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Utes fans just received a few more good reasons to watch the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Three University of Utah gymnasts will be part of Team USA when the Games begin on July 23.
MyKayla Skinner and incoming Utah gymnast Grace McCallum join Simone Biles as part of Team USA while another incoming Red Rock, Kara Eaker, is one of the alternates.
It’s an amazing achievement for the program.
Skinner fell just short of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics and was named an alternate. She deferred her final season at Utah in hopes of going to Tokyo.
Mission accomplished.
“You work for it your whole entire life and when you don’t accomplish that goal, which you really want, in the back of your head you want to go out there and try again,” Skinner said at the time. “And you want to make it this time. ... I love competing for the University of Utah, but I have always thought about the Olympics. I’d like to try and compete for my country. I see the opportunity to pursue an Olympic berth as a chance of a lifetime.”
Numbers game
10: Average points per game by Utah State transfer Marco Anthony last season for the Aggies.
56.598: University of Utah gymnast MyKayla Skinner’s score to put her in fourth place entering the final day of competition of the U.S. Olympic Trials.
1,030: Yards that Utah quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson rushed for as a senior in high school.
From the archives
Extra points
- Utah’s recruiting success in Utah County (Deseret News)
- Utes receive second commitment in a week from a California QB (Deseret News)
- Why Marco Anthony left Utah State for Utah (Deseret News)
- Ute gymnasts qualify for Olympics (Deseret News)
- Could Ja’Quinden Jackson become a secret weapon for Utah’s offense? (Deseret News)
- What’s next for Terrell Burgess? (Deseret News)
Fanalyst
Comments from Deseret News
“Pretty cool/amazing, way to rep not only yourself but also the U of U, a life long dream come true, now however the real work/pressure will begin, good luck, as always a Great day to be a Ute and Go U.S.A.!!”
— packers
“Utah has clearly decided to never be in the same position at QB, as they were when Jack Tuttle left the program.
“What a QB room:
Cam Rising — 4*
Charlie Brewer — Took Baylor to Sugar Bowl
Peter Costelli — 4*
Ja’Quinden Jackson — High 4*
Nate Johnson — Elite 11 finalist
Brandon Rose — Highly recruited
“Knowing that some of these kids may transfer, some may end up at different positions, etc. It makes a lot of sense for Utah, and every other school to have 5-6 scholarship QBs on the roster.
“Love it. (Offensive coordinator Andy) Ludwig is killing it with recruiting. This class is shaping up.”
— Arizona Ute
Up next
Sept. 2 | TBD | Football | vs. Weber State | @Rice Eccles Stadium