News Summary
Elliot Markuson, a former Ole Miss football player, is pursuing his Olympic dreams in bobsledding for the 2026 Winter Games. His journey from Oxford, MS, led him through a unique path of coaching in China and competing on Team USA. Embracing his new role as a bobsledder, Markuson aims to inspire others from unconventional sports backgrounds. With support from his community, he prepares for the Olympic season, proudly representing Mississippi in a sport not widely associated with the state.
Charlotte, North Carolina – From Football Fields to Bobsled Tracks
Former Ole Miss football player Elliot Markuson is pursuing his Olympic dreams as a hopeful for the 2026 Winter Games. Markuson, who grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, transitioned from the gridiron to the icy tracks of bobsledding after an unexpected series of life events led him down this unique path.
Markuson’s journey began in Oxford, where his passion for football was ignited early, significantly influenced by his father, Mike, who was the offensive line coach for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). After an impressive senior year at Lafayette High School where he earned all-district honors, Markuson joined the Ole Miss football team in 2013 as a tight end. During his college career under head coach Hugh Freeze, he celebrated notable victories, including triumphs over Alabama in both 2014 and 2015.
In his final year as a Rebel in 2017, Markuson switched positions to linebacker, taking on a role in special teams, and contributing to the team’s success, including a crucial win in the Egg Bowl. After graduating, he initially sought a career in athletic administration.
In a bold move, Markuson decided to relocate to China, where he teamed up with former Michigan football player Chris McClaurin to introduce American football to Chinese children. This transformative period lasted 14 months and included significant experiences such as coaching alongside his father and visiting historical landmarks like the Great Wall of China.
Following his time in China, Markuson returned to the United States and received an invitation to compete on the reality show “The Next Olympic Hopeful.” However, the show’s production was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting him to seek out other opportunities. Instead of returning to a conventional job, Markuson contacted the development coach for Team USA Bobsled, inspired by former NFL star Herschel Walker’s success in various sports.
Markuson underwent a virtual tryout with Team USA and subsequently was invited to train in Lake Placid, New York, where he joined a group that included two former Division I track athletes and a former SMU football player. This month-long training focused extensively on developing his bobsledding skills.
Now in his fifth season of bobsledding, Markuson has competed in several North American Cup races and has embraced opportunities across the nation. Presently, he resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is actively training for his spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Markuson proudly identifies as the only bobsledder from Mississippi, cherishing the support from his hometown community in Oxford.
Reflecting on his journey, Markuson expresses immense pride in representing Mississippi in a sport that is not widely associated with the state. He continues to chase his Olympic aspirations while appreciating the impact of his upbringing and experiences throughout his career.
As Markuson prepares for the upcoming Olympic season, he anticipates media coverage to showcase his path and inspire others from unconventional sports backgrounds.
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Additional Resources
- The Rebel Walk: Elliot Markuson’s Journey
- The Rebel Walk: Lane Kiffin and Modern College Football
- Sports Illustrated: Eddie Eagan’s Legacy
- Wikipedia: Bobsleigh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
