Grinnell’s Joshua Tibatemwa carries torch for Olympics‏

Grinnell’s Joshua Tibatemwa carries torch for Olympics‏ (photo submitted)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Grinnell College student-athlete Joshua Tibatemwa ’19 earned a major thrill earlier this summer when he was selected to the Ugandan team for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The swimmer added to that excitement Friday night as he served as flag bearer for his native country at the Opening Ceremonies.

Tibatemwa, the first Pioneer in the modern era to earn a spot in the Olympics while still a student at Grinnell, will compete in the 50-meter freestyle on Aug. 11.

“I am beyond excited,” said Tibatemwa earlier this summer. “I’m grateful to God, coach Tim (Hammond), coach Erin (Hurley) and all my teammates. I’m hopeful for the future of Ugandan swimming and in the need of more luck than ever before.”