5 Super Athletes With Ties To Oakland Township-Lake Orion

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Oakland Township-Lake Orion 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. Meryl Davis (Ice Dancing)

A standout in competitive ice dancing, Meryl Davis made history with her partner Charlie White by winning the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. She hails from West Bloomfield and is considered one of the greatest ice dancers of all time. Davis's career is filled with numerous accolades, including multiple World Championship titles and national titles. Her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport have made her a beloved figure in the skating community.

2. Steve Fraser (Wrestling)

Steve Fraser is a decorated Greco-Roman wrestler who earned Olympic gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Originally from Hazel Park, Fraser’s success on the mat was a testament to his hard work and skill, making him one of the most accomplished wrestlers in U.S. history. He also went on to become a coach and mentor to future generations of wrestlers, leaving a lasting impact on the sport both nationally and internationally.

3. Sheila Young (Speed Skating)

Sheila Young made her mark in the world of speed skating, winning three medals at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, including a gold in the 500-meter event. A native of Birmingham, Michigan, Young’s achievements helped establish her as one of the sport’s all-time greats. A multiple World Champion and U.S. National Champion, she set several world records during her career, inspiring future generations of speed skaters from her home country and beyond.

4. Michelle Rzepka (Bobsledding)

Born and raised in Novi, Michelle Rzepka is a skilled bobsledder who achieved her best event finish in the Bobsleigh World Cup with a third-place finish at Whistler, Canada, in February 2009. Her team set a start record at that event, showcasing her prowess and determination in the sport. Rzepka went on to represent the U.S. in international bobsledding competitions, earning respect for her competitive spirit and connection to her hometown.

5. Jean Prahm (Bobsledding)

Jean Prahm is a former American bobsledder from Waterford, who competed from 1996 to 2006, earning recognition for her success in the two-woman event at the FIBT World Championships, where she won two silver medals and a bronze. Prahm’s career is marked by her dedication to the sport and her remarkable achievements on the international stage. Her legacy in the bobsledding community is intertwined with her hometown pride, as she represents the hard-working spirit of Michigan athletes in the sport.

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