Griskenas is a rhythmic gymnast who competed in both the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Little is a two-time Olympic gold medalist who ran in the 4x400m women’s relay and 4x400m mixed relay in Paris. Malkamaki also won gold this year in Shot Put F46.
“This means a lot,” Little, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, said. “It’s just putting more recognition to my face — getting to see my city, being in another atmosphere with another sport. It just feels really good. … It’s so cool. We’re really in an elite club. We’re Olympians and then were Illinoisans, so it just makes it that much more special to celebrate together.”
Simone Biles — the most decorated gymnast in history and wife of Bears safety Jonathan Owens — was also honored alongside the six Illinoisans. Biles, a native of Texas, is an 11-time Olympic medalist and brought home four medals from Paris, including gold in the all-around, vault and team competitions.
Biles was also in attendance to support Owens, who started against the Lions Sunday and recorded a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the first quarter. Owens celebrated the takeaway by hitting a salute pose in the end zone to honor Biles.
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