Summer 2000 | The Olympian

Letter from John Naber

U.S. Olympians President

Dick Fosbury, the 1968 Olympic champion in the high jump is credited with inventing the "Fosbury Flop," the backwards style of jumping over the high bar in Track & Field. He actually denies trying to be creative, but rather considers his success a result of"struggling to solve a problem." For him, the problem was that using traditional methods was not producing satisfactory results.

One of the more overlooked attributes of the Olympic movement is the athletes' propensity for innovation and change. Throughout history, young men and women have been quietly striving to find a better way to perform their sport. For some, it means devising new equipment that maximizes their potential. For some, it's new techniques that revolutionize how their sport is done. For even more, it's a training regimen that pushes the boundaries of human performance to unheard of extremes.

Bob Seagren introduced the fiberglass pole to the competitors in the vault. Jon Hendricks introduced "shaving down" to the swimming world. Each proposed novelty brought with it a "hue and cry " from the existing establishment over the fairness or wisdom of the change. In Nagano we saw "clap skates" on the ice, and as we head to Sydney, a debate is raging over the "full body shark skin swim suit."

Historically, substantive change is only possible when the pain ofstaying the same exceeds the risk of exploring

new options. Some innovations catch on, while others are later seen as a passing fancy. Ideas that work are kept, those that don't, are soon dL carded

In the last Legacy, we sent you the procedures of how any Olympian could run for office and have their campaign statement published in this edition of the Legacy By the deadline, only four candidates had responded. Each of them has served as an officer in the past and all have competed in the 1972 Games or prior. No new candidates came forward.

Every one of these applicants has a long track record of valuable service and good ideas, and I don't want to imply that they are anything less than wonderful representatives of the Olympic family. But I am greatly saddened that our movement does not appear to be drawing the interest of any of the younger Olympians.

The pain of this realization ma kes 1 worthwhile to risk exploring new options. Something must change.

At the present time, the office of President and the six Vice-Presidents of the U.S. Olympians are filled by elect ions that occur every two years The USOC is willing to fund a nationwide mailing, with return envelopes, and ballots tabulated by a Certified Accounting Firm Uust like the Oscar Awards), but sadly the U.S. Olympians Constitution and Bylaws only allow for votes to be cast by the athletes actually present at the meeting ( no absentee ballots allowed). As a result, the leadership of your Alumni has often been determined by a total of less than twenty-five votes, and apparently, none of the newer Olympians want to "play in this game.''

Recently, the Presiden t of the North ern California Chapter of the U S. Olympians, Anne Cribbs, submitted Ian-

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Robert Dover

has won more dressage honors than any other American Equestrian comp€titor. Dover's four consecutive Olympic experiences began in 1984. He on tealil1 bronze meaals in 1992 and again in 1996. Dover will return for his 5th consecutive Olympic experience this year. Dover • remembers how his Olympic aspirations began much earlier,

"I was well over 13 years old. Like every kid, you have the Olympic dream. And as I started riding and having

this feeling like it was something I could do and excel at, I probably put it in my mind at that time that I could make it to the U.S. Olympic Team someday." It was not a stroke of luck, but rather an invested commitment to the sport through the years that enabled Dover to secure himself four spots on the Olympic team in the past and another this year. Dover does admit, "There have been many times when I have thought, "Why am I still doing this?" On the other hand, Dover reiterates, "The Olympics are like no other competition in the world." Clearly though, Dover has "excelled" at "doing this" as his track record demonstrates. At the 1988 World Cup Final he claimed the honor of having had the highst finish ever by an American l 4 t h ) , a n d i n 1 9 9 4 he was awarded the U.S. Olympic Committee's Male Equestrian of the Year award.

Teresa Edwards

has seen her career soar higher and higher through the years. She went from being the youngest recipient of a women's Olympic gold me al in 984, to being the oldest gold metlalis in 199 Along the way she has earned three gold medals (1984, 1988, and 1996) and one bronze (1992), to make her the most decorated Olympic basketball - player of all time, male or female. What keeps her returning time after time is simply because " It's who I am. I represent more than just

the Red, White, and

Blue; there are so many

different elements that come with it. It's that constant motivation to conquer myself as well as to be a part of the best that represents our country." Edwards is one of the most respected players in international women's basketball and has no intention of stopping just yet. She will make the trek to the 2000 Games for her 5th Olympic appearance with the hopes of guarding USA's hold on the Olympic title, and bringing back yet another gold medal. But it seems that the Olympics were not always part of the equation. Edwards remembers her first Olympics as a "learning experience, because I really wasn't too familiar with it. I didn't grow up like most kids dreaming to play in the Olympics." But even after four medals, she can still recall her emotions that first

time she made the team in 1984. For Edwards, "That was exciting That was probably the most exciting thing that ever happened to me. That was the beginning of dreaming for me."

