The 2024 Summer Olympic Games began today in Paris, France. Did you know that Arlington has ties to the Olympics? A handful of University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) students have competed in the games. Additionally, the Olympic Torch Relay came through Arlington in 1984 and 1996.
Doug Russell
Doug Russell—the namesake of Doug Russell Park near UTA—swam on the UTA Swimming and Diving Team. He competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics, where he won two gold medals for winning the men’s 100-meter butterfly and as part of Team USA’s 4×100-meter relay win.
On November 15, 1968, UTA President Frank Harrison and Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff proclaimed it “Doug Russell Day” for his achievements.
Doug Russell poses with one of his gold medals from the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Randy Snow
Randy Snow won a silver medal in the 1500-meter men’s wheelchair exhibition event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He graduated from UTA in 1986. He then won two gold medals in men’s tennis at the 1992 Summer Paralympics and a bronze medal in basketball at the 1996 Summer Paralympics.
Randy Snow poses with his silver Olympic medal in 1984.
Abu Yilla
Abu Yilla moved to the U.S. in 1984 and played wheelchair basketball for the UTA Freewheelers, now known as the Movin’ Mavs. He competed in the 1988 Paralympics for the U.S. track team, winning a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter men’s relay.
The 1988 U.S. men’s relay team; Abu Yilla is second from left.
Olympic Torch
Notably, the Olympic Torch passed through Arlington in 1984 and again in 1996 for the Summer Olympics.
Dr. Allan Saxe carries the 1996 Olympic Torch through Arlington.
Austen Smith
And finally, current UTA student Austen Smith is competing this year in her second Olympics. She’s part of the U.S. Women’s Skeet Team.
Austen Smith of the 2024 U.S. Women’s Skeet Team.
UTA has more info and photos about the Olympics and its ties to North Texas at the link below.
https://libraries.uta.edu/news-events/blog/let-games-begin-olympics-materials-special-collections
Photo Credits
Doug Russell poses with one of his gold medals from the 1968 Summer Olympics; 1969.
https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/10021679
Randy Snow poses with his silver Olympic medal in 1984.
https://library.uta.edu/txdisabilityhistory/doc/20082558
The 1988 U.S. men’s relay team on the cover of Hospital News Dallas.
https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/10021673
Dr. Allan Saxe carries the 1996 Olympic Torch through Arlington.
https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/10018575
Austen Smith of the 2024 U.S. Women’s Skeet Team.
https://www.facebook.com/utarlington
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 07-26-24
Jason S. Sullivan 