Team USA pitcher Cat Osterman has ties to southern Illinois.
Her father is a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. Her grandfather Joe Osterman was also a long serving teacher and guidance counselor in the district.
The 38-year-old Osterman won gold with Team USA in 2004 and another silver medal in 2008. Softball was not included in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is hosting a free watch party when a local Olympian competes at the Summer Games in Tokyo.
Marion native Darryl Sullivan, Jr. will begin his quest for a medal in the high jump Thursday evening at 7.