Sports2024 Paris Olympics

Actions

58-year-old grandmother takes bronze medal at U.S. Olympic Team Trial

Michelle Rohl is a University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduate and three-time Olympian
Michelle Rohl.jpg
Posted
and last updated

SOMERS, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduate Michelle Rohl is a three-time Olympian who has little trouble keeping up with runners one-fourth her age.

“I am very grateful that I can still be out there running,” Rohl said. “And feel good running.”

Michelle Rohl
Michelle Rohl, University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduate, three-time U.S. Olympian.

The 58-year-old Rohl was the oldest competitor at the recent U.S. Olympics Team Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Rohl, a Madison native, finished third in the women’s 20-kilometer race walking event in one hour, and 42 minutes.

It was the exact same spot on the podium – 32 years prior – where she qualified for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

VIDEO: 58-year-old grandmother takes bronze medal at U.S. Olympic Team Trial

58-year-old grandmother takes bronze medal at U.S. Olympic Team Trial

“I was third in my first Olympic trials with my own baby,” Rohl said. “And now I came in third in this Olympic trials with a grandbaby.”

For the first time since 1984, Parkside will not have a race walker in the Olympics.

Rohl finished third behind former Parkside runners Robyn Stevens (1:37.38) and Miranda Melville (1:39.38).

None of their times met the Olympic qualifying standard.

Kenosha native Mike DeWitt coached all three runners at Parkside. He’s coached eight Olympians.

“Coaching is fun,” said DeWitt, who is in his 52nd season coaching. “It keeps me energized.”

Mike DeWitt
Mike DeWitt, longtime race walking coach.

Rohl will compete in the World Masters Athletics Championships next month in Sweden.


Talk to us:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we're all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.


It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.


Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip