University of Louisville track & field standout Jayden Ulrich wrapped up her 2024 season with an 18th-place finish in the women’s discus throw at the Paris Olympics on Friday afternoon.
After fouling on her first two attempts, the rising senior managed a throw of 61.08m (200-5) on her third and final attempt, narrowly missing the top 12 finishers who advanced to Monday’s finals.
Ulrich’s 18th-place finish at the Olympics caps off one of the most impressive seasons in Louisville track & field history. She made history by becoming the program’s first U.S. Olympian after securing second place in the discus at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June. Her accolades include being named the USTFCCCA Southeast Regional Women’s Field Performer of the Year and ACC Women’s Field Performer of the Year following the 2024 collegiate outdoor season.
Ulrich became the first athlete in program history to place in the top five nationally in multiple individual events, finishing as the runner-up in the women’s discus throw and fourth in the women’s shot put at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships. During the indoor season, she earned First Team All-American honors in the women’s shot put after finishing sixth at the 2024 NCAA Indoor Championships.
Hailing from East Alton, Ill., Ulrich claimed three individual ACC titles during the 2024 campaign. She also set outdoor program records in both the women’s shot put and women’s discus throw, in addition to establishing an ACC conference and ACC Outdoor Championships meet record in the discus.
