OUMY DIOP: Grenoble, France’s hometown girl’s childhood goal is in sight as the Florida International University sophomore competes at 2024 Summer Olympics. “It’s a big honor for me to represent Senegal,” she says. “For my parents it also means a lot.” PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Miami – Like many, it was Oumy Diop’s childhood dream to make it to the Olympics.

Diop, whose parents were born in Senegal in Africa, has been competing in swimming events since she was 5 years old, hoping someday she will be a part of the modern revival of the ancient games.

Diop’s dream was well-founded when she qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

And making it even sweeter, she has the hometown advantage.

Diop grew up and lives in Grenoble, France.

The sophomore is among a group of Florida International University swimmers traveling across the world to compete against their counterparts from various countries for the Gold Medal.

“Going to the Olympics means so much,” said Diop, who will compete in the 100-meter butterfly event.

“I still don’t fully realize, still haven’t fully wrapped my head around it. Every single day, I’m getting closer to competing in the Olympics. I want to embrace every moment that I will get to live there.”

Diop will represent Senegal and she’s the only female swimmer from the country to compete this year in the Olympics.

“It’s a big honor for me to represent Senegal,” she says. “For my parents it also means a lot.”

Diop was named an ambassador for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal which will become the first International Olympic Committee event in Africa.

“I will be talking to the youth about being an athlete,” she says of her role. “It’s such an honor for me. I want to be an inspiration for female athletes in my country.”

When Diop arrived at FIU, she joined the women’s swim team and diving team, competing in the 50-meters, 100-meters and 200-meters freestyle, and 50-meters and 100-meters butterfly.

She set a new FIU freshman record in the 100-meters butterfly and delivered stellar performances in American Athletic Conference competition.

In 2024, Diop earned four medals in the relays at the AAC Championships and helped the swimming and diving team win the college’s first conference title.

During the 2023-2024 season, Diop’s highlights included earning silver in 200-meters freestyle and 400-meters freestyle and she posted a bronze finish in the 400-meters medley relay at the AAC Championships.

As a freshman, Diop finished third in the 50-meters butterfly at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship and helped FIU finish first in the 100meters butterfly relay and fourth 100meters butterfly at the AAC Championships.

In her collegiate debut against Florida Gulf Coast University, Diop helped FIU’s relay team to a first-place finish in both the 200-medley and 200meters freestyle.

Diop is no stranger to competing in international competition.

She represented Senegal at the African Championships in 2021 and 2022 and won silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Diop also earned two additional bronze medals at the African Games this year.

Diop said her parents encouraged her to swim because she dreamed about making it to the Olympics.

She started competing in events when she was 5 and became a prolific swimmer in middle and high schools, winning several relay and individual competitions.

“Swimming became my safe place,” she says. “In the water, it was just me and my thoughts. I didn’t have to think about school or homework.”