The STA Olympic Tradition
With all the buzz about the 2024 Olympics in Paris, we thought it would be fun to dive into the archives and check out the Raiders who have competed in the games. STA has long been known for nurturing talent in various fields, but its contribution to the Olympics is truly impressive. Over the years, many of our athletes have not only participated but also excelled at the Olympic Games. Let’s take a moment to celebrate these Raiders who embody the Faith, Family, Tradition, and Excellence of STA.
Bradley Alley – Barbados
Bradley Ally made waves in the swimming world with his remarkable performance in the 2007 Pan American Games, where he secured a bronze medal in the 200m Individual Medley.
Vladislav Polyakov – Kazakhstan
Competing in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, Vladislav Polyakov represented Kazakhstan in both the 200m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke events. His highest finish was 5th place. He is currently the Swimming Associate Head Coach at Auburn University.
Sanya Richards-Ross – USA
Sanya Richards-Ross is a name synonymous with excellence in track and field. She has a collection of medals from the Olympics:
- 2004 Athens: Gold in the 4×400 Relay
- 2008 Beijing: Gold in the 4×400 Relay and Bronze in the 400m
- 2012 London: Gold in the 400m
Seilala Sua – USA
Seilala Sua represented the USA in Discus at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, finishing 10th, and again in 2004 in Athens. Her achievements in field events have paved the way for future generations.
Kirsten Nieuwendam – Surinam
Kirsten Nieuwendam competed in the 200m event at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics for Surinam.
Mark Merklein – Bahamas
Mark Merklein represented the Bahamas in Tennis at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics.
Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson – USA
Foluke Akinradewo has had an illustrious career in Volleyball, representing the USA in three consecutive Olympics:
- 2012 London: Silver
- 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Bronze
- 2020 Tokyo: Gold
Sarah Lihan – USA
Sarah Lihan competed in Sailing (Women’s 470 Class) at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing 9th.
Erika Reineke – USA
Looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Erika Reineke will represent the USA in Sailing.
Kendall Ellis – USA
Kendall Ellis has already made her mark at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a Gold in the 4×400 Relay and a Bronze in the 4×400 Mixed Relay. She will also be competing in the 400m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Khalifa St. Fort – Trinidad and Tobago
Khalifa St. Fort has competed in the 4×100 Relay at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2021 Tokyo Olympics, finishing 5th and 15th respectively.
Arman Hall – USA
Arman Hall brought home Gold in the 4×400 Relay at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Emelia Chatfield – Haiti
Emelia Chatfield is representing Haiti in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While athletes often take the spotlight, the contributions of those behind the scenes are equally important. Jose Rodriguez, Richard Morse, Walker Lee “Slip” Watkins, Mike Goldenberg and Bill Carney have all played crucial roles in the logistics, officiating and management of various Olympic events, ensuring the smooth execution of these global spectacles.Their dedication and expertise have made significant contributions to the success of the Olympics over the years.
The athletes and professionals from St. Thomas Aquinas High School have left a mark on the Olympic Games. Their stories of perseverance, hard work, and triumph continue to inspire. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to supporting future Raider Olympians.
