LEVELLAND — Paris, France is set to play host to the 2024 Olympic games, which will see more than 11,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees compete in 329 events and 32 different sports, proudly boasting their countries' respective colors, and a chance to be crowned best in the world.

Many of those athletes began their careers at the NCAA and NJCAA levels, including eight former South Plains College track and field athletes, who will be representing their home countries and chasing the illustrious gold medal.

Representing the United States, former walk-on Fred Kerley, who competed for the Texans from 2013-2015, will run in the men's 100 meters and the 4x100 relay. Former South Plains All-American Vernon Norwood, who ran for the Texans from 2011-2013, will also compete for the U.S. in the men's 4x400m relay.

Competing for the country of Jamaica will be former NJCAA All-American Romaine Beckford, who will look to add to his trophy case in the men's high jump event. Beckford competed for South Plains from 2019-2021. Natoya Goule-Toppin, who ran for the Lady Texans from 2010-2012, will compete in the women's 800 meters.

Two of the most decorated women's junior college track and field athletes, Rosemary Chukwuma and Ruth Usoro will represent their home country of Nigeria. Chukwuma, who competed for the Lady Texans from 2020-2021, will run in the women's 100 meters and the women's 4x100 relay. Usoro, who competed for South Plains from 2018-2019, will chase gold in the women's long jump.

Representing their home country of Trinidad & Tobago, Jereem Richards, who ran for the Texans from 2014-2015, will compete in the men's 400 meters and men's 4x400 relay. Richards will be joined by Renny Quow, who competed for South Plains from 2008-2010 and will also run in the men's 4x400 relay in Paris.