3 Panthers to represent FIU in 2020 Olympics

FIU Panthers will be well-represented when the 2020 Olympic Games begin this Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Three students are competing for their countries on the international stage.

Miami native and psychology major Angelica Delgado will be representing the United States in judo. It will be her second appearance in the Olympics; she competed in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Two students from FIU Athletics' own Conference USA-champion swimming and diving team also will be competing. Maha Gouda is representing Egypt on the diving platforms, while Elinah Phillip is swimming for the British Virgin Island team and will be one of the nation’s two flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony on July 23.

“Representing your country in the Olympic Games is a lifelong dream for all athletes in our sport,” said coach Randy Horner. “Maha and Elinah are getting the opportunity to do it for a second time. This is truly special! We are excited for them and will be cheering with paws up from FIU!”

It will be both Panthers' second time on the Olympic stage as Gouda and Phillip made their debuts at the 2016 Games.

Gouda will compete in the women’s 10-meter platform, where she finished 24th in Rio.

Phillip is set to swim in the women’s 50-meter Freestyle. The Panther sophomore was the VI’s youngest athlete and the first to represent the Territory in aquatics at any Olympics when she finished 48th in the women’s 50 free at the 2016 Games.

Coverage of the 2020 Summer Games will be on the NBC Family of networks.