Cliapot

jumps back into the Olympics for his 5th consecutive turn as the U.S. Equestrian Show Jumping Team Coach. However, coaching has not been his only role at the Games. Chapot is an Olympian himself, having competed six consecutive times in the Olympics, beginning in 1952 as the team's youngest member. So many years I a t e r, Chapot still remembers what it was like the first time he found out he had made the team, "I felt that I was very lucky to have made an Olympic Team, I had never dreamed that it would be possible. I couldn't imagine doing it; it was just unbelievable." Through the course of his track record as an Olympian, he was able to help capture two silver medals in Team Show Jumping. As a coach, he led the 1984 team to its first-ever gold medal. The 1988 and 1996 teams succeeded under his tutelage as well, both garnering silver medals. Sydney will mark his 11 th trip to the Games. And the reason he keeps going back for more? Chapot believes, "It's a wonderful honor to represent your country at the very highest level of the sport, and that is what makes it impo1tant to me. It's the highest level you can reach, the Olympic team, the U.S. Olympic Team."

by: Elliott Denman (athletics, 1956)

When California ;s Track and Fie ld sons, Bob Mathias, Mal Whitfield, Rafer t Johnson, Tommie Smith, Lee Evans, and Bob Seagren earned their Olym :c pie gold medals for America' s team, they did it far from home.

Mathias' and Whitfield's gold medals were earned in England and Finland, Johnson's in Italy, Smith's, Evans: and Seagren's in Mexico. The California guys, who flew an ocean or trekked south of the border to collect their Olympic gold medals, had never really been honored on home territory, as a group.

Sure, they are all enshrined in the annuals of their sport and their golden deeds remain legendary stories. Even so, many years have passed since these epic achievements have been commemorated and recalled by America and its people

For this reason, The Document Company, Xerox and the Sacramento 2000 Committee held the "Century of Champions" salute dinner in Sacramento's Convention Center the evening of July 19, 2000 to not only hono r the California Track and Field Olympians, but Track and Field Olympians from across the nation. The star-studded event was scheduled just perfectly: smack dab in the middle of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials held at Sacramento State University's Hornet Stadium.

This was a night for all Americans to be proud, a night to salute those Track

_ and Field athletes who br to their 'hometowns, s t ion . Loud r from the gu si on and asp reserved fo gation of California's g dors to the world.

Some, Californians as well as teammates hailing from the rest of the nation, had been fortunate enough to have had the honor of competing on American turf at Los Angeles in 1984 or Atlanta in 1996. The others, though, had their moments of glory at Olympic Games held away from home in London (1948), Helsinki (1952), Melbourne (1956) , Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), Mexico City (1968), Munich (1972), Montreal (1976), Seoul (1988), or Barcelona (1992 )

"These people are so very special,'' Terry Dillman, Xero x 's Director of Olympic Marketing, told the sellout crowd of over 1,200. "They have given us strength and courage. They have been champions on the track and champions in life."

The honorees at the 2000 Olympic Track and Field Reunion, combining their achievements, had acquired over 80 gold medals in the course of their Olympic years, a figure that only a handful of other nations can even begin to match.

" To have all these people, and all that they represent, under one roof, at one time-that's just amazing," said Harold Connolly, four-time Olympian, former

woi-fr{ __r ecord-holder, and the last Ameri~an l E.,--wi~,the O}ympic hck:i mer throw(1956).

The Olympians-p~esei {Et tne event were saluted by the eras they co mpeted 1:ike-Connolly, many of e honorees had reached increq_ible=ri ilestones in the i r spo.ct.~___

Horace Ashenfelter is the lone American to win the Olympic 3,000-meter steeplechase title, Helsinki in 1952.

Joan Benoit Samuelson won the first women's marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Valerie Brisco-Hooks, another star at the L.A. Games, was the first woman to win the Olympic 200 and 400-meter crowns.

