Senator Menendez Celebrates New Jersey Athletes Heading to Paris Olympics

Senator Menendez Celebrates New Jersey Athletes Heading to Paris Olympics
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) attends a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the 2025 budget on Capitol Hill in Washington

JERSEY CITY, NJ—U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today extended his heartfelt congratulations to three New Jersey athletes for their remarkable achievements in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Salif Mane, and Hezly Rivera have made significant strides in their respective sports, earning them spots on Team USA.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of Dunellen continues to dominate the women’s 400-meter hurdles, setting a new world record of 50.65 seconds during the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials. This record marks her fifth world record in the event, adding to her already impressive resume as a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Meanwhile, Salif Mane, a triple jumper from Fairleigh Dickinson University, achieved a personal best of 17.52 meters, securing his place in the Olympics. Completing the trio of athletes is 16-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera from Oradell, who earned her spot on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team with her outstanding performance at the trials.

Senator Menendez expressed the collective pride of New Jersey, stating, “I speak for all of New Jersey when I say we are immensely proud of what these three spectacular Olympians have achieved.” He praised their historic feats and expressed anticipation for their performances in Paris, where they will compete to bring Olympic gold back to the United States.

The 2024 Olympic Games are set to commence on July 26th, with athletes from around the globe converging in Paris to compete at the highest level of sport.