Eighteen Smith students and alumni set to compete for Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Kingston, Ont. – Today marks the beginning of the 2024 Summer Olympics, with 14 students and four alumni from Smith School of Business’ Certificate in Business program proudly representing Team Canada on the world stage.

"The Olympic Games unite us in cheering on our dedicated Team Canada athletes," said Wanda Costen, Dean, Smith School of Business. "We’re incredibly proud of the Smith students and alumni competing at Paris 2024 and send them our best wishes. We’re all rooting for you!"

Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time, having welcomed the world in 1900 and 1924. Kicking off with the opening ceremonies later today, Paris 2024 will run from July 26 to August 11. 

Meet the athletes competing:

• Caroline Crossley, Rugby
• Sabrina D’Angelo, Football
• Evan Dunfee, Athletics – Race Walk
• Benjamin Flanagan, Athletics – Running
• Jessica Gaudreault, Water Polo
• Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Rowing
• Melissa Humana-Paredes, Beach Volleyball
• Quinn, Football
• Shae La Roche, Water Polo
• Cloé Lacasse, Football
• Adriana Leon, Football
• Stephen Maar, Volleyball – Indoor
• Hayley McKelvey, Water Polo
• Sarah Mitton, Athletics – Shotput
• Sydney Payne, Rowing
• Nichelle Prince, Football
• Hannah Taylor, Wrestling – Freestyle
• Emma Wright, Water Polo

While five of these athletes will make their Olympic debut for Team Canada in Paris, 13 are Olympic veterans — seven of whom have already captured at least one medal in previous Olympic Games.

The Smith Certificate in Business is designed for students who want to gain fundamental knowledge in the key areas of business to broaden their career options upon graduation. For Game Plan Award students, the certificate is open to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree or are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at any school, offering them an opportunity to expand their business knowledge while continuing to train at a high level. Bronze medalist race walker Evan Dunfee discussed the impact that the Certificate in Business program is making on his future career while he prepares for Paris 2024 in a recent article on Olympic.ca.

Since 2016, Smith School of Business has been the Official National Business Education Partner of the Canadian Olympic Team, as well as a Founding Partner of Game Plan, Canada’s total athlete wellness program, helping athletes plan for success beyond sport. In partnership with Game Plan, Smith provides financial awards to current and former Canadian National Team, Olympic and Paralympic athletes across its Certificate in Business and professional graduate programs.

For more on Paris 2024, visit olympic.ca to discover athlete stories, Olympic rosters, sports and schedules.