Former LSU alumnus Neal Skupski has once again been chosen to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris next month. Skupski, who achieved All-American status four times during his tenure with the Tigers from 2008-2012, will be partnering with Joe Salisbury in the men’s doubles event. Hailing from Liverpool, England, Skupski is no stranger to the Olympics, having previously competed in the Tokyo Games three years ago alongside Jamie Murray.
At 34 years old, Skupski’s career has been on the rise since his last Olympic appearance, reaching the world number one ranking in 2022 alongside his partner Wesley Koolhof of The Netherlands. He has also secured an impressive three grand slam titles, including the Wimbledon mixed doubles crowns in 2021 and 2022 with American Desirae Krawczyk, as well as the 2023 Wimbledon men’s doubles title with Koolhof. Skupski has also been a finalist in mixed doubles at both the Australian Open and the French Open this year, alongside Krawczyk.
Despite their success at Wimbledon, Skupski and Koolhof have since parted ways, leading the former LSU Tiger to form a new partnership for the upcoming Olympics. His extensive experience and notable achievements make him a formidable contender in the upcoming Olympic games.
The Olympic tennis event is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros, the renowned home of the French Open. The bronze medal match for men’s doubles will be held on August 2, with the gold medal match following on August 3. Skupski’s selection makes him the ninth former LSU athlete to qualify for the Paris Olympics, joining a group of athletes from Louisiana who have also secured their spots.
Alongside Skupski, other former LSU athletes competing in Paris include Mondo Duplantis (pole vault) for Sweden, Hailey Van Lith (3×3 basketball) for the USA, Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth (beach volleyball) for the USA, Aleah Finnegan (gymnastics) for The Philippines, and Maggie Mac Neil and Jere Hribar (swimming) for Canada and Croatia, as well as Jovan Lekic (swimming) for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The journey for these athletes to qualify for the Olympics has been arduous, with rigorous trials held at various locations, including the U.S. Olympic trials for swimming and diving in Indianapolis and Knoxville, Tennessee, the track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, and the gymnastics trials in Minneapolis.
As the Olympics draw near, it is certain that Skupski and his peers will strive to make their country and alma mater proud as they compete for glory in their respective sports on the international stage.