'Birthplace of champions': Rep. Sykes praises local athletes representing US at Olympics

Ohio will have strong representation in the Paris Olympics starting Friday, and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, a former gymnast, spoke on the House floor Thursday to congratulate the Northeast Ohio athletes in attendance.

Akronites-turned-NBA-stars Steph Curry and LeBron James will be in Paris, with Curry competing for Team USA and James becoming the first men's basketball player to carry the flag in the opening ceremony for Team USA.

Marcus Christopher, a 21-year-old from Canton, will compete for the U.S. in cycling BMX freestyle.

"These incredible athletes embody the highest levels of perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship," said Sykes, who attended last month's U.S. Olympic Trials. "LeBron, Marcus, Steph each reflect our district's proud legacy as the birthplace of champions."

Other athletes with local ties competing this year include Jonny Marshall, a 2023 Firestone High School graduate competing for Great Britain in swimming; Grace Nuhfer, a University of Akron student competing for the U.S. in Paralympic swimming; and Hunter Armstrong of Dover, competing for the U.S. in swimming.

More: 'A tear comes to my eye': 2024 Paris Games remind Akron's Lester Carney of Olympic power

Sykes represents the 13th District, which includes all of Akron and Summit County as well as the northern half of Stark County and a small part of Portage County. She is up for re-election this year against Republican Kevin Coughlin and Liam Walker of the George Wallace Party.

Sykes, born and raised in Akon, became a gymnast at 4 or 5 years old, she said. The now-congresswoman competed for many years, even making it to the Junior Olympics twice. She was a national finalist and a state champion on the vault.

Sykes also recognized Ohioan Simone Biles, the four-time gold medalist from Columbus who will compete for an eighth Olympic medal this year. She called Biles the greatest gymnast of all time.

"She's one of the best athletes that this world has ever seen," Sykes said. "I'm so incredibly proud of her. When I watched her at the Olympic trials, I was just stunned, just speechless at what she's able to do."

Sykes said the Olympics gives Americans the opportunity to rally around each other and remember why the United States is special.

"When I think about these athletes who are also embodying strength and grit and freedom and opportunity and greatness, I am even more resolute in my desire to make sure that this country is the best country in the entire world and that we remain that way," she said. "We've gone through a heck of a political week, but this will be the time when we get to remember who we are as Americans and the things that we are fighting for. You're not Team Red or Team Blue − you're Team Red, White and Blue."

Reporter Isabella Schreck can be contacted at ischreck@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'Birthplace of champions': Rep. Sykes praises local athletes representing US at Olympics