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Project Starline brings Team USA Olympians closer to home

two people using Project Starline on a screen

Last updated: August 12, 2024

As a proud partner of Team USA, Google is committed to enhancing the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 experience for athletes and fans using Search and other technology. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just about competition; they're also about relationships, shared moments and celebrating incredible achievements. That's why we're constantly exploring ways to make these moments even more special.

This year, we brought the magic of Project Starline, our breakthrough communication technology that helps people feel like they’re in the same room, even when miles apart, to the Olympic Games in Paris.

  • U.S. Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard, wearing his Team USA gear, reaches out toward the screen as if to grab the hand of his childhood friend Sam Kaplan during a Starline interaction.
  • U.S. Olympic skateboarder Jagger Eaton, sporting a smile, chats casually with his younger brother Koston Eaton while using Project Starline.
  • Team USA Rugby star Ilona Maher, wearing a red Team USA shirt, points at the screen with a smile as she chats with her Oma (grandmother) on Project Starline.

Project Starline allowed athletes to share their incredible moments with loved ones back home. Here are three of their stories:

Frederick Richard and Sam Kaplan

U.S. Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard and childhood friend Sam Kaplan share an unbreakable bond, forged through countless hours of gymnastics training in the gym. Now, as Fred competes for Team USA at Olympic Games Paris 2024, see how Starline bridges the miles and brings these two lifelong friends together in a remarkably lifelike way.

an embedded YouTube video of Frederick Richard and Sam Kaplan
10:25

Jagger Eaton and Koston Eaton

For U.S. Olympic skateboarder, Jagger Eaton, the Paris stage isn't just about personal glory — it's a chance to ignite the dreams of his younger brother, Koston, and countless other young skateboarders around the world. Witness a playful exchange as Jagger shares more about his career, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to Koston.

an embedded YouTube video of Jagger Eaton and Koston Eaton
10:25

Ilona Maher and Grandma Lily

For Team USA Rugby star Ilona Maher, family is everything. Watch as Ilona and her beloved Grandma Lily, affectionately known as “Oma,” connect through Project Starline. Witness their heartwarming reunion — it's full of laughs, jokes and a debate about who has the best medal.

an embedded YouTube video of Ilona Maher and Grandma Lily
10:25

Learn more about Project Starline at Starline.Google.

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