Later this week on July 26th, the Games of the 33rd Olympiad will be held in Paris, France. A hundred years ago, the city also hosted the Games of the 8th Olympiad. The Catholic Historical Research Center would like to take the opportunity to highlight some Catholics living in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who have gone to the Olympics in years past.
John Kelly and Paul Costello at the Reception and Dinner for Philadelphia Members of Victorious Olympic Team, Bellevue Stratford Hotel, October 14, 1920
Living in Philadelphia, it is not uncommon in the summer months to hear about the numerous regattas that compete of the Schuylkill River. Clubs from all over the country and world descend upon Philadelphia to compete. It should be no surprise that several Olympians from the area have represented the United States in Rowing. The first, and probably the most famous, is John B. Kelly. Born of Irish immigrants, he grew up in Saint Bridget’s parish and worked as a bricklayer. After joining Vesper Rowing Club, he teamed up with his cousin, Paul Costello, who was from Saint Edward the Confessor in North Philadelphia. The pair won gold medals at the 1920 and 1924 Olympics (Antwerp and Paris, respectively) in double sculls, while Kelly won an additional gold in single sculls in 1920. Paul would win gold again at the 1928 Games in Amsterdam.
Theresa Shank-Grentz smiles in a publicity photo for the Catholic Standard and Times
Philadelphia and the surrounding area have also produced Olympians in the sport of basketball. Theresa Shank-Grentz, an alumnus of Cardinal O’Hara High School, was a member of Immaculata’s Mighty Macs Basketball team and helped her alma mater clinch the AIWA title in three consecutive championships starting in 1972. She went to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, as head coach of the Women’s Basketball Team.
Michael Brooks representing the La Salle University Explorers on the court. Image is in the public domain.
Michael Brooks, a graduate of West Catholic Preparatory High School and La Salle University, was named Captain of Men’s Basketball Team to compete at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Brooks and the team never competed in the Olympics because of President Jimmy Carter's decision to boycott the Moscow Games in response to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
Attending Mass at Saint Ignatius and Our Lady of Lourdes, Kobe Bryant was a star player at Lower Merion High School. Drafted in 1996, he spent all 20 years of his career playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2008 and 2012, Kobe was named to the Men’s Basketball Team, helping to bring home a gold medal both times.
Kobe Bryant stands ready to shoot a free throw. Image is in the public domain.
Though he never went to the Olympics, Pope John Paul II was a large advocate, as he was an avid skier, swimmer and hiker. Before the 2004 Olympics in Athens, he remarked that practicing a sport, “if lived according to the Christian vision, becomes a prime generator of deep human relations and favors the building of a more peaceful and cordial word.
While only six have been mention above, below is a list of other Catholic Olympians from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, listing their sport, the year they participated, and any medals won. If any have been left out, please let us know and will add them to our list. If there are any going to the upcoming 2024 Olympics, we wish you the best of luck!
Peter Cippolone – Rowing (Mens Eight), 2004 Athens, Gold
Michael Gostigan – Modern pentathlon, 1988 Seoul / 1992 Barcelona / 1996 Atlanta
John Kelly Jr. – Rowing (Single sculls), 1948 London, 1952 Finland, 1956 Melbourne (Bronze), 1960 Rome
Marcus McElhenney – Rowing (Mens Eight), 2008 Beijing, Bronze
Charles McIllvaine – Rowing (Double sculls), 1928 Amsterdam, Gold
Bernard “Benny” McLaughlin – Soccer, 1948 London
Tyler Nase – Rowing (Mens four), 2008 Beijing
Lisa Raymond – Tennis, 2008 Beijing, Gold
Joseph Verdeur – Swimming (200m Breaststroke), 1948 London, Gold