Leah Freeman Posted Monday, July 8, 2024 @ 4:32 PM Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Recreation & Wellness Center is proud to announce that three of its alumni will be representing Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics (July 26 – August 11) and Paralympics (August 28 – September 8) in Paris. UCF continues its tradition of contributing outstanding athletes to the global stage. Kyle Coon ‘13 Paralympic Triathlon Team Kyle Coon, a distinguished alumnus of UCF’s Recreation & Wellness Center, will compete in the Paralympic Triathlon. Coon, who graduated with a degree in Communications, was a Group Exercise Instructor and a member of the Wrestling Club during his time at UCF. On June 29, 2024, Coon secured his place in the 2024 Summer Paralympics by finishing third in the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal, completing a 760m swim, 20.2km bike, and 5km run. His impressive performance places him seventh overall, earning him the honor of representing Team USA in Paris. Coon also represented Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics, where he made his first Olympic appearance. Kristen Thomas ‘15 US A Rugby Sevens Kristen Thomas, an alumna of the Recreation & Wellness Center and former Rugby Club – Women’s Team player, has been named a traveling reserve for the Team USA Rugby Sevens in the 2024 Olympics. Thomas, who graduated with a degree in Theatre Studies previously represented Team USA in Tokyo, helping the team achieve a top 10 finish. Thomas began her rugby career at UCF in 2011, joining the Rugby Club – Women’s Team. Her exceptional talent was quickly recognized, leading to a call-up to the national team just two years later. Malacchi Esdale USA Rugby Sevens Malacchi Esdale, a former Rugby Club – Men’s Team player and Recreation & Wellness Center alumnus, has been selected for the Team USA Rugby Sevens roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Esdale, who became a professional Rugby player in 2017, will be making his second Olympic appearance after serving as a travel reserve for the Tokyo Games. Esdale discovered rugby in Naples, Florida, playing for the Naples Bears. After attending ASA College in New York and the University of Miami, he transferred to UCF, where he joined the Rugby Club – Men’s Team and honed his skills. These athletes exemplify the spirit and dedication of UCF Knights. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to cheering them on as they compete on the world stage in Paris. For more information, check out this UCF article that highlights some of our athletes. Back