The Olympic Games Paris 2024 have several names that College Sailing fans might recognize. While competing in college, these athletes were All-Americans, athletes of the year recipients, and leaders on their teams. Now, they are flagbearers and making history! Connections to College Sailing go beyond just the athletes. Coaches, support staff, and other key team members participated in College Sailing. Additionally, siblings of college sailors are representing their countries.
photos provided by US Sailing Team
Meet the Athletes - Team USA
Of the 13 athletes Team USA has sailing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, 10 have a connection to College Sailing.
In the 49er FX class, Steph Roble and Maggie Shea return for their second Olympics. After going from competitors in college to teaming up for Tokyo 2020, they finished 11th. Steph graduated from Old Dominion University in 2011 where she was a team captain, 2 time Women’s All-American, Honorable Mention Women’s All-American and Quantum Women’s Sailor of the Year finalist. The same year, Maggie graduated from Connecticut College after being team captain, All-American Honorable Mention, and NEISA Sportswoman of the Year.
In the 49er class, Ian Barrows and Hans Henken are sailing in their first Olympics. Ian graduated from Yale University in 2017. During his collegiate career, he was a 4 time Open All-American, Open College Sailor of the Year, and a part of 5 national championship wins. Hans graduated from Standord in 2015 and then again with his masters in 2018. While there, he was a team captain.
In the ILCA 6 class, Erika Reineke is representing Team USA. She graduated from Boston College in 2017, where she was a 4 time Women’s All-American, Open All-American, Women’s Quantum Sailor of the Year (winner and finalist), and Open College Sailor of the Year finalist. She is also the only athlete to win 4 College Sailing Singlehanded National Championships.
For the 470 class, Stu McNay and Lara Dallman-Weis are pairing up. Stu graduated Yale University in 2005, where he was a 2 time Open All-American. This is Stu’s fifth Olympics. Lara graduated Eckerd College in 2011, where she was a team captain. This is Lara’s second Olympics.
In the Nacra 17, David Liebenberg is sailing with Sarah Newberry Moore in their first Olympics. David graduated from Tufts University 2014. There, he was a team captain and was a part of their 2012 Match Racing Nationals win.
For Men’s Kite, Markus Edegran is representing Team USA in his Olympic debut. He graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland in 2016 and earned ICSA All-Academic honors.
In the Women’s Kite, Daniela Moroz is competing for Team USA in her first Olympics. She will return to the University of Hawaii to complete her degree after the games.
Meet the Athletes - Representing Other Countries
For College Sailing fans, Team USA is not the only team to keep track of. There are several current and former College Sailing athletes representing different countries.
In the ILCA 6, Sophia Montgomery is representing Thailand. She is set to graduate from Harvard University in 2026 after taking a year off to train. Sophia won College Sailing Women’s Singlehanded Championship in 2022.
In the 49er Class, Will Jones will be representing Canada for his second games. He graduated from Queen’s University in 2017 where he sailed within the ICSA and CICSA in dinghies, single-handeds and keelboat.
In the ILCA 7 there are several athletes to follow:
Thad Lettsome is representing the British Virgin Islands. He graduated from Tulane University in 2024 and was a part of the team that won the 2022 Open Fleet Race National Championship. Thad will be the first BVI sailor to compete at an Olympic Games since 1996, and will be the 2024 flagbearer.
Enrique Arathoon is returning to the games to represent El Salvador. He graduated from College of Charleston in 2017. This will be Enrique’s third Olympics, and he was a flagbearer in 2020.
Stefano Peschiera is representing Peru for the third time. He graduated from College of Charleston in 2018. While in college, Stefano won Open College Sailor of the Year and was a 2 time Open All American.
Juan Ignacio Maegli is representing Guatemala for the fifth time. He graduated from College of Charleston in 2015. While sailing in college, Juan was an Open All-American, won Open College Sailor of the Year and won the Open Singlehanded National Championship in 2012. He has been a flagbearer at both opening and closing ceremonies (3 times).
The ICSA is proud of all past and present college sailors who are taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Please excuse any omissions, they were unintentional.
How to follow
Race starts July 28 with faces of College Sailing in 49er and 49er FX.
NBC's Peacock streaming service will provide live coverage of sailing and other sports.