MURFREESBORO, TN. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University’s Andrew Owusu has added a new honor to an already remarkable career. The public health professor, assistant track and field coach, and three‑time Olympian has been elected to the executive board of the World Olympians Association, the group representing more than 100,000 living Olympians worldwide.

Owusu said he is both thrilled and honored by the appointment, noting that it also reflects MTSU’s growing global presence in international sport governance. His election came during the organization's Jan. 18, 2026 General Assembly, held online, where he and 12 others were chosen to serve through the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Originally from Ghana, he was elected by acclamation by the 34 African National Olympians Associations, with 107 national associations participating overall.

He says that he plans to bring Olympians’ priorities and perspectives into board discussions, keep the national associations he represents informed, and help strengthen coordination across the continent. He also emphasized his commitment to good governance and supporting the broader Olympic community.

Owusu will continue teaching and coaching at MTSU, and he believes this new role will enrich his work on campus. He says it will bring global perspectives into the classroom and create opportunities for academic exchanges, guest speakers, mentoring, and real‑world examples that benefit both students and student‑athletes.

His own Olympic journey spans three Games—Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000, and Athens in 2004—where he competed in long jump and triple jump. He balanced his final Olympic appearance with completing his Ph.D. at MTSU and stepping into his first faculty role. For more than 20 years, he has shared both academic expertise and elite athletic experience with the Blue Raider community.

Looking ahead, Owusu says a few current athletes and several alumni have realistic Olympic potential for 2028.