Lamont Congratulates Ridgefield Athlete Competing In Summer Olympics

RIDGEFIELD, CT — On Friday, Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz congratulated Connecticut athletes who have qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games begin Friday, and the 2024 Paralympic Games begin Aug. 28.

Among the members of Team U.S.A. who are from Connecticut and have qualified to compete in the games is Ridgefield swimmer Kieran Smith.

This is not Smith's first Olympics. In the 2020 games in Tokyo, he brought home a bronze medal in the 400-meter Men's Freestyle, came in 4th in the 4 x 200-meter Men's Freestyle Relay, and 6th in the 200-meter Men's Freestyle. He was named the SEC's "Male Swimmer of the Year" during his 2019-2020 collegiate season at the University of Florida.

"Qualifying to compete in the Olympics is the pinnacle of an athletic career, and I could not be more proud to have such a group of talented athletes from Connecticut who will be representing Team USA in Paris," Lamont said in a news release. "To make it to the biggest athletic event in the world takes a lot of dedication, and their commitment to excellence makes them role models for our young athletes. I want each of them to know that there will be a strong contingent of us back home in Connecticut who will be cheering them on while they compete in Paris."

Members of Team U.S.A. who are from Connecticut and have qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games include:

• Kieran Smith – Swimming (Ridgefield)
• Oliver Bub – Rowing (Westport)
• Liam Corrigan – Rowing (Old Lyme)
• Jess Davis – Pentathlon (Bethlehem)
• Alexis Holmes – Track and Field (Cheshire)
• Alyssa Naeher – Soccer (Stratford)
• Kelsey Reelick – Rowing (Brookfield)
• Beth Yeager – Field Hockey (Greenwich)

Members of Team U.S.A. who are from Connecticut and have qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games include:

• Matthew Torres – Swimming (Ansonia)
• Ali Truwit – Swimming (Darien)
• Ben Washburne – Rowing (Madison)

"I am so excited to watch Connecticut's Olympians as they prepare to take center stage and showcase what makes our state and our country so great," Bysiewicz said in a news release. "We are so proud to support our state's Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they proudly represent all of us on their quest for gold in Paris. Along with the governor and the residents of Connecticut, I am wishing them the best of luck and will be cheering them on!"