Did you know there are several Olympians with Winston-Salem ties? We are proud of these incredible athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics!
July 29, 2024
Steven Insixiengmay
Insixiengmay grew up in Forsyth County and attended Forsyth Country Day School. He represented the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as a swimmer in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke and placed first in his heat. However, he did not make it to the finals.
Fun Fact:Â His parents own and operate the two Thai Sawatdee restaurants in Winston-Salem.
Dearica Hamby
Hamby played for Wake Forest University from 2011-2015 and has played for the WNBA for nine years. She is representing Team USA in women’s 3×3 basketball.
Awards: Hamby has earned multiple Sixth Woman of the Year awards, been named to three All-Star teams, and won the 2022 WNBA championship.
Lily Williams
Williams is a cyclist who won the 2018 Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. She will compete in two cycling events – the team pursuit and the Madison – for Team USA. She previously competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won a bronze medal in the team pursuit race.
Fun Fact: Her mother, Sarah Docter, competed in speed skating events at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
Blanca Hervás
Hervás attended Forsyth Country Day School as an international student for one year. She is representing Spain in the 4×400 meter relay.
Fun Fact: Hervás still holds the record for the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter dash at Forsyth Country Day School.
Ivana Raca
Raca played basketball at Wake Forest University from 2017-2021. She is representing Serbia in women’s basketball – the Serbian team has already defeated Puerto Rico in the preliminary round.
Fun Fact:Â Raca ranks 9th in Wake Forest’s women’s basketball program history with 1,469 career points.
Samantha Heyison
Heyison is a rising sophomore at Wake Forest University who will compete in the Paralympics, which begin August 28. Heyison will compete in the discus and shot put for Team USA.
Fun Fact: Heyison is a three-time high school state champion in Para track and field.
Want to watch the Olympics with friends? Cheer on your favorite athletes at these local establishments!