Austin athletes ready to cheer on Olympics competitors
Austin (KXAN) — Local Austin athletic groups say they're ready to see the sports they love on the world's largest stage during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Austin Archery Club said it aims to cheer on those competing in the Olympics' archery competitions.
Clint Miller, AAC secretary and treasurer, said he first got into the sports 10 years ago and has since immersed himself in the community. He said the sport combines the peace and quiet of nature with practical hunting skills, all while bringing archers together.
He said the club sees competitive archers every so often and that members come together to support one another when they reach major milestones such as the Olympics.
Miller said most recently, AAC helped spread the word about a 15-year-old archer from Cedar Park who's qualified for the Paralympics and is now raising money for his trip.
Overall, Miller said he's excited to see the sport he's come to love on a global stage and hopes others might be inspired to pick it up after watching the games.
“It's good to see somebody taking it to the next level that gives you something to kind of challenge yourself with," Miller said.
He said interest in archery has gone up in recent years. When the club began in the 1970s, Miller said it only had about 70 members, that's ballooned to more than 600. Most of those archers joined in the last few years.
Local gymnasts excited for Olympic games
Members of the Crenshaw Athletic Club said gymnastics is one of the most exciting events to watch during the Olympic games.
The club started in 1951, training talented gymnasts of all backgrounds over the decades. Some of which have gone on to compete at the collegiate level and beyond.
CAC Owner Gil Elsass said watching the Olympic games really inspires kids who attend classes to work hard. He said watching the event allows them to imagine themselves stepping onto the podium and receiving a gold medal one day.
"They love being a part of the gymnastics here and sees what it can turn to down the line," Elsass said.
Girls' Team Coach Adam Miller seconds Elsass's thoughts. He said the talented Olympic gymnasts show his kids what they could be capable of achieving in the future.
"Getting to watch them on the big stage is really inspiring. When we get to watch it and then come play in the gym we think our best stuff comes out," Miller said.