The 2020 Olympics are on! Starting today (technically two days ago, on Wednesday) things are picking back up after being postponed a year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. As our athletes are being presented at the opening ceremonies today, here are three local Floridians who are competing now in Tokyo.
Michelle Moultrie – Softball
Michelle began her softball career here in Jacksonville, at Mandarin High School. She went on to The University of Florida to become the SEC softball player of the year in 2012. After college, she went on to the Women’s Softball World Cup to win two gold and silver medals between the years 2012 – 2018.
Kelley O’Hara – Women’s Soccer
Kelley O’Hara is no stranger to international competition. O’Hara competed in the 2011, 2015, 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2016 Olympics in Rio. When she is not flying around to other countries to play Soccer, she plays defender for professional women’s soccer team, the Washington Spirit.
Caeleb Dressel – Swimming
North Florida native Caeleb Dressel, while competing in his first Olympics, has competed in international swimming competitions before. Seen by some as a threat to Michael Phelps’ current record, Dressel earned 7 gold medals in the 2017 in the World in several of Phelps’ swimming styles. Dressel went to Clay High School before moving on to swimming for the University of North Florida.
Honorary Mention: Eddy Alvarez – Baseball
"I'm freaking out… literally… not gonna lie."
Same @eddyalvarez90, same. #OpeningCeremony
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 23, 2021
While not a First Coast Native, Alvarez is currently the shortstop for our very own Jumbo Shrimp. Alvarez used to play for the Marlins down in Miami, now he’s hitting for Team USA over in Tokyo. Eddy was one of the two flag bearers for the American Opening Ceremony delegation, alongside Sue Bird.
Palmer Ferguson is Director of Video Production for Buzz Media Group.
