On Monday, Hunter Powell was announced as the Colorado State University-wide commencement speaker for this year, as reported by a CSU SOURCE article.
Powell, a Fort Collins native, attended Fort Collins High School and participated in the track and field team. Despite not receiving any offers from collegiate athletics teams, he eventually walked on to the track teams at Western Colorado University, Baylor University, and later transferred to CSU.
Graduating from CSU in 2019, Powell had a successful two seasons with the CSU Track and Field team, winning the Mountain West Championships in the indoor heptathlon and outdoor decathlon in 2019. Although his NCAA championship aspirations were halted by an ankle injury, Powell continued to train and eventually transitioned to bobsledding in 2024.
Following his fiancee’s suggestion, who is also an Olympian bobsledder, Powell participated in bobsled combines and camps, earning a spot on Team USA’s four-man bobsled team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Powell will deliver the commencement address to graduates from all colleges at the Universitywide Commencement, sharing his unconventional Olympic journey to inspire and offer guidance to the transitioning alumni.
CSU President Amy Parsons praised Powell’s commitment and determination, stating that his story embodies the spirit of the Ram community and serves as a fitting message for college graduates.
The Universitywide commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 10-11:30 at Canvas Stadium.
Contact Claire VanDeventer at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
