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WVU Students Talk About Olympic Experience

Olympic medalists and WVU students Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence and Ginny Thrasher pose for a photo Monday, Sept. 26, at the Morgantown Event Center.
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West Virginia University honored three students Monday, Sept. 26, who brought home medals from the Rio Olympic Games.

Olympians Ginny Thrasher, Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence welcomed guests at the Morgantown Event Center as they reminisced about their time in Rio, Brazil, this summer.

Thrasher, a sophomore, won gold for U.S. rifle while seniors Buchanan and Lawrence won bronze with the Canadian soccer team.

Thrasher expressed her gratitude to represent not only West Virginia, but also the sport of rifle.

“My sport is one that is a little bit of an unknown to the average American, so for me to be representing positively and to display myself and my sport is honestly an honor,” she said.

Lawrence explained how the overwhelming support from her teammates helped her and Buchanan feel they represented the university well.

“We really feel their support and we know how happy they are for us because they know that we aren’t only representing Canada, but we are also representing West Virginia University,” Lawrence said.

The athletes signed autographs, took photos and mingled with the audience after speaking. They are the first student athletes since 1992 to win an Olympic medal while competing for WVU.

The rifle team begins its season on Sunday, Oct. 2, against Ohio State. The women’s soccer team is 8-1-1, and play next on Friday, Sept. 30, against Baylor.