Simplot Games Bring Olympic Stars to Pocatello

Annual high school track and field event features 2,000-plus athletes and Olympic medalists

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The 46th annual Simplot Games are set to take place this week in Pocatello, Idaho, bringing together over 2,000 high school athletes from 12 states as well as Canada and Australia. The event will feature appearances by several Olympic gold medalists and Paralympians, including Stacy Dragila, Andre Phillips, Willie Banks, Tyson Gunter, Hunter Woodhall, and Tara Davis-Woodhall.

Why it matters

The Simplot Games have become an important annual tradition in Pocatello, providing a unique Olympic-style experience for high school athletes and allowing the community to engage with world-class Olympians. The event highlights Pocatello's commitment to youth sports and the city's role as a hub for track and field in the region.

The details

The games will kick off on Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by two days of qualifying events. On Saturday, a Parade of Athletes will be held before the finals take place. In addition to the competition, the event will feature a Dick Fosbury Breakfast where Olympic athletes will share their experiences with the community.

  • The Simplot Games will take place from Thursday, February 20 to Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Parade of Athletes is scheduled for 11:30 am on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Stacy Dragila

The first-ever Olympic women's pole vault gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Games and a two-time world champion.

Andre Phillips

The gold medalist in the men's 400-meter hurdles at the 1988 Seoul Games and a member of the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Willie Banks

A three-time Olympian in the men's triple jump from 1980, 1984 and 1988, and a USA Track and Field Hall of Famer.

Tyson Gunter

A 2016 Paralympian and two-time world championship silver medalist in the high jump in 2013 and 2017.

Hunter Woodhall

The Paralympic gold medalist in the 400 meters and bronze medalist in the 4x100 universal relay at the 2024 Paris Games.

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What they’re saying

“We try to give an Olympic experience. We honor all the Olympians who are coming this year.”

— Andrea Gumm, Public Affairs Manager, Simplot Games (idahostatejournal.com)

“I don't know what February in Pocatello would be like without the Simplot Games. It's woven into the fabric of this community.”

— Andrea Gumm, Public Affairs Manager, Simplot Games (idahostatejournal.com)

What’s next

The Simplot Games will continue to be an annual tradition in Pocatello, with the 47th edition scheduled for February 2027.

The takeaway

The Simplot Games have become a beloved community event in Pocatello, providing a unique opportunity for high school athletes to compete alongside Olympic and Paralympic stars and experience the excitement of an international-level competition right in their own backyard.