Griskenas is a rhythmic gymnast who competed in both the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Little is a two-time Olympic gold medalist who ran in the women's 4x400m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay in Paris. Malkamaki also won gold in the F46 shot put this year.
“It means a lot,” said Little, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side. “It just makes my face more recognizable – seeing my city, being in a different atmosphere with a different sport. It just feels really good. …It's so cool. We really are in an elite club. We’re Olympians and then we were Illinoisans, so it’s just even 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 Texas native, is an 11-time Olympic medalist and took home four medals from Paris, including gold in the all-around, vault and team events.