MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama Discus Thrower Francois Prinsloo will begin his journey at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for his home country, South Africa, at Stade De France Stadium on Monday, Aug. 5 at 3:10 a.m. CT in Group A of the men's discus qualification rounds.
Prinsloo's Olympic hopes came true during the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field season after he threw an astounding 67.26 meters (220'8") at the Southern Miss Open on Apr. 26 to exceed the Olympic qualifying standard and earn an immediate bid to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for South Africa.
" I knew it made it to the Olympics once I heard the distance read out," said Prinsloo. I nearly cried. I wanted to scream, and do a backflip- which would've been pretty hard to do as a thrower. It was an extremely emotional experience. As anyone can imagine, I'm living my dream. But the job is not done."
"Thank you, Jag Nation, for all of the support you have given me. I appreciate it gives me energy and motivation to push harder in training. I will come out and do my best to put South Alabama on the international map."
Prinsloo has had a 2024 senior season that will go down in the history books. Adding to his Olympic qualifying mark, the Worcester, South Africa native claimed his sixth Sun Belt Conference title before snagging his third straight NCAA East Regional crown and the NCAA Championship title.
The 2024 Paris Olympics discus throw competition has 32 total athletes split into two groups of 16. To advance to the Final on Wednesday, Aug 7., Francois must meet the qualification standard of 66.00 meters or be one of the top 12 performers.
Prinsloo will have a difficult road to the finals as he was placed in the same qualification group as the defending Olympic champion Daniel Stahl of Sweden and world record holder Mykolas Alekna from Lithuania.
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