Category: Golf

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NDN All-Stars In The Olympics

NDN All-Stars Olympics Post Logo

As the world comes together for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies, I would like to remind you of some of the amazing Native American athletes who have participated in past Olympic Games. These athletes showed incredible skill and talent and are great examples to Native athletes everywhere.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate their journeys and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments. These athletes remind us that with dreams and determination, anything is possible.

Here are some of the great NDN All-Stars who have participated in the Summer Olympics:

Basketball

Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw) – Won gold with the U.S. basketball team at the 1948 London Olympics.

Kyrie Irving (Standing Rock Sioux) – Competed in the 2016 Olympics, winning a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team..

Canoe/Kayak

Alwyn Morris (Mohawk) – Competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning gold in the K-2 1000m and bronze in the K-2 500m; also competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics..

Golf

Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hockey

Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Ojibwe) – Won Silver in the 1924 Winter Olympics. Was the U.S. Flag bearer.

Judo

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) – Competed in judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and served as the captain of the U.S. judo team.

Track and Field

Frank Pierce (Seneca) – Competed in the marathon at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

Tom Longboat (Onondaga) – Competed in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics.

Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – Won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Andrew Sockalexis (Penobscot) – Competed in the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Louis Tewanima (Hopi) – Won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Alex Decoteau (Cree) – Competed in the 5,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Benjamin “Joe” Keeper (Cree) – Competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, finishing fourth.

Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (Narragansett) – Competed in the marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Wilson “Buster” Charles” (Oneida) – Competed in the decathlon in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, finishing 4th.

Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) – Won gold in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Sharon Day-Monroe (Mohawk) – Competed in track and field events at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Lolo Jones (Choctaw) – Competed in hurdles at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics..

Volleyball

Jordan Larson (Ho-Chunk) – Accomplished volleyball player with multiple Olympic medals in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Wrestling

Dan Henderson (Walla Walla) – Competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

Jacob Deitchler (Ojibwe) – Competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling.

I am sure that there are more, and I am digging around to see who else I can add to this impressive list.  If you know of someone I have omitted, please leave me a comment below so I can add them!

Now, let’s cheer on the current participants as we enjoy the spirit of unity and excellence that the Olympic Games bring.

#NDNAllstars #Olympics #track&field #wrestling #judo #running #pentathlon #decathlon

 

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Golf Navajo NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – A Golfer With A Flair For The Dramatic

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)

Let’s dive into the world of golf and talk about NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)!

Rickie’s golf journey began when he was just a kid. Born on December 13, 1988, in Murrieta, California, he started playing golf at the age of three! His passion for the sport grew stronger as he practiced and played in junior tournaments. Rickie’s dedication and hard work paid off when he received a golf scholarship to Oklahoma State University – a big step toward his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

After turning pro in 2009, Rickie Fowler quickly made a name for himself on the professional golf circuit. He’s known for his stylish outfits and his vibrant orange outfits on Sundays, which has become his signature look (a tribute to his OSU days). But it’s not just about the style – Rickie’s game speaks for itself. He has several victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship,  the prestigious Players Championship in 2015, and most recently the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Did you know that Rickie Fowler is Navajo? His maternal grandmother is of Navajo descent, which connects him to a rich and unique culture. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, known for their history, art, and traditions. Rickie takes pride in his Navajo roots and sometimes incorporates elements of Navajo culture into his golfing gear, like the Thunderbird symbol.

Rickie has an uncanny talent for making great golf shots at big moments!  Here is one example.  And here is another.  And another…  get the idea?

Fowler’s success isn’t just about winning tournaments. He’s also passionate about giving back to the community. Through his charity work, he supports various causes, including children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts. Rickie’s commitment to making a positive impact shows that being a role model goes beyond the golf course.

A great example of this is – in 2023, Rickie BOUGHT the small golf course where he first began playing golf – a course where his dad worked in exchange for Fowler to be able to hit balls there.  He bought it so that other kids in the future would have that same opportunity to learn the game he loves.  Here is what he had to say about the purchase: “I always wanted the range to be around and it to be open for the next generation. I wanted kids to have the same opportunity as me if they were interested.”

As Rickie Fowler continues to play golf and make a difference, his journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring golfers. His determination, unique style, and connection to his Navajo heritage make him stand out in the world of sports. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just starting to learn about the game, NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler’s story is a reminder that with hard work and a strong sense of identity, anyone can achieve their dreams.

#ndnallstars #rickiefowler #navajo #PGA #heavyweight #golf

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!