The USA has always been very competitive in the Olympics. In many sports, like basketball, even dominant. But where do these athletes come from? Are they raised in powerhouse schools? Are they just naturally athletic? Or does their athletic prowess tie to where they’re from? The short answer is yes—to all of the above. But how did the DMV specifically impact these past Olympics?
This year, we saw headliner athletes throughout the Olympics. Returning basketball Olympian Kevin Durant was still one of the best players on Team USA at the ripe age of now 36. He was raised just 40 minutes from Jackson-Reed, in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The US brought home a gold medal this year, yet again reinstating themselves as world champions. Durant carries that title with him, being arguably the best basketball Olympian ever with four gold medals and his title of the all-time leading scorer in the Olympics with 518 points.
Track superstars Noah Lyles and Quincy Wilson also originate from the DMV. However, both runners have been involved in controversies, especially the former. Last year, self-proclaimed “fastest man,” and Alexandria, Virginia native Lyles went off in an interview, calling out the NBA and their use of the term “world champion” when winning a championship title in the USA.
However, many players and fans were quick to respond, arguing that some of the best players from overseas of the US were in the league. In fact, Durant himself called out Lyles on X.com, saying “Somebody help this brother.” In this year’s Olympics, despite a good performance, Lyles was seen in a villainous light by fans and fellow runners alike, with his showboating and confident demeanor that came across as almost cocky in the media.
Wilson has an even deeper tie to Jackson-Reed. The 16-year-old is a current student at Bullis High School, a private school nearby in Potomac, Maryland. Wilson has seen outlandish fame online for his age and on-track successes, most of which hailing from the DMV.
His fans see somebody from a similar background to them, the same age as them, on a global stage, and resonate with him and his athleticism. Despite this, Wilson has had his fair share of doubters. When he originally qualified for the Games, many critics thought American runner Christian Miller, who ran the fifth fastest time in the 100m Olympic Trials, should have taken his spot.
Despite the frequent criticism surrounding these athletes, one thing is clear: they are a display of athletic excellence, which all stems from their training, dedication, and nonstop sacrifice to get themselves where they are now. Additionally, their huge platforms have given the DMV a huge boost in recognition in the past decade.
The superstars coming out of the DMV have put the region on notice. Now, many consider the metro area to be one of the best basketball and track scenes in the nation. Hopefully, the newfound platform for professional athletes from the DMV will continue to extend opportunities for younger, aspiring athletes throughout the area.
