Nicknamed the "Conference of Champions," the Pac-12 has produced teams and athletes that have had success on some of the world's biggest stages. That's why the U.S. Olympic Committee announced yesterday that it would honor one Team USA Olympian from each of the 12 conference schools at next week's Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament.
USC track and field legend Bryshon Nellum will represent the Trojans in Las Vegas, where the Olympians will sign autographs, engage with fans and be recognized at halftime of the semifinal game on Friday night.
Nellum became a household name at the London Olympics in 2012 when the world learned his inspirational story. In 2009, during his sophomore season at Troy, the fledgling star suffered a shocking and devastating injury. Shot three times in the legs in a drive-by shooting, Nellum was told by doctors that he'd never return to form. But after taking a redshirt year to recover, he earned All-American honors and a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.
At the London Olympics, Nellum ran the leadoff leg for the U.S. in the finals of the 4x400 relay, setting up Team USA for a silver medal.
At the culmination of the Games, Los Angeles native Nellum was selected as the flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony to honor his perseverance in the face of adversity.
Nellum is just one of many incredible Olympic athletes to prep at USC. Troy boasts more all-time Olympians, medalists and gold medalists than any other university in the country. The 44 Trojans in Rio last summer, from DeMar DeRozan to Katinka Hosszu and in between, were once again more the most American university could claim, and a Trojan has won a gold medal at every Olympics since 1912.
Other Olympians to be honored at the tournament include Dana Vollmer (Cal, swimming), Kerri Walsh Jennings (Stanford, beach volleyball) and Bernard Lagat (Washington State, track and field).
Nellum will sign autographs from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10 on the concourse of T-Mobile Arena. Click here for more information!
Follow USC men's basketball on Twitter for information on the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament.
University Southern California Trojans
Saturday, August 15
Saturday, August 15
Friday, August 14
Friday, August 14
