The Olympic torch is alight once again, igniting the passion of thousands of the best athletes in the world. The games began on July 26, and a few Las Vegas athletes have already made their mark.
Katie Grimes rules the pool
Let’s start with Katie Grimes, a swimmer who participated in the 2020 Olympics and turned heads in her first appearance.
Grimes placed fourth in the finals that year and just missed out on a podium spot by mere seconds. While this was heartbreaking initially, it set the stage for what would happen at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
It started with a July 30 heat for the 1500 freestyle race, where Grimes took fourth. She didn’t make it to the next round in this race but still had a shot at the 800 medley a few days later. She wowed the crowd at the medley and finished third, nabbing a Silver medal.
“I think it’s cool, especially to represent Las Vegas, just since I was born and raised here, and my dad was born and raised here as well,” Grimes said. “So, yeah, to be able to represent our community is definitely an honor, and it’s cool.”
Las Vegas Aces star Aja Wilson makes history against Japan
The women’s Team USA basketball team looks like it can’t be stopped. This trend started with a 102-76 victory over Japan. Las Vegas Aces star Aja Wilson led the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds. During the victory, Wilson also made history as the first player since the turn of the millennium to have four double-doubles in Olympic action.
According to a statement from FIBA, A’Ja Wilson has made more than 20 points and more than ten rebounds for the second straight time in the Olympics 2024.
Las Vegas Aces player Chelsea Grey is also making waves. She scored 12 assists off the bench against Japan, proving she is one of the best weapons on the team.
The women’s basketball team showed out again against Belgium in an 87-74 victory on August 1. While Breanna Stewart led the team in scoring, Aja Wilson put up 23 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists in the victory. The other Las Vegas Aces players didn’t do as well, marking a bit of a struggle for Team USA.
For example, Aces fan favorite Kelsey Plum struggled with only two points, two assists, one personal foul, and two costly turnovers. Jackie Young only managed one assist and one personal foul during the contest.
