5 Super Athletes With Ties To New London

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the New London area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Ida Mae Martinez (Wrestling)

Ida Mae Martinez, born in New London, was a trailblazer in women’s professional wrestling during the 1950s. Raised in North Stonington under challenging circumstances, she overcame adversity to train with promoter Billy Wolfe and become Champion of Mexico in 1952. Known for her athleticism and charisma, Martinez traveled extensively, performing across North America and captivating audiences with her talent. After retiring in 1960, she earned advanced degrees in nursing and became one of Baltimore’s first nurses to work with AIDS patients.

2. Steven Piñeiro (Skateboarding)

Steven Piñeiro, a skilled skateboarder and two-time Olympian, has gained recognition for his performances in the men’s park event, including a sixth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Born in New London, Piñeiro spent his youth immersed in the culture of Puerto Rican communities across several states before choosing to represent Puerto Rico in international competitions. His dedication to skateboarding has been evident since he began competing globally at just 12 years old, and his commitment to his heritage was solidified when he returned to his family’s hometown of Toa Baja in 2019. Piñeiro’s career highlights include earning a silver medal at the 2019 World Beach Games.

3. Theresa Andrews (Swimming)

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Theresa Andrews excelled at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, winning gold in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4x100-meter medley relay. Originally from New London, she displayed her athletic talent early on and went on to achieve remarkable success in collegiate swimming, earning three NCAA titles and 13 All-American honors at the University of Florida. Beyond her athletic achievements, Andrews’ legacy is marked by her profound gesture of giving her first Olympic gold medal to her brother in recognition of his resilience after paralysis.

4. Jan Merrill (Distance Runner)

An accomplished distance runner, Jan Merrill represented the United States in 13 major international meets, including the 1976 Summer Olympics. Born in New London, she achieved notable success on the track, earning gold medals in the 1,500 meters at the 1975 Pan American Games and the 3,000 meters in 1979. Merrill set three world records in the 5,000 meters during her career and claimed 10 U.S. titles across indoor, outdoor and cross-country events from 1976 to 1984. A proud Connecticut native, she later gave back to her community by coaching track at Old Saybrook High School and Mitchell College.

5. Kris Dunn (Basketball)

A standout guard in the NBA, Kris Dunn has showcased his skills with multiple teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz, earning recognition for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability. Dunn’s basketball journey began at New London High School, where he led his team to a state championship and an undefeated season as a junior. Averaging an impressive 31.4 points per game as a senior, Dunn garnered numerous accolades, including McDonald’s All-American honors and Gatorade State Player of the Year.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.