When Alice Coachman Davis won the high jump at the London Games in 1948, she became the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a gold medal.

Glenn Davis, the 1956 and 1960 400meter hurdles champion, was the first man to break 50 seconds in the event.

Long jumper, Ralph Boston was one of the few to win a "complete set" of medals : a gold (1960) , a silve r (1964), and a bronze (1968).

Dick Fosbury, the 1968 high jumf\ champion, revolutionized the event by introduc i ng the "flop" style of going over the high jump bar on your back

Mathias, who garnered decathlon titles in 1948 and 1952, remains the youngest male gold medal winner in OlymJic history. At 17, he beat the world in the ten-event competition at the '48 London Games.

After placing second to teammate Milt Campbell in 1956, Rafer Johnson won his own decathlon gold in 1960.

Lee Evans broke the world 400-meter record edging teammate Larry James, and then anchored the record-smashing 4x400 relay team in 1968.

Until Michael Johnson's appearance on the scene, 1968 200M title-holder Tommie Smith was rated the finest "long sprinter" in track history.

Bob Seagren, 1968 champion, is the last American to win the Olympic pole vault.

Randy Matson won the shot put old medal in 1968 after his silver in 1964.

To this day, Billy Mills, who reached gold at Tokyo in 1964, remains the lone American to win the Olympic 10,000-meter run.

With discus triumphs in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968, Al Oerter, who was never chosen as the pre-Games favorite, became the first American to win his event at four consecutive Olympic Games.

Madeline Manning Mims, 1968 800M champion, became the first U.S. woman to win a running event with a distance exceeding a half-lap.

Harrison "Bones" Dillard, one of history's most illustrious high hurdlers, his "secondary" event, the 100M dash in 1948, before winning his hurdling specialty in 1952.

Wyomia Tyus became the first woman

to take consecutive 100M sprint titles, in 1964 and 1968, a feat unduplicated until the reign of Gail Devers in 1992 and 1996.

Mal Whitfield made history in 1948 and 1952 by being the only American ever to take repeat 800M gold medals

Willie Davenport high hurdled at four games -taking the gold in 1968 and a bronze in 1976- and rounded out his Olympic career as a bobsledder.

Silver medalist in the 1956 long jump - at sweet 16 - Willye White went on to compete in four more Games to total five, an unequaled feat, and barely missed a sixth team.

Roger Kingdom, 1984 and 1988 winner, is one of two men, the other being the late Lee Calhoun, to ever repeat as the Olympic high hurdles champion.

"It has been a long journey for me," said Greenspan. "I am honored and fortunate to be associated with the greatest athletes in the world."

and golden achievements to be recalled, all over again.

Amid all of this, a special honor was extended to Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Bud Greenspan, who will soon add the official film of the Sydney Games to his archive of classics.

"It has been a long journey for me," said Greenspan. "I am honored and fortunate to be associated with the greatest athletes in the world."

Even non-track Olympians joined in the spirit of the occasion . As swimminggreat, Debbie Meyer put it, "We (all Olympic athletes) are family, we are one."

The thrill went in all directions. Marathon champion Benoit Samuelson said that she was honored to speak on behalf of"these athletes who have inspired me over the years; they worked hard and were willing to follow their own heart ." To this day, of course, Benoit Samuelson continues to inspire young Americans to take up the challenge of track's long distances.

With America's 2000 team determining itself at the Olympic trials and all these great athletes of America's Track and Field past descending on the city, it's no wonder that Sacramento Mayor Jimmie R. Yee wore a gold-medal smile.

Larry Young, twice a 50k walk bronze medalist, was cheered as the only American ever to medal in track's longest footracing event.

George Baird, the still-spry gold medalist in the 4x400 relay at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, was saluted as the senior Olympian on the star-studded premises.

And so there was - it seemed - an unending series of toasts to be made

"I hope the fans and athletes have had as much fun as we have had putting it on," said the Mayor.

Euphoria, over the success of the trials as well as the "Century of Champions" salute, was the general mood as the event came to a close.

"I hope Sacramento provides a springboard for our sport for a long, long time," said Al Oerter.

"Thank you, Sacramento."

Olympism - Taekwondo, They go Hand in Hand

By: Herb Weinberg

Olympism is founded upon brotherhood, sportsmanship, and peace. This philosophy was exemplified on May 20th in Colorado Springs when Kay Poe, 18, faced her lifelong best friend and teammate Esther Kim, 20, to determine who would represent the USA in the women's flyweight division ( 108 pounds) of taekwondo at the Sydney Games.

