Did you know that Team USA has Service Members at the Olympics? A total of ten Service Members will proudly represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris — all of whom are dedicated members of the U.S. Army.

Seven active-duty Service Members will compete in the Summer Olympics, which begin on July 26, in events spanning shooting, rugby, track and field, wrestling, and swimming. Additionally, three Service Members will showcase their talents in the Paralympic Games in August. The Army’s strong presence at the Games highlights its commitment to excellence and the diverse talents of its members. The trials concluded on June 30, with the Army securing a prominent place on Team USA’s roster. Two additional Service Members will contribute as coaches for Team USA in the pentathlon and wrestling events.

Service Members at the Olympics

Staff Sgt. Rachel Tozier

Unit: U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
Event: Shooting – Olympic Trap
Staff Sgt. Rachel Tozier, from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Moore, Georgia, earned her place in the Women’s International Trap event through USA Shooting’s rigorous trials. With a goal to win Gold in Paris, Tozier combines her athleticism with the discipline gained from her military career. Her dedication to shooting is complemented by the support of her fellow Soldiers and the Army’s opportunities.

Staff Sgt. Will Hinton

Unit: U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
Event: Shooting – Olympic Trap
Another Service Member headed to the Olympics in the shooting competition! Staff Sgt. Will Hinton, whose competitive shooting roots trace back to a family tradition, secured an Olympic berth in the Men’s International Trap after excelling in the USA Shooting trials. His journey from a young enthusiast to an Olympic hopeful is marked by rigorous training and support from the Army Marksmanship Unit, where he continues to strive for excellence.

Sgt. Sagen Maddalena

Unit: Army Marksmanship Unit
Events: Shooting – 50m Smallbore, Shooting – 10m Air Rifle
Sgt. Sagen Maddalena began her shooting career at age 13 and has since risen to elite levels, including a near-podium finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics in women’s air rifle and aiming for the 50m three-position rifle, Maddalena’s preparation and past achievements reflect her commitment and skill in the sport.

Sgt. Ivan Roe

Unit: Army Marksmanship Unit
Events: Shooting – 50m Smallbore, Shooting – 10m Air Rifle
Sgt. Ivan Roe’s journey in shooting began early, leading to multiple accolades including gold at the 2022 World Championships. His extensive experience and recent successes have earned him a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he will compete in both the 50m Smallbore and 10m Air Rifle events.

Capt. Samantha K. Sullivan

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Women’s Rugby Team
Capt. Samantha Sullivan’s transition from a high school soccer star to an Olympic rugby player reflects her remarkable athletic versatility. Starting rugby at West Point, she quickly became a standout player, earning a spot on the USA Women’s Sevens team and setting a record for tries. Sullivan will make her Olympic debut in rugby sevens in Paris.

Staff Sgt. Leonard E. Korir

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Track and Field – Marathon
Staff Sgt. Leonard Korir, a veteran marathon runner, secured his place in the Paris Olympics with a strong performance in the U.S. Marathon Trials. This Service Member has previous Olympic and World Championship experience, Korir’s dedication and training with the Army World Class Athlete Program have prepared him for a competitive marathon in Paris.

Spc. Kamal Bey

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Greco-Roman Wrestling (77 kg)
Spc. Kamal Bey earned his Olympic spot in Greco-Roman wrestling after a dynamic qualification process. Despite initially losing his spot, he was reallocated a place due to the exclusion of certain athletes. Bey’s gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and recent Olympic Trials victories highlight his skill and resilience in wrestling.

Paralympic Athletes

Sgt. 1st Class John Wayne Joss III

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Shooting – R6 50m Rifle Prone SH1
Sgt. 1st Class John Wayne Joss III, who joined the Army World Class Athlete Program after a combat injury, qualified for the Paris Paralympics in shooting. His experience from the Rio 2016 Paralympics and extensive training have positioned him well for a strong performance in the 50m Rifle Prone SH1 event.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Nguyen

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Shooting – R6 50m Rifle Prone SH1
Staff Sgt. Kevin Nguyen, a marksmanship instructor and competitive shooter, secured his spot in the 2024 Paralympics through impressive performance at the trials. Despite a severe injury during deployment, Nguyen’s dedication to the sport and his success in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics underscore his commitment and resilience.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Event: Paralympic Swimming
Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks, a celebrated Paralympic swimmer and world record holder, continues to shine in her sport. Her achievements at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and recent successes at the Citi Para Swimming World Series highlight her exceptional talent and dedication. Marks’s journey from therapy swimming to competitive excellence is a testament to her perseverance.

Coaches

Master Sgt. Dennis Bowsher

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Role: Modern Pentathlon Coach
Master Sgt. Dennis Bowsher, a former national champion in modern pentathlon, now serves as a coach for the U.S. Olympic Modern Pentathlon team. His extensive experience as a competitor and coach includes multiple roles with the U.S. Olympic team and numerous national championships. Bowsher’s leadership and expertise will guide athletes through the complex demands of the modern pentathlon in Paris.

Sgt. 1st Class Spenser Mango

Program: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
Role: Wrestling Coach
Sgt. 1st Class Spenser Mango, a two-time U.S. Olympian and seasoned coach, brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. Greco-Roman Wrestling team. After a distinguished career as a wrestler, Mango transitioned to coaching, where he has been recognized as USA Wrestling Greco-Roman Coach of the Year. His guidance and strategic insights will be instrumental in preparing and leading the U.S. team in Paris.

In celebrating these athletes, we recognize their extraordinary talents and commitment to both their country and their sport. As these Service Members represent the U.S. in Paris, they embody the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, demonstrating that determination and support can overcome any challenge. Let’s cheer for these remarkable Service Members at the Olympics as they strive for excellence on the world stage, upholding the motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together.”

Want to support brave Service Members like these Olympic competitors? Learn more about sending Care Packages and Letters overseas to support those Deployed.

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