvard alum and track and field athlete competing in the 4×100-meter relay and 200 meter sprint, as well as the 4x400m relay. She currently holds the record as the second-fastest woman in the 200 meter sprint. After winning bronze in the 200 meter at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she went on to win three gold medals this summer in the 200 meter sprint, the 4×100 meter relay and the 4×400 meter relay. Thomas earned her undergraduate degree in Neurobiology and Global Health before going on to pursue a Masters in Epidemiology, all while balancing her training and competition schedules.
“The reality is that many Olympic athletes who were also standout students have come before you. Use this to your advantage! Study them, learn from them (their mistakes, successes, lessons and habits), and then model them!” – Senior Mentor Jen Hoy, Princeton Soccer
2. Ashleigh Johnson
Ashleigh Johnson made history as the first Black woman to compete on the U.S. Olympic water polo team, winning gold medals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. As a part of Team U.S.A., she took home gold at the 2024 World Championships and came in fourth at the Paris Olympics. While dominating in the pool, Johnson also excelled academically, graduating with a degree in Psychology from Princeton University, where she also holds the record for all-time career saves as a water poloist. Before her tenure at Princeton, she attended high school at Ransom Everglades in Miami, FL.. Johnson’s ability to stay focused and calm under pressure is a skill that has enabled her to excel in the pool and in the classroom.
“Set high standards for yourself and never settle for less than your best. The journey to becoming an Olympic athlete and a top student is filled with hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Stay passionate, be adaptable, and always keep your long-term goals in sight.” – Director of Mentoring Gabe Cramer, Stanford Baseball
3. Taylor Knibb
Taylor Knibb, a graduate of Cornell University, made waves as the youngest woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team, winning a silver medal in the mixed relay event in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Though she did not ultimately compete in the cycling competition, she qualified for both road cycling and triathlon, a rare two-sport feat for an Olympic athlete, taking home silver in the mixed relay again in Paris. While balancing her many sports, Knibb also met the demands of an Ivy League academic schedule. Her success underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience—qualities that are just as vital in academics as they are in triathlons.
“Utilize the people around you! Competing at a top level requires consistent effort every single day, along with putting in the extra work. Take advantage of the support from your coaches and teammates—they’ll help push you to new levels. You can only grow as much as those you surround yourself with, so show up ready to compete and elevate your game daily.” – Senior Mentor Jasmine Docal, Northwestern Soccer
4. Ariana Ramsey
A graduate of the Dartmouth Class of 2022, Ariana Ramsey is a women’s rugby player who has competed in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games (becoming the first Dartmouth graduate to participate in the sport at the Olympic level). This summer, she clenched the Bronze Medal—and went viral as a healthcare advocate in the process! Her leadership, drive, and desire to use her voice to make a difference are the hallmarks of an Ivy League graduate.
“Your mind is, among many other things, a muscle. It needs to be trained, warmed up, cooled down, and can only develop when it is properly and routinely used. Whether it’s studying for a major test or training for the big game/meet/competition, taking care of your mindset will always be paramount in your pursuits to compete at the highest stage, whether it be in sports, academics, or anywhere else in life for that matter! Train and study hard, dare to explore the things that interest you, push yourself while also respecting your limits, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself on life’s podium.” – Senior Mentor Sam Casale, UChicago Track & Field
5. Kyle Dake
Kyle Dake, a four-time NCAA champion wrestler and bronze medalist at Tokyo 2020, earned his degree in Development Sociology from Cornell University. This summer, he again took home the bronze medal, becoming the first repeat medalist in wrestling in almost two decades. The win came at a significant period for Dake personally, as he lost his father months before heading to Paris to compete. His story demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic, no matter how tough the challenge.
“To be a top athlete and student, know that it’s a lonely road. There will be sacrifices you will need to make along the way—missing social events, time with friends, “normal” things kids get to do. This is why it’s so important to know and remind yourself of your why. Get clear on your purpose. Write it down. Look at it and say it out loud everyday. Having your close circle support you and your goal is very important as well. Also know that the motivation will not be there everyday. Showing up is half the battle, so if you can do that and stay disciplined and consistent, you will separate yourself from everyone else.” – Senior Mentor Jesse McDonough, Princeton Soccer
