2024 Summer Olympic Games Begin Today in Paris, France 

BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) celebrates Vermont’s Team USA athletes — Billy Bender, Ilona Maher, and Elle Purrier St. Pierre — as the 2024 Summer Olympic Games begin. Bender, Maher, and St. Pierre will compete in the summer Olympic Games, which begin today in Paris, France, and conclude August 11, 2024. The Paralympic Games will begin August 28, 2024, and conclude September 8, 2024.  

“For over a century, Vermont’s Olympic athletes have been a source of pride for the Green Mountain State. As the torch is passed to this year’s athletes representing our state and Team USA, I congratulate Billy, Ilona, and Elle on their incredible achievement and the years of dedicated training that have led to this moment. We’ll be cheering them on from Vermont as they compete in the City of Light,” said Sen. Peter Welch. 

Vermont’s Team USA qualified athletes include:  

William “Billy” Bender 
Hometown: Norwich, Vermont  
Rowing 

Ilona Maher 
Hometown: Burlington, Vermont  
Rugby 

Elle Purrier St. Pierre  
Hometown: Montgomery, Vermont  
Track and Field 

Visit teamusa.com for more information, schedules, and results. 

###