The favorite, Kay Poe, went into the championship match undefeated. Poe defeated her arch rival, Mandy Meloan of Sugarland, TX, in the semifinal round after a 4-4 tie and a referee decision in the final match However, Poe sustained an injury to her left knee (dislocated patella) in her match with Meloon and remained questionable going into the championship round where she would fight her best friend, Esther Kim

Esther and Kay had known each other for thirteen years. As a five-year-old, Kay clung to the hand of seven-yearold Esther because she didn't know anyone at a party. Both gir ls are coached by Esther's father, Jin Won Kim.

As they met within the warm-up area before that final match, tears flowed down each of their faces because Kay was injured and not ready for the match. Kay cried because of the pain she was experiencing and the realization that within this kicking sport there was no way she could defeat Esther. And Esthe r cried because she knew Kay was the better taekwondo athlete and it hurt to see her best friend in pain with no chance of winning the coveted Olympic spot.

Therefore, out of love and respect she told Kay she was going to concede the match to her. Kay protested "You can't do this!," but Esther could not be deterred.

On the mat the concession took place, a gesture that made Kay an Olympian who after four months of therapy will fight in Sydney.

Spectators were mystified at what was happening until the officials stood, and in an extraordinary gesture of respect, bowed to Esther The crowd understood and 800 people wept.

Touched by the incident IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch, later called to invite Esther and her father to Sydney as gu ests of the Committee to see Kay compete.

Sometimes everyone wins.

President Clinton Pays a Visit

President Bill Clinton helped commemorate the worldwide celebration of Olympic Day and the Fifth Anniversary of the ARCO Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. The President toured the facility and visited with Olympic hopefuls on June 23, 2000.

The President was led on a tour by ARCO/USOTC Director Patrice Milkovich. During his tour, the President visited various sport demonstration sites, where he had a chance to see the athletes in action. There were six sport demonstrations which included the pole vault, triple jump, race walk, archery, rowing, skiing, and soccer.

,.-.__The second portion of the visit involved a formal speech by the President to more than 700 guests at the Copley Visitor Center. Joining the President

on stage was USOC President Bill Hybl. Deena Drossin (athletics, 2000 Olympic qualifier), first place finisher in the 10,000M at the Track & Field Olympic Trials, was selected to give a welcoming speech on behalf of all the athletes.

complishments of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. He also declared that by Executive Order, Title IX will be extended to cover all federal programs previously not covered in the Act.

The President departed by motorcade after taking photos with eagerly awaiting guests. ARCO/USOTC was very pleased to have the President with them to celebrate Olympic Day.

The President's address was significant as he recognized Olympic Day, the anniversary of Title IX and the great ac-

?resident Bill Clinton during his speech at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego

The President contemplates a pole vault attempt.

Patrice Milkovich and the President discuss the rigors of rowing.

Continued from page 2

guage for a Constitutional Amendment that would allow every Olympian the option of casting a ballot, regardless of their physical, financial, geographical or personal ability to travel to the site of the meeting.

Some in the movement have argued that if this Amendment passes, the election will automatically become a popularity contest, or that many of those that vote will have insufficient experience to make wise decisions concerning the future of the Alumni movement. Some feel that athletes with many medals will enjoy an unfair advantage over less decorated but equally devoted volunteers, eager to serve.

I don't agree.

"Celebrity athletes" don't wish to devote the time necessary to fulfilling the

duties involved and therefore won't run for office Olympians that do campaign for office will have ideas worth fighting for, and the vast majority of Olympians will vote on issues of service rather than popularity. Most importantly, Alumni influence on USOC policy becomes stronger when our leadership represents the largest possible number of voices.

The USOC has offered United Airlines "VIK" (value in kind) for each Chapter to send one representative to the Annual Full Membership Meeting, so I ask you to contact your Chapter President to urge them to support the passing of the Amendment. A list of all Chapter Presidents (and phone numbers) is included elsewhere in this edition of the Legacy.

I think the Amendment is so important, that I am willing to remove any

appearance of self-serving duplicity or possible conflict of interest. For that reason, (and others) I have chaser NOT to run for re-election at the An- -nual Meeting. I wish to expend every ounce of my political capital to make the U.S. Olympians more inclusive, more progressive, more productive and more effective.

