5 Super Athletes With Ties To Portland

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Portland 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. Tiffeny Milbrett (Soccer)

A forward who notched exactly 100 goals with the U.S. Women’s National Team, Tiffeny Milbrett is celebrated as one of America’s all-time soccer greats. Born in Portland and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, she sharpened her skills at Hillsboro High School before starring at the University of Portland, where she scored a then-school-record 103 goals. Milbrett helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics — famously netting the game-winner in the final — and was instrumental in the historic run to the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. Her ferocious attacking style on the field was matched by her affable nature off it, earning her a place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and a lasting legacy in her hometown community.

2. Kara Goucher (Running)

Known worldwide as one of the top American distance runners of her era, Kara Goucher spent important phases of her career living and training in Portland, Oregon. A three-time NCAA champion with the University of Colorado, Goucher claimed silver in the 10,000 meters at the 2007 World Championships and represented the United States in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She also placed on the podium at the 2009 Boston Marathon.

3. Ashton Eaton (Track & Field)

Portland-born and Bend-raised Ashton Eaton rose to worldwide acclaim as one of the greatest all-around track and field athletes. Competing for the University of Oregon, Eaton dominated the decathlon and heptathlon, shattering multiple world records and collecting consecutive Olympic gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Games. His formative years at Mountain View High School — where he also played football and wrestled — laid the groundwork for his meteoric rise, culminating at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene.

4. Dick Fosbury (High Jump)

Portland native Richard (Dick) Fosbury revolutionized the high jump with his signature “Fosbury Flop,” which he famously debuted on the global stage at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His unconventional back-first technique helped him clear 2.24 meters to claim the gold medal, forever changing the sport as jumpers worldwide quickly adopted his style. Fosbury’s innovation is still the global standard, proving the lasting impact of one athlete’s ingenuity.

5. Dale Murphy (Baseball)

Dale Murphy, raised in Portland, Oregon, emerged as one of baseball’s most distinguished stars during his 18-year Major League career. Best known for his tenure with the Atlanta Braves, he captured consecutive National League MVP awards (1982–1983), earned four Silver Slugger Awards and nabbed five Gold Gloves, showcasing both his power at the plate and defensive prowess in the outfield. His friendly demeanor and sportsmanship made him a fan favorite, especially in his home state, where he remains a beloved figure. Even decades after his retirement, Murphy’s achievements continue to represent the spirit of Oregon’s deep baseball tradition.

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