A Historic Timeline of Famous Olympic Athletes and Homeschooling’s Influence

It’s the season for the summer Olympics! Are you tuning in to the 2024 Summer Olympic event or catching the highlights on your favorite media platforms? Let’s explore the historical timeline of famous Olympic athletes and homeschooling’s influence on the games.

The Olympics date back to ancient Greece, where athletes showcased their athleticism and brought pride to their communities. In 1896, the modern Olympic Games were revived, becoming the world’s most elite sports competition. Let’s delve into memorable Olympic moments and the introduction of homeschooled athletes.

1900: Women Enter the Summer Olympic Games

Prior to 1900, women were not allowed to participate in or attend the Olympics. Today, countless female athletes participate in the games due to the increased diversity in sports. This progress was largely influenced at the turn of the century in 1900 when 22 women took center stage at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Countess Helen De Pourtalès is one of the most famous Olympic athletes from the 1900 Games. She is the first female Olympian to win a gold medal, with her Swiss sailing team achieving their first-place victory. The 1900 Summer Games played a significant role in increasing women’s participation in the Olympics. If you’re following the 2024 Summer Olympics events, look forward to seeing the continued progress and achievements of female athletes on the global stage.

1936 – 1968: War and Civil Unrest Take Center Stage in the Summer Olympic Games

The 30-year period between the 1936 and 1968 Olympics saw great growth and diversity in the games. In 1936, the Olympics were televised for the first time, drawing global attention. Despite tensions due to Nazi Germany’s power, the games became more integrated. Jesse Owens became one of the most famous Olympic athletes when he made history by winning four gold medals in track and field, while Marjorie Gestering became the youngest woman to achieve a gold medal in Olympic history.

The 1970s: Homeschooling Makes Its Way into the Olympics

In the United States, homeschooling gained greater acceptance as experts suggested it as a valuable alternative to traditional education. Six years later, in 1976, Bruce Jenner, who was homeschooled due to dyslexia, brought more attention to homeschool sports when he broke the record in decathlon at the Montreal Olympics.

1992: Kristi Yamaguchi Makes History

As homeschooling became increasingly popular near the turn of the century, it gave students participating in homeschool sports the academic freedom to hone in on their talents and better train for the Olympics. One of the most famous Olympic athletes who was homeschooled is ice skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. She also breaks the record as the first Asian American Pacific Islander to achieve a gold medal in any Winter Olympic game.

2000: Serena Williams Wins Gold

Serena Williams, a globally recognized Olympic champion, is a prime example of the benefits of homeschooling. Her parents homeschooled her, ensuring she received a well-rounded education while also dedicating herself to tennis. Her focus and determination paid off when she made her Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and secured her gold medal. This monumental win sheds more light on the benefits of homeschooling and illustrates that students participating in homeschool sports have a greater capacity to perfect their athletic abilities.

2012: Elizabeth “Ebbe” Price, a Bridgeway Graduate

When the 2012 Olympics come to mind, most people think of legendary gymnast Gabby Douglas, who was homeschooled since third grade. However, Elizabeth “Ebbe” Price, one of Bridgeway Academy’s students curated a path herself to the 2012 Olympics as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team. She credits Bridgeway’s flexible homeschooling programs as a contributor to her athletic success.

2022: Bridgeway Academy’s Darya Stoughtenger

Darya Stoughtenger, a former 7th grader with Bridgeway Academy, made her parents and advisors proud at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Darya encountered the experience of a lifetime as she was chosen to ice skate for the 2022 Olympic winter opening for Team USA. She was flown to Beijing, China, with NBC’s production company to live out the dream of a lifetime.

As you watch the 2024 Summer Olympics unfold, consider the impact homeschooling has had on countless Olympic champions. By providing a flexible learning environment, homeschooling empowers young athletes to train rigorously while receiving a quality education. Take a look at our self-paced courses designed to support your student-athlete the flexibility to pursue their athletic and academic goals.