Sha’Carri Richardson, the world 100m champion, and Mondo Duplantis, the Olympic pole vault winner, will return to their roots for a special award at Louisiana State University.
The university has announced that the two former student-athletes who shone brightly on the global stage will be honored during the next LSU-Alabama game for their excellent accomplishments in the 2024 Olympics.
Richardson and Duplantis brought pride not only to their countries but also to LSU where both honed their skills and built the foundations of their stellar careers.
In the 2024 Olympics, Sha’Carri Richardson sprinted her way to a silver medal in the 200m and a gold in the 4x100m relay, reaffirming her place as one of the world’s top sprinters.
Meanwhile, Duplantis once again claimed the gold in the pole vault, successfully defending his Olympic title.
Reflecting on their achievements, LSU shared a heartfelt message on social media .
“Repped LSU On The International Stage. We’re excited to welcome back our Olympians to be honored at the LSU-Alabama game this weekend!,” reads the statement.
The three-time @WorldAthletics Athlete of the Year is up for the award once again.
Cast your vote 🗳️ https://t.co/CS7o3CjHWo pic.twitter.com/vpbFyJdW1Z
— LSU Track & Field (@LSUTrackField) November 9, 2024
The event promises to be an emotional homecoming, not just for Richardson and Duplantis, but for other former Tigers who competed at the Olympics, including Vernon Norwood, Juan Celayan-Hernandez, Aleah Finnegan, Taryn Kloth, and Kristen Nuss.
Mondo Duplantis, who competed alongside Richardson for LSU in 2019, expressed his admiration for his former teammate.
At a recent Stockholm Diamond League meet, Duplantis praised Richardson, acknowledging the journey they both have shared since their college days.
“I think both of us, we knew we were capable of these kinds of things. I’m so proud of her. It’s such a weird thing to think where we were then, not even just as athletes but as people, too. And then to see where we are now, it’s super special,” Duplantis shared in an interview with Olympics.com.
Three Paris medalists are here for Saturday night in Death Valley. 😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ODMA4MRcC
— LSU Track & Field (@LSUTrackField) November 7, 2024
The return to LSU will be particularly significant for Richardson and Duplantis, both of whom left a mark on the university’s athletic program in 2019.
During her NCAA career, Richardson emerged as a dominant force in the 100m, securing a victory at the NCAA Championships and placing second in the 200m event.
Her speed and tenacity quickly turned heads, setting the stage for a professional career that would see her rise to World Championship podiums and Olympic glory.
Duplantis, a Louisiana native, also made waves during his time at LSU, securing a second-place finish in pole vault at the NCAA Championships and later clinching the top spot in his specialty at the SEC Championships.
