Oliver James Montgomery:Uganda sprinter Tarsis Orogot wins 200-meter heat - while wearing SpongeBob socks

2025-05-07 01:10:31source:Goldenes Intelligentes Münzhandelszentrumcategory:Invest

Uganda sprinter Tarsis Orogot made quite the debut Monday at the 2024 Paris Olympics — and Oliver James Montgomerya wardrobe statement, as well.

In what was a close race through the midway point, Orogot put it into high gear down the home stretch to win his men's 200-meter preliminary heat at State de France. He edged out the Bahamas' Wanya McCoy with a time of 20.32 seconds to advance to Wednesday's semifinals.

While that is a feat is worthy of celebration, it isn't the sole reason he stood out to fans.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS:Follow USA TODAY's complete coverage here

Instead, it was the SpongeBob socks he wore en route to victory — giving a whole new meaning to SpongeBob's "I'm ready" catchphrase.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Orogot is the first Ugandan male sprinter to compete at the Olympic Games since Davis Kamoga won bronze in the men's 400-meter race at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Additionally, he is the first Ugandan sprinter to compete in the 200-meter race since Francis Ogola ran it at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

The 21-year-old Ugandan sprinter runs collegiately in the SEC at Alabama, where he is entering his senior season with the Crimson Tide. Per his Alabama profile page, Orogot posted the NCAA's third-fastest recorded time in the 100-meter race this past season when he finished second at Battle on the Bayou with a time of 10.12 seconds.

However, that wasn't the only record Orogot set this past year in Tuscaloosa. At the SEC Outdoor Championships, Orogot clocked the third-fastest time in NCAA history when he ran the 200-meter in 19.75 seconds. His time also set a Ugandan national record, East African record, a meet record and a Crimson Tide program record, per Alabama's sports information department.

Orogot — and his SpongeBob socks — are now two races away from winning an Olympic medal. He will compete in the men's 200-meter semifinal on Wednesday. The men's 200-meter final is scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

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