As the Paris Olympics continue to captivate audiences worldwide, athletes with ties to Idaho are making their mark on the global stage. On Tuesday, August 6, three standout athletes from the Gem State will compete in key events, with a chance to secure podium finishes and advance to gold medal matches. These athletes, representing a range of disciplines, embody the spirit and determination that define Olympic competition. Here’s a look at the Team Idaho athletes to watch and their respective events.
Lizzie Bird, a two-time Olympian and Boise State alumna, is set to compete in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final. Bird, who represents Great Britain, has shown remarkable consistency and skill throughout the competition. She secured her spot in the final by finishing fourth in her heat with a time of 9:16.46. Bird’s journey to the final has been marked by impressive performances, including a winning time of 9:29.67 at the 2024 UK Championships and a 9:09.07 at the Meeting De Paris.
Bird is coached by Pat McCurry, the head coach of the Boise State track and field and cross country teams. Her experience and determination make her a strong contender for a podium finish. The final is scheduled for 1:14 p.m. MT, and fans can watch the event on KTVB Channel 7 and NBC. Bird will face tough competition from Team USA’s Valerie Constien and Courtney Wayment, but her preparation and resilience position her well for success.
Chloé Dygert in Women’s Team Pursuit Qualifying
Chloé Dygert, a two-time Olympic medalist and Team USA cyclist, will begin her third Olympic event in the women’s team pursuit on the track. Dygert has already made headlines at the Paris Olympics, capturing a bronze medal in the time trial despite a crash on the wet pavement. She also competed in the road race, finishing 15th with a time of 4:03:04. Dygert’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout her Olympic journey.
Dygert is coached by three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong, who has been instrumental in her development as a top cyclist. The team pursuit qualifying is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. MT, with the eight-fastest teams advancing to the first round on Wednesday, August 7. Fans can watch the event on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, and the NBC and NBC Sports apps. Dygert’s experience and competitive spirit make her a key athlete to watch as she aims for another podium finish.
Elizabeth Mendoza in Women’s Featherweight Boxing
Elizabeth Mendoza, a rising star in women’s boxing, will compete in the women’s featherweight division. The 20-year-old Caldwell native made history by becoming the first athlete from Idaho to compete in the Olympics. Mendoza’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by determination and hard work, training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. She secured her spot in the quarterfinals with a victory over Mijgona Samadova of Tajikistan.
Mendoza’s next match is against Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu of Brazil, scheduled for 8:18 a.m. MT. A win would advance her to the semifinals and bring her one step closer to a medal. Fans can watch the match live on NBC and KTVB Channel 7. Mendoza’s tenacity and skill make her a formidable competitor, and her performance in the ring will be closely watched by fans and supporters.
In conclusion, Tuesday, August 6, promises to be an exciting day for Team Idaho athletes at the Paris Olympics. Lizzie Bird, Chloé Dygert, and Elizabeth Mendoza are set to compete in key events, showcasing their talent and determination on the world stage. As they strive for Olympic glory, their performances will inspire and captivate audiences, highlighting the spirit of the Games.
