35 University of Utah athletes set to compete in Beijing Olympics

Alex Hall (Left) places second at the Steamboat 2021 Visa Big Air Finals, while Matej Svancer (Center) finishes first, and Adelisse Antoine (Right) finishes third. Photo: U.S. Ski and Snowboard/Mike Dawsy.

SALT LAKE CITY — With the 2022 Winter Olympics commencing this week in Beijing, athletes from all over the world have descended on the world’s stage to represent their respective nations in pursuit of gold. Impressively, of the nearly 3,000 athletes vying for their countries, 35 of those individuals have ties to the University of Utah, the most of any University in the world.

While the vast majority will be representing Team USA (29), the Utes will be competing in various competitions. Coming as no surprise due to their domination of the slopes at the NCAA level, 12 current and former Utah skiers will be competing in Beijing, six of which hail from countries other than the United States (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Estonia, and Iceland).

Maame Biney skates in Woodbridge, VA, USA on December 16, 2020. Photo: Robert Snow, courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Notably, seven current students will take to the ice in Beijing, competing for the U.S. Speedskating team in individual and team events. Of the seven, Maame Biney will look to represent the stars and stripes on the podium as she is the reigning U.S. Champion in the women’s 500, 1000, and 1500 meter events.

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Upon returning to the slopes, 13 total Utes will make their way down the hill in style as this group includes nine freeskiers, two ski jumpers, one snowboard slopestyle competitor and one snowboard cross competitor. Arguably the most impressive of the bunch, X-Games Big Air Gold Medal winner and Park City resident Alex Hall will be a favorite to bring home Olympic silverware. As the first person to ever complete 2160 (six-rotations) on skis, Hall will be a spinning force to be reckoned with in Beijing.

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Stay tuned to the University of Utah’s social media platforms for a complete list of times and places to watch these former Utes. A full list of University of Utah Olympians can be found below.