Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker to speak at Liberty Convocation Sept. 20

Liberty University Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge announced two additions to the Fall 2024 Convocation schedule during Friday’s Convocation.

On Sept. 20, during Liberty’s College For a Weekend, Cole Hocker, who claimed gold in the 1500-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will talk about his faith journey as an Olympic runner. The 23-year-old set an Olympic record of 3:27.65 in Paris, becoming the fourth American in Olympic history to win gold in the 1500. Before the Paris Olympics, Hocker earned four NCAA titles during his stint at the University of Oregon. He won a silver medal in the 1500 at the 2024 World Athletic Indoor Championships. The Nike-sponsored athlete turned professional in 2021.

On Oct. 16, Liberty will welcome retired Paralympian swimmer Danielle Cekanor to Convocation. Cekanor competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics for Team Canada. Cekanor faced multiple challenges en route to her Tokyo appearance, including a major double-leg osteotomy surgery early in her career. She won two medals at the Pan Pacific Para Championships before Tokyo.

Author and pastor Joshua Broome was originally slated for Oct. 16 but will now speak on Sept. 13.

Convocation, held twice a week, remains the largest weekly gathering of Christian students in the world, featuring powerful worship, prayer, and inspirational speakers. The event is held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Vines Center and is open to the entire student body. Most Convocations are streamed live on Liberty’s YouTube channel and main Facebook page, as well as the Office of Spiritual Development Facebook page.