Intel announced its support for four athletes who will represent Team Intel on the path to Tokyo 2020. These U.S. athletes are the first group to join Team Intel for the Tokyo Games.
Ashton Eaton (track and field), Lex Gillette (Paralympic track and field), Nneka Ogwumike (basketball) and Noah Lyles (track and field) have joined Team Intel as ambassadors for the upcoming Games. Athletes are the heart of what the Games represent as the world comes together to celebrate sport and diversity, and to push the boundaries of performance. In addition to being Team Intel ambassadors, these athletes will work with Intel on initiatives like Athlete 365, the IOC’s official athlete support program, and provide feedback on how Intel’s technology can support athletes and the sport ecosystem. Intel values the contribution from the athlete community and understands the unique perspective they bring when it comes to developing technology.
“We have great respect for the commitment necessary to compete on the world’s biggest stage and so we are excited to welcome these athletes to Team Intel,” said Rick Echevarria, vice president and general manager, Intel Olympic Program. “Each member not only brings an impressive list of athletic achievements, but also, importantly to us, a passion for the role that technology plays both in their sport and in the world. We look forward to supporting them on their journey over the next year.”
More: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Press Kit)
Meet Team Intel
Ashton Eaton’s Olympic legacy will live on forever through his gold medal-winning performances on the track and his technical advancements with Intel off of it. He is only the third Olympian to achieve back-to-back gold medals (2012, 2016) in the decathlon and holds five World Championship gold medals in both the decathlon and heptathlon events. Eaton currently works at Intel as a product development engineer, focusing on integrating key technologies into the Games.
“I have a passion for engineering, so naturally I leaped at the opportunity to join Team Intel. I’ve been able to work with them as they continue to evolve their technology for the upcoming Olympic Games, as well as other support programs for athletes. Even though I’ve hung up my shoes and won’t be competing next summer, I’m so proud to contribute to advancements that will help athletes next year and beyond!”
Lex Gillette is a four-time Paralympic Games competitor – earning silver medals in track and field (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Blind since the age of 8, Gillette competes in track and field in the 100-meter and long jump for the United States. In addition to his four Paralympic Games medals, has earned nine World Championship medals. He is also a motivational speaker and works as an athlete mentor for Classroom Champions.
“Technology is helping make the future of sport more accessible and inclusive and has played an important role in my life and career development. I am honored to join Team Intel and be a part of a team that champions both technology and inclusivity. “
Nneka Ogwumike has leveraged her collegiate, professional and international basketball success to support women’s empowerment, STEM education and promotion of health and wellness. She was drafted first overall in the 2012 WNBA draft and, that same year, was named WNBA Rookie of the Year. A six-time WNBA All-Star and member of the 2016 WNBA Champion Los Angeles Sparks, Ogwumike also serves as the President of the WNBA Players Association.
“I have been an advocate for STEM education, as I believe in the importance of representation in technological literacy in today’s world. As I work towards having the opportunity to represent the United States next summer in Tokyo, I am proud to be able to partner with Intel as they are an organization that is helping to bring us into the future.”
Noah Lyles has overcome many hurdles throughout his life, including child asthma, bullying, academic struggles, ADD and depression. Despite that, Lyles is prepared to take Tokyo by storm and return the United States track and field team to global prominence. Among his many accomplishments, he holds the world record in the indoor 300-meter with a time of 31.87 seconds and has won the 200-meter gold at both the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games and the 2019 World Athletics Championships.
“As I work towards qualifying for Tokyo next summer, it’s inspiring to be able to team up with an organization that puts as much effort into the Olympic Games as I do. Also, when I’m not training, I am passionate about technology, in particular gaming and creating music, so working with Intel is a natural fit for me.”