This fall, I’m ready to declare my concentration as “Olympics” with a secondary in “Navigating NBC Peacock.” It’s been a long, studious summer of laying on the couch, judging Olympians and thinking, “I could probably do that.” Now that the Paris Olympics are over and we trickle back to Cambridge, it’s time to get off of the couch and indulge in the activities that the Olympics have you itching to try. Ride this post-Olympics high through the semester to stay active and get a little competitive on campus.
Exercise is the best possible way to improve long-term health, according to Harvard epidemiologists. Fortunately, you do not have to be a varsity athlete or on an Olympic Gold Medal track to enjoy the benefits of exercise. You can strive to emulate the success of the Harvard student-athletes who won 13 medals in Paris by trying out their sports in Cambridge.
Gabby Thomas ’19’s three track gold medals are an incredible feat that is out of reach for most of us. However, if you’re interested in one-upping this Olympian, you can start by running over a mile. Thomas shared that she only does so once a year. So, take a pair of running shoes down to the Charles River bike path, where you can make a mile-long loop or go farther for some on-foot city exploration in Boston. If you’re feeling competitive, level up by registering for the Charles River Marathon—ten laps of a 2.6-mile loop around the Charles.
For some company, invite your roommate to run with you. Freshmen, get to know your new roommate better by bringing them to the bike path and asking them, “What’s your life story?” My roommate used this line on me last year, and six miles around the Charles River later, we both knew much more about each other and were slightly trauma-bonded from the 90 degree heat. Harvard College Running Club is also another option for meeting new people and racing.
Kristen Faulkner ’16’s two gold medals in cycling were groundbreaking, and they came after she had only started biking at age 24. While in Cambridge, you can get a head start on all other future Olympic medalists planning to pursue venture capital first. Rent a Blue Bike from one of the several locations around Harvard Square, and the Boston Metropolitan Area will become your oyster. Ride three miles down the Charles River bike path to Newbury Street, or any other destination in Boston. If you have a bike on campus, consider joining the Harvard Cycling Club, or trying some of the routes on their page. Harvard’s student-run bike shop, Quad Bikes, will be waiting for you when you need a tune-up.
Before Faulkner rode for Team USA, she rowed for Radcliffe. The Charles River is a breeding ground for success, as seen by the five rowing medals won by Harvard crew alums in Paris (Liam Corrigan ’19, David Ambler ’20, Clark Dean ’23, Peter Quinton ’20, and Christian Tabash ’22). Harvard students can make a reservation to row recreationally from the historic Weld boathouse. Another option, embody The Boys in the Boat and go for gold by representing your house in Intramural Crew.
A rowing hub, the Charles River is less known for swimming. However, the river’s E. coli levels prove it to be cleaner than the Seine, where Lisa Tertsch ’21 won gold in the triathlon mixed relay last month. If you don’t “love that dirty water” that much, the Blodgett Pool is an Olympic-sized alternative with recreational swim hours. Harvard Recreation offers Swim Lessons and Lifeguard Certification courses if you are interested in risk reduction instead of competition.
If you’d like to try your hand at combat sports rather than racing, model after Lauren Scruggs ’25, who wowed with an individual silver medal and a team gold medal in foil fencing. Whether this piqued your attention to the sport of fencing, or you hope to continue pursuing it at Harvard, you can check out Harvard Fencing Club for some swordplay.
If you dream of becoming a champion in a sport outside of the five where Harvard student-athletes medaled in Paris, the rest of the nearly 50 registered club sports at Harvard provide tons more Olympic event overlap. Options include Archery, Karate, Sailing, and more. Harvard Badminton Club offers a chance to learn how to handle a shuttlecock, or even challenge at the National Championships; sadly you’ll have to make do without Snoop Dog’s commentary. Or, step outside the bounds of Olympic sports and explore the new Pickleball Club (who is to say it won’t be added for 2028?).
Beyond Olympic sports, there are plenty of other options around campus to stay fit and be active. The greatest obstacle to doing so once the semester picks up is often homework. A wise friend of mine introduced me to a new level of multi-tasking: coursework and cardio. All Harvard students can access the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC) and Hemenway Gymnasium for free. So, take advantage of their combined 130 treadmills, ellipticals, stair masters, and spin bikes to work out and knock out some p-sets and readings. The MAC and Hemenway also host strength training equipment and group fitness classes. Pilates, yoga, and other workouts are offered, though no breakdancing unfortunately for Raygun fans. Outside of Harvard’s offerings, Cambridge is home to a Central Rock Gym and other fitness studios like Down Under Yoga and BREATHE Cambridge.
Every active person needs a rest day now and then. While not competing, the Olympians enjoyed their time in Paris with tourism and treats. On your rest day, consider some active recovery with a stroll around the Harvard Art Museums, or to your cafe of choice.
This fall, embrace activity like an Olympian. Who knows, it could be your start down the #RoadtoLosAngeles2028.
Clara Lake ’27 (claralake@college.harvard.edu) wonders which Olympic sport might be her undiscovered talent.