If you are near Washington, DC on November 28 and 29 of this year, please drop what you're doing, drop by and drop a ballot in the box Until you can mail in your vote, let your voice be heard by showing up.

"Olympian Talent Market" to Launch October 2000

Q monster:com

Do you have traditional business skills suitable for projectbased employment opportunities? Are you looking to leverage your Olympian experience for speaking engagements and appearance opportunities? Need to find shorter-term work opportunities while training or to transition to a non-athletic career?

Monster.com, one of our USOC sponsors, will be launching a new program - the Olympian Talent Market - in October and we encourage your active participation in this new opportunity

Hosted on Monster.corn's web site, the Olympian Talent Market will be designed exclusively for Olympians who are interested in project-based or contract employment opportunities. It's perfect for those who desire flexibility in their work schedule, travel extensively to train and compete, and for those who are interested in speaking engagements and public appearances linked to their Olympic experience. Beginning with active USOC athletes, this opportunity will be extended over time to alumni as well.

How Does It Work?

• You will be able to build a personal/professional/athletic profile hosted on the site that will be accessible and searchable by employers who have posted work projects to an exclusive group comprised solely of Olympians.

• You will have the opportunity to search and express interest in projects hosted on the site, and to consider bids from these potential employers.

• You have complete control over all personal information entered in your profile, and your contact information will not be revealed to employers unless you accept an employment bid from them.

• You will be able to define the periods of time for which you are available for project work, your preferred rates, available locations, etc.

• The service is completely free to you.

To learn more about how you can participate in this exciting new opportunity from Monster.com, go to http:// talentmarket.monster.com/olympians.

Can you imagine ice hockey Olympic gold medalists Karyn Bye (ice hockey, 1998) and Cammi Granato (ice hockey, 1998) as synchronized swimmers? Neither could they, but Bye and Granato along with 90 other female athletes and their coaches found themselves in different athletic roles on May 10-12th at the Women's Team SUMMIT in San Diego, CA. SUMMIT athletes found themselves catching fly balls from Olympic gold medal softball player Lisa Fernandez (softball, 1996), playing soccer with Olympic gold medalists Mia Hamm (soccer, 1996), Julie Foudy (soccer, 1996), and Brianna Scurry (soccer, 1996), and performing "dry land configurations of a platform lift" under the tutelage of the 2000 Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team. The female ath letes present were able to build a greater respect for their Olympic teammates through their hands-on experience. rhemed "Repeating a Gold Medal Performance," the 2000 Women's Team SUMMIT featured ice breakers, sport demonstrations, group recreation, and

inspiring speeches. The program gave these women, who are pioneers in their sport, a chance to interact with other female Olympians sharing their same vision.

Another chance to gather Olympians and Olympic hopefuls took place on June 22 -23 rd Nearly 70 athletes with hopes of taking home some silver, gold, and bronze at the 2002 Winter Games gathered for emotional and strategical support at Snowbird Resort for the SUMMIT 2002 program This two-day program was the first SUMMIT program of its kind to preceed an Olympics, summer or winter. The aim is at bonding and building the first U.S. Olympic Team on which the athletes actually know each other. They hope to increase the strength, power, and medal count of the United States athletes by going into the 2002 Winter

The Mission Bay Yacht Club was a nice backdrop for this sailboat ride.

Games as a team. Clinics, exercises, and shared training secrets made up most of the activities. Some of the Olympians present at the SUMMIT 2002 program included Norman Bellingham (canoe/kayak, 1988), Bonnie Blair Cruikshank (speedskating, 1984, '88, '92, '94), Cammi Granato (ice hockey, 1998), Dan Jansen (speedskating, 1984, '88, '92, 194), John O'Callahan (ice hockey, 1980), and Bria n Sh imer (bobsled,1988,'92, ' 94, '98)

Vlth Olympic Dinner & Champions Life

More than 50 of America's Olympic sportsmen and women participated in the U.S. Olympic Committee's Vlth Olympic Celebration and Dinner on May 15-16, 2000 in Washington, D.C. The two-day celebration, held every two years, is an opportunity for the

ment relations, USOC), is a USOC youth outreach program that utilizes Olympians to teach young people, particularly at-risk youth, the Olympic values. Olympians concentrated on motivational aspects for inner-city school children. The program started with

USOC to share the spirit and ideals of the Olympic movement with students, parents and U.S. government leaders from throughout our nation's capital.

