The USC Olympic kickoff celebration recognized Trojan Olympians, provided a network for local alumni and fellow Trojans, and welcomed incoming students and their families. (USC Photo/Travis Ellison)
Trojans gather in Paris to celebrate the Olympics
More than 60 Trojans attended the event, including four USC Olympians preparing for the Games.
Trojans from across Europe gathered in Paris on Wednesday to celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics, the USC alumni community and the university’s unmatched Olympic heritage.
The event, hosted by USC Athletics, the USC Alumni Association’s Alumni Relations unit and the USC Alumni Club of Paris, was held at the historic Lagardère Paris Racing, one of the city’s most prestigious sports clubs and one of the sites of the first Olympic Games in France in 1900.
“We have more than 60 USC champions competing for more than 25 nations at the Olympics,” USC President Carol Folt said in a message to Trojans in Paris. “It is going to be so much fun. I wish I could be with you. It is a wonderful time!”
Four Olympians from USC — Yemi John (4x400m, Great Britain), Radka Novotnikova (rowing, Czech Republic), Tade Ojora (110m hurdle, Great Britain) and Nicole Yeargin (4x400m, Great Britain) — joined alumni and friends at the event and were warmly welcomed by the Trojan Family.
Incoming students and their parents also attended, marking their first USC experience before stepping on campus. A three-course buffet was served, followed by fun games including Trojan Trivia, with winners receiving USC merchandise and USC football tickets as the grand prize.
“The evening was a huge success, and everyone enjoyed engaging with our new students and Trojan Olympians,” said Leslie Nelson Cressy, president of the USC Alumni Club of Paris, who worked diligently to make the event happen. “This event is a testament to the strength of the global Trojan Family.”
