Sports Editor Sam Mezrich and Deputy Sports Editor Katie De la Paz give a rundown of the most important events for Columbia Athletics this summer.

Columbia students in the Olympics: Eight Columbia Lions competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics/Paralympics. Evita Griskenas (CC ’24) competed in rhythmic gymnastics for Team USA. She finished in 18th place and made it clear that there was more in store for her. Bogdan Hamilton (CC ’26) represented USA and Columbia in fencing, alongside Anne Cebula (BC ’20) and Jackie Dubrovich (CC ’16). Skyler Espinoza (BC ’17) repped Team USA and Columbia in the Paralympics, competing in para-cycling as the pilot in tandem alongside Paralympian Hannah Chadwick. Alexander Hedge (CC ’19) competed in rowing for Team USA, and Maodo Lô (CC ’16) was part of Team Germany’s Men’s Basketball team.

A Columbia Lion wins gold!: Jackie Dubrovich (CC ’16) brought home the gold alongside Team USA in the team foil event of women’s fencing. This was Team USA’s first gold medal in this event. After losing the bronze medal match to Italy in Tokyo, the Americans were hungry for the gold in the rematch against the Italians. This medal is extra special for Dubrovich, who is retiring from fencing following the Olympics. (Team USA)

Columbia Archery wins USA Archery’s Collegiate Recurve National Title: The trio of Judith Gottlieb (BC ’25), Michelle Ahn (CC ’27), and Eunice Choi (CC ’27) teamed up to take home the recurve title. In the qualifying round, the posted the highest overall score, 1,875, and defeated Pikeville 5-3 in the semifinals. In the finals, the Lions defeated Cumberlands 6-2. Choi also went on to win bronze in the individual collegiate recurve competition. Gottlieb, Ahn, and Choi are three of five Columbia Lions to be named All-Americans. (Columbia Athletics)

Michael Zheng qualifies for the US Open for the second time: Michael Zheng (CC ’26) earned a wild card to the qualifying draw of the US Open by finishing as runner-up in the 2024 NCAA singles championship. This qualification comes after a long list of recent accolades for Zheng, including winning  his first professional title in August at the ITF M25 event in Southaven, MS. (Columbia Athletics)

Volleyball welcomes four new rookies for the 2024 season: Columbia Volleyball coach Patric Santiago and the Columbia Volleyball program have announced four new first-years joining the program for the 2024 season. Maria Happ (CC ’28), a 6’3″ blocker, and Charlotte Gravlee (CC ’28), a 6’0″ middle blocker both come to Columbia from southern Florida. They are joined by Clara Yu (CC ’28), a 5’10” setter from Maryland, and Josie Zynczak (CC ’28), a 6’1″ outside hitter from North Carolina. (Columbia Athletics)

Image via Wikimedia Commons and Sports Editor