Via KU Athletics
SAINT LUCIA — Michael Joseph of Kansas Track and Field was chosen to be the flag bearer for Saint Lucia at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 26.
"What an honor - I'm super excited and proud of him," said Kansas Track and Field Head Coach Stanley Redwine. "To be selected to be the flag carrier is a once in a lifetime experience. I know that he will serve his country well. Not only is he representing St. Lucia, but he is also representing KU.
Joseph, a standout sprinter for the Jayhawks, qualified for his first-career Olympic games at the 2023 Outdoor Big 12 Championships in Norman, Oklahoma back on May 13, 2023. Joseph ran a new career-best of 44.77 in the men's 400m, which was good for a new school and national record as well.
"To be named the flag bearer for St. Lucia is both a crowning achievement of all that I have poured into this sport and a great honor," said Joseph. "To be able to hoist our flag high and represent the beautiful island of Saint Lucia on the biggest stage in track and field means everything to me."
Joseph is one of six track and field Jayhawks who will be joining Redwine, the head coach of Team USA Men's Track and Field, in Paris this summer. Fans can first catch Joseph in action on August 4 in the opening round of the men's 400m.