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San Diego County’s ideal weather and laidback atmosphere have long been a breeding ground for world-class athletes, producing some of the most famous Olympians in history. From the likes of Shaun White to a new generation of talent, this region continues to shine on the global stage representing Team USA. Oceanside has the particular honor of being one of USA Surfing‘s official surf training grounds where you can watch top level surfers train and compete in competitions throughout the year.
As we look to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Oceanside proudly sends forth four outstanding athletes who epitomize this tradition of excellence. Caity Simmers, the current WSL World #1 surfer, is set to make waves on the global stage, while skateboarding phenoms Ruby Lilley and Gavin Bottger bring their remarkable skills and youthful energy to the competition. Adding to this impressive lineup is three-time volleyball Olympian Garrett Muagututia, whose experience and prowess continue to inspire. These hometown heroes, representing both the USA and Oceanside with pride, embody the spirit and determination that define our community
Sport: Surfing
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
When she’s not competing, you can find Caity enjoying the local skateparks or volunteering with youth surf programs. She has even directed, edited, and starred in her own short film, Toasted. As Caity continues to make waves on the global surfing stage, her heart will always belong to Oceanside.
Sport: Skateboarding
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
At just 17 years old, Ruby Lilley has already made waves in the world of skateboarding. Originally a dancer with a passion for ballet and ballroom, Lilley discovered skateboarding when she followed her older brothers to the park. Her passion and talent for the sport were evident from the start, and soon her brothers realized that she was destined for greatness on a skateboard. “It’s crazy because I never would have expected this,” said Lilley, who now lives and trains in Oceanside, California.
Her career highlights include finishing 7th at the 2023 World Skate Park Championships in Rome, securing 2nd place at the 2023 Red Bull Bowl Rippers in France, and also taking 2nd place at the 2023 X Games Japan Finals. Ruby Lilley is not just a skater; she’s an athlete with a unique blend of grace and grit, making her one of the most exciting young talents to watch in the skateboarding world. When responding to her Olympic Team success she stated “It’s rare, and I’m super grateful,” she said. “If I took it for granted, it just wouldn’t be as fun. Who’s getting to do that at my age and for such a cool event? It’s amazing.” With a positive outlook such as that, you can’t help but to cheer for this humble and talented young woman.
Sport: Skateboarding
Hometown: Oceanside/Vista, CA
Gavin Bottger, affectionately known as “Gavo,” has been a skateboarding sensation since he stepped on a board at age five. Now 17, this goofy-footed powerhouse from Oceanside, California, has skyrocketed in the World Skateboarding Rankings. At 16, he became the third U.S. skateboarder to win the men’s park world title with his victory at the WST Park 2023 World Championships in Rome. Currently ranked #3 in the world, Gavin has been called “the most casual skater in the Olympic qualifier series”. Gavin first gained attention at the X Games Next X amateur series, where he consistently placed in the top ranks. Leading up to the 2024 X Games Ventura he medaled in three of five competitions. His prior 2022 Dew Tour win and 2023 World Championship title cemented his reputation as a top contender.
Gavin trains at the California Training Center (CATF) in Vista, alongside top-tier skateboarders like Jagger Eaton and Tom Schaar. Active on social media, Gavo shares his competition highlights, training routines, and also focuses on filming with credits including Thrasher Magazine’s 2021 “Scuddle”.
Sport: Volleyball/ Beach Volleyball
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
Oceanside native, Garrett Muagututia is competing in his second Olympics as outside hitter on the Men’s indoor Volleyball team having also served as an alternate at Rio 2016. Garrett comes from a family with a rich athletic legacy. His father, Faauuga Muagututia, was a three-sport athlete at Carson High School in California and later became a Navy SEAL. Faauuga also played volleyball for the Navy team and represented American Samoa as a bobsledder in the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer. Garrett’s mother, Kathleen Muagututia, played volleyball at UC Riverside. Garrett honed his volleyball skills at the San Diego/Seaside Volleyball Club and went on to play on the UCLA team and later Team USA.
Known for his optimism and lighthearted spirit as much as his impressive volleyball skills, Garrett truly is the whole package. Garrett married his wife Keisha Lehua in 2017 and together they have three children. In his free time, Garrett enjoys playing the ukulele, singing, adventuring, staying active, and watching movies.
Sport: Volleyball, Beach Volleyball
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
Sport: Rugby
Hometown: Fallbrook, CA
Sport: Para Track and Field
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
Sport: Para Swimming
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
Sport: Skateboarding
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
Sport: Field Hockey
Hometown: Poway, CA
Sport: Skateboarding
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Breaking
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: : Para Track and Field
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Archery
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Wheelchair Tennis
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Rugby
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Equestrian
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Poway, CA
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Golf
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Sport: Cycling
Hometown: Poway, CA
Sport: Field Hockey
Hometown: Poway, CA
Sport: Rowing
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA
Black Plague Brewery teamed up with skateboarding prodigy, Nyjah Huston, to create a bold, flavorful Hazy IPA that exemplifies his devotion to becoming the best. Nyjah’s laser-focus on perfecting his skating is matched by Black Plague’s dedication to crafting this incredibly delicious beer. We hope you stop in for a pint of this epic beer and catch Nyjah and Team USA compete!
We can’t wait to welcome Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, to the NEW Frontwave Arena in Oceanside this September! On the heels of their Olympic run Simone along with Team USA teammates: Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Fred Richard, Stephan Nedoroscik and more!
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