Coconino News

Six athletes from Northern Arizona University (NAU) are set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. These athletes include Geordie Beamish, Luis Grijalva, Adam Keenan, Keegan Knott, Abdihamid Nur, and Nico Young. They will represent four different countries as the games commence with the Opening Ceremonies.

Fans can support these Olympians by donating to the Skyjacks Champions Fund. A donation of $100 or more between July 26 and August 30 will enter donors into a draw for a signed wood cookie by Young.

Keegan Knott, a current NAU swimmer, will compete in the women's 400m freestyle S9 classification at the Paralympics on August 29. The Illinois native returns as a Paralympian for Team USA after her debut in Tokyo in 2021. She aims for her first podium finish in Paris.

Five former NAU cross country and track athletes will also compete. Adam Keenan represents Team Canada in the hammer throw starting August 2. Nico Young competes in the men's 10,000-meter finals that same day.

Geordie Beamish represents New Zealand on August 5 in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase. The finals are scheduled for August 7 when Abdihamid Nur and Luis Grijalva also compete in the men's 5,000-meters first round; Nur represents Team USA while Grijalva runs for Guatemala.

Adam Keenan was part of NAU's track team during the 2016-2017 seasons and is now a five-time national champion in hammer throw. Nico Young has had an impressive career at NAU with records and titles across various events.

Abdihamid Nur qualified for Team USA after finishing second at trials with a time of 13:09.01. He holds collegiate records outdoors and won indoor NCAA titles in both the 3,000-meters and 5,000-meters in 2022.

Geordie Beamish was instrumental to NAU's success during his tenure there as a two-time All-American who helped secure multiple national championships for cross country teams.

Luis Grijalva contributed significantly to NAU's achievements during his time there as well, earning All-American honors and winning Big Sky titles indoors.

The schedule includes various events where these athletes will showcase their talents on international stages throughout early August until late September when Knott competes again at Paralympic Games closing out this year's participation from NAU representatives abroad competing proudly under different flags globally united through sportmanship spirit shared among them all regardless origin nationality background diversity present therein collectively together one unified team effort towards achieving common goals dreams aspirations held dear hearts minds alike always striving forward onward upward ever higher further beyond limits boundaries constraints imposed upon them thus far yet never deterred discouraged disheartened defeated whatsoever whatsoever happens next remains uncertain unknown future awaits unfold itself gradually slowly surely steadily over time patience perseverance dedication determination courage strength resilience endurance fortitude unwavering steadfastness 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