The World’s gaze is currently on Paris for the 2024 Olympics, Long Island’s talent is making waves on the international stage. Athletes with Long Island roots are representing their home with pride and determination. Here’s a closer look at how our region is contributing to the global sports spectacle.
A Splash of Talent: Wantagh’s Own on the Men’s Diving Team
Credit: @ajcapo99 on Instagram
Long Island’s diving scene is making a splash in Paris, thanks to a standout athlete from Wantagh. Andrew Capobianco, 24, will compete in the three-meter springboard event. This isn’t his first time seeking gold on the World stage. Capobianco secured a silver medal finish at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in the men’s three-meter springboard synchro competition and finished 10th in the individual three-meter springboard event.
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Men’s 3m Springboard Preliminary
August 6, 4:00PM EDT
Semifinal
August 7, 4:00PM EDT
Final
August 8, 9:00PM EDT
US Women’s National Soccer Team Scores Two Former Long Islanders: Coach and Player
Credit: USWNT
Emma Hayes has long been considered one of the best coaches in the world of soccer. Lucky for the United States of America, she is channeling her efforts towards gold. Prior to her worldwide success, Hayes came to the US in 2001 with nothing but a one-way ticket and $1,000 to travel the country instructing community-level Major League Soccer Camps. She then scored her first coaching gig as head coach for the Long Island Lady Riders, of the semi-pro USL W-League. She was the youngest coach in the league and won coach of the year in 2002. Hayes captured the attention of athletic director of Iona at just 23, who named her the head coach of their women’s soccer team in 2003. She went on to lead many other professional teams, and eventually steered Chelsea Football Club’s women’s team to their first Women’s Super League title in 2015. Leading the club to much success, it comes as no surprise the USWNT called to offer her a head coaching position.
Credit: USWNT
One of Rockville Centre’s own is representing the USA on the women’s soccer team. Crystal Dunn brings her hometown pride and years of experience to this year’s Team USA. The Summer Games in Paris will mark Dunn’s third straight appearance in the Olympics, having competed in the 2020 Tokyo games and the 2016 Rio games. Dunn also competed in the FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2019 and will continue to be a significant contributor to the success of the United States Women’s National Team. Before competing for Team USA, she won a national championship at North Carolina, was awarded the Hermann Trophy, collegiate soccer’s version of the Heisman, and in 2015 was the youngest player in the history of the NWSL to win the MVP.
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Women’s Soccer Tournament July 26 – August 11
USA vs. Japan
July 29, 3:00PM EDT
USA vs. Belgium
August 1, 3:00PM EDT
USA vs. Germany
August 4, 11:15AM EDT
Canadian Women’s Basketball Team Features a Long Island Lutheran Alum
Credit: @sylaswords on Instagram
Syla Swords will be competing on the Canadian Women’s basketball team, having lived much of her life in Ontario. In high school, Swords starred at Long Island Lutheran High School, leading the team to a 21-2 record in her senior year. She will be the youngest to ever play for Canada’s Olympic Team at just 18 years old.
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Women’s Basketball Tournament July 26 – August 11
Canada vs. France
July 29, 11:15AM EDT
Canada vs. Australia
August 1, 7:30AM EDT
Canada vs. Nigeria
August 4, 7:30AM EDT
Long Beach Swimmer Kristen Romano Representing Puerto Rico
Credit: Long Island Aquatic Club
Kristen Romano is originally from Brooklyn but spent years living and competing in Long Beach from 2015-2017. Romano first attempted to race in the Olympics back at the 2016 US trials, when she received a call from Fernando Olivero of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee asking to swim for Puerto Rico. Due to her Puerto Rican heritage, Romano couldn’t give up the opportunity. This will be her first Olympic games, as she clinched a spot to compete in Paris in the Women’s 200 IM.
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August 2, 5:18AM EDT
From Bellport to Paris: Arella Guirantes Plays for Puerto Rico
Credit: AP/Adam Hunger
Arella Guirantes started her career at Bellport high school, then played for Texas Tech University, Rutgers, and the WNBA. She has been playing on the Puerto Rican women’s national team since 2017 and will take on the World Stage in Paris. During her time in Bellport, she was the Suffolk County player of the year in 2015, and her total of 2,201 points at Bellport ranks 13th in Long Island girls’ basketball history.
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Women’s basketball
Women’s Basketball Tournament July 26 – August 11
Puerto Rico vs. Spain
July 31, 5:00PM EDT
Puerto Rico vs. China
August 3, 5:00PM EDT
Be sure to tune in to watch the Olympians with Long Island ties compete in Paris. The Olympics can be watched on NBC on TV or online, and Peacock users will be able to stream the events with their paid subscription.