News and Events

Exonian Olympians

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Since the IV Olympiad (London 1908), 36 Exonians became Olympic athletes and participated in 18 Olympic Games.  One Exonian was selected for the 1936 Olympic Games, but boycotted the games on religious principles.  Another Exonian was selected for the American Men's Rowing Team for the 1980 Olympic Games, but did not compete because of the United States decision to boycott those Games.  Exonians succeeded in winning 5 GOLD medals, 8 SILVER medals, and 4 BRONZE medals.

In addition, 21 Exonians, some of them originally Olympic athletes, have been involved in the Olympic Games as coach, manager, physician, equipment inventor, torchbearer, media personnel, or member of various Olympic Committees.

If you are aware of other Exonians who have been connected with the Olympic Games, whose names you do not see in this exhibit, please be in touch with Ed Desrochers, Academy Archivist with that information.