South Lake County, particularly the areas of Clermont and Montverde, has become a favored training ground for athletes from around the world, including those preparing for the 2024 Olympics. This region’s appeal lies in its world-class facilities, supportive environment, and commitment to athletic excellence.
Clermont, the “Choice of Champions,” is renowned for its comprehensive training amenities. At the heart of this athletic haven is the National Training Center (NTC). The NTC has state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a wide range of training programs and camps. From advanced track and field setups to high-tech swimming pools, the NTC offers elite athletes the resources they need to excel in their sports. PURE Athletics/NTC, based at the National Training Center, focuses on personalized training, cutting-edge sports science, and a supportive community environment that creates an ideal setting for athletes aiming for Olympic glory.
As the 2024 Olympics approach, South Lake County’s reputation as a premier training destination continues to grow.
ATHLETES TO WATCH
Two of the athletes from PURE Athletics/NTC are part of the 2024 Olympics:
- Wayde van Niekerk, the world record holder in the 400m, won gold in Rio 2016.
- Elijah Godwin – A gold medalist in the 4×400 meters relay.
Montverde Academy also has a strong sports program that attracts young elite athletes. Below are some of the athletes who are proudly representing their countries and showcasing their talents:
- Jose Tati, a rising senior, will swim for Cabo Verde in the Men’s 50-meter Freestyle event. At MVA, Tati has competed at the FHSAA District, Regional, and State levels.
- Emily Santos (‘24) returns to the Olympic stage for her second appearance, representing Panama in the Women’s Swimming 100-meter breaststroke. As a former FHSAA state champion with a time of 1:01.44 in the 100-yard breaststroke, Santos continues to excel in her discipline.
- Adaejah Hodge (’24) will race in the Women’s Track & Field 200-meter dash and serve as the flag bearer for the British Virgin Islands during the opening ceremonies. A two-time Indoor National Champion and the 2023 Gatorade Florida Player of the Year, Hodge is set to make a significant impact on the track.
- Mohamed Cisset (’23) will represent Mali in Men’s Soccer. Ranked sixth in the nation in the 2023 recruiting class, Cisset helped lead his team to win the Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament and a Junior Cup trophy.
- Javonya Valcourt (’22) will compete for the Bahamas in the Women’s Track & Field 4 x 400 mixed relay. During her senior year at Montverde Academy, Valcourt won the individual championship in the 400 meters at the FHSAA state meet, showcasing her exceptional sprinting abilities.
- RJ Barrett (’18) will take court for Canada in Men’s Basketball. Barrett’s numerous accolades include being named the Gatorade Florida & National Player of the Year in 2018, Max Preps National Player of the Year in 2018, McDonald’s All-American in 2018, and MaxPreps Fourth Team All-American in 2017.
- Joining Barrett on the Canadian basketball team is Andrew Nembhard (’18). Despite battling an injury during most of his senior year at MVA, Nembhard came back strong, helping guide the Eagles to a 23-0 start and playing at a higher level than ever before. Nembhard’s recovery and talent highlight the resilience and skill he brings to the Canadian Men’s Basketball Team.
- Joel Embiid -The NBA player was enrolled at Montverde Academy when he was 16 before he finished his high school career at The Rock School in Gainesville Florida. The 30-year-old will play on the Team USA Men’s Basketball team.
-
Representing Serbia in Men’s Basketball is Filip Petrusev (’18). As a senior at MVA, Petrusev set himself apart as an inside-outsider player. He attended the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp and was an integral part of the team that won the 2018 National Championship.
Other athletes living/training in South Lake:
- Courtney Lindsey – Track and Field
- Kyree King – American sprinter
- Kenny Bednarek – Track and Field
- Melissa Jefferson – Track and Field
- Sha’Carri Richardson – Track and Field
- Noah Lyles (Lives in Clermont) named “the fastest man on earth” is an Olympic bronze medalist returning to the Games. Lyles is known for his exceptional speed and was ranked first in the world for the 100-meter and 200-meter as of 2023.
- Donovan Banks, a javelin thrower, is training in Clermont for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Banks is a Technology Education and Robotics teacher at Windy Hill Middle School in Clermont and secured his spot on the Olympic team by finishing third in the men’s javelin at the trials.
The 2024 Summer Paris Olympics officially kicks off on Friday, July 26, and ends on Sunday, August 11.
