Davids Highlights Kansas Pride in Conversation with 2024 Paris Olympian
Today, on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony, Representative Sharice Davids released a video of her conversation with Derrick Mein, Kansas' sole Olympic athlete in the 2024 Games. Mein, hailing from Paola, KS, will compete in trap shooting events. This marks his second Olympic appearance, following his gold medal performance at the 2022 Shotgun World Championship in Osijek, Croatia.
WATCH: Davids speaks with Derrick Mein, 2024 Paris Olympian from Kansas, on his journey to the Olympics
“Derrick’s dedication and achievements are a testament to the hard work and talent that come from our great state,” said Davids. “It was an honor to speak with him and hear about his journey, his passion for the sport, and his hopes for the upcoming Games. I know our entire community will be cheering him on as he competes on the world stage!”
“It's awesome knowing that there are people back home that are there watching and hoping that I can perform at my best and bring home a medal,” said Derrick Mein, 2024 Paris Olympic athlete from Kansas. “It helps give me that extra little boost that you need sometimes to go perform well.”
In their conversation, Davids and Mein, a Kansas State University alumnus with a degree in Animal Science and Industry, discussed his early beginnings in sporting clays, where he joined a local league with his father, and his progression into an Olympic-level athlete. Mein also shared insights from his experiences at previous competitions and the support he continues to receive from Kansas.
Mein began shooting with his father at the age of eight and developed his skills across various disciplines, including sporting clays, skeet, trap, international trap, and helice. His accolades include national titles and Team USA honors. When not training, he enjoys hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. More information on Mein’s background and accolades can be found here.
If successful, Mein will compete in the Olympic Trap Men's Final on July 30 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. CT. The Olympics can be watched on NBC or streamed on Peacock.