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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As athletes from around the world are preparing to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, many athletes from South Carolina are trying to punch their ticket to Paris.

Josh Awotunde is competing this weekend in the track and field Olympic Qualifiers.

”We at Heathwood are really fortunate to have had Coach Tunde who is a world class athlete,” said Willis Ware, who has been the head girl’s track and field coach at Heathwood Hall for 20 years.

Awotunde joined the Highlanders coaching staff for the 2023-2024 season.

”The head boys track coach coach Tony Brown and I along with athletic director Eva Greenberg knew that we needed someone who was not only skilled in their craft but someone who also who would be able to connect with the kids. What we were looking for who was knowledgeable but equally important we wanted someone who was gonna be able to connect with young people,” said Ware.

Ware said that Awotunde exceeded those expectations where he led the Highlanders to their 5th state title in the last 7 years.

Before Heathwood Hall, Awotunde competed in the 2022 World Athletic Championships placing third in the finals in the men’s Shotput.

While attending USC, he helped secure South Carolina’s first SEC title since 1999 where he set the school record with a 21.33m throw.

Ware believes that Awotunde has all the qualifications to compete at the biggest stage.

”He is focused. He’s motivated or he wouldn’t be where he’s at. He’s consistent. He pushes himself and he has his eyes on the goals to making the Olympic team,” said Ware.

The track and field Olympic qualifiers for Shotput is being held in Eugene, Oregon, starting on Friday at 9:30pm ET and runs through the weekend.

To find out more information on how to watch, you can head to Peacock to stream the event. In addition to Awotunde, former AC Flora and current USC Student Sophie Verzyl is competing in the finals for diving at the Olympic Trials on Saturday just after 7 p.m.

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