The celebration was kicked off the evening of May 15th with a Welcome Reception hosted by USA Today President and Publisher Tom Curley at the Gannett Building in Arlington, VA. Other featured speakers at the Welcome Reception included Senator Howard Baker, chairman of the Vlth Olympic Celebration and Dinner.

On May 16th, the celebration continued with a series of Champions in Life assemblies. Champions in Life, founded by Stephen Bull (govern-

the athletes splitting into groups and visiting four inner-city schools around the Washington D.C. area. The schools included Garnett-Patterson Elementary School, Shaw Junior High, Lincoln Middle School, and Cardoza Senior High School. They gave short motivational speeches to the students and answered questions. Some athletes gave an exhibition of their sporting skills.

Buddy Lee (wrestling, 1992) was a popular figure at both his venues. Lee dazzled kids with his extraordinary jump-roping capabilities and captivated his audiences with his energy and charisma. Lee's message to the kids was, "Tell yourself, 'I can do better, I will do better'-every hour, every day, every

week, every month, every year'. You are the ones who can achieve, you have the ability to do whatever you want. You can be the Champion in your lives."

Following the Champions in Life assemblies, the Speaker's Luncheon was held for the Olympians at the Ronald Reagan Center in the International Trade Center. Dennis Hastert, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, gave the keynote address.

The two-day celebration concluded with an official dinner hosted by the United States Olympic Committee for the 1300 guests in Washington's Union Station on Capitol Hill. NBC Sports Olympic Host, Bob Costas, was the evening's keynote speaker, while the USOC's Mike Moran was master o~ ceremonies. The guest speakers for the dinner included Senator Baker, Senator John Breaux, USOC Chief Executive Officer Norm Blake, and USOC President Bill Hybl.

Hybl told the Olympians: "During this program, you will be reaching out to some 2000 kids and that can make a difference in their lives. We , in America, are proud of what you have done in the past, but also proud of what you continue to do.

"Communities in this nation need role models, people of education, people with principles. That means you."

VI OLYMPIC DINNER Participants

Mike Barrowman (swimming, 1988, '92), Bruce Baumgartner (wrestling, 1984, '96), Cheri Becerra (NWA, 1996), Jeffrey Blatnicl(~ (wrestling, 1980, '84), KarynBye(icc hockey, 1998), Brandi Chastain (soccer, 1996), Mary Ellen Clark (diving, 1992, '96), Bonnie Blair Cruikshank

Special guest speaker, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright addresses the guests during the Vlth Olympic Dinner at Main Hall of Union Station on Capitol Hill.

(speedskating, 1984, '88, '94), Robert Ctvrtlik (volleyball, 1988, '92, '96), Donna de Varona (swimming, 1960, '64), Herbert Douglas (athletics, 1948), Joy Fawcett (soccer, 1996), Lisa Fernandez (softball, 1996), Michelle Rnn-Burrell (athlet\cs, 1992), Jonathan Fish (rowing, 1988), EricRaim(speekskating, 1988, '94, '98), Herman Frazier (athletics, 1976, '80), Nicole Haislett (swimming, 1992), Mia Hamm (soccer, 1996), David Hearn (canoe/kayak, 1992, '96), Scot Hollonbeck (wheelchair racing, 1992, '96), Joseph Jacobi(canoe/kayak, 1992), Charles Jenkins (athletics, 1956), Charles Jenkins Jr. (athletics, 1992), Bryant Johnson (team handball, 1988), Buddy Lee (wrestling, 1992), Carol Lewis (athletics, 1980, '88), Kristine Lilly (soccer, 1996), Hilary Lindh (skiing, 1988, '92, '94), JairLynch(gymnastics, 1992, '96), PhillipMahre(skiing, 1976, '80, '84), Linda Mastandrea (CPA TRK, 1996), Jim Mi/Ins (figure skating, 1976), Madeline Manning Mims (athletics, 1968, '72, '80), Benita Fitzgerald Mosley (athletics, 1980, '84), John Naber (swimming, 1976), Anita Nall (swimming, 1992), Cynthia Parlow (soccer, 1996), Christie Pearce (soccer), Michael Powell(athletics, 1988, '92, '96), John Register (paraswim,

1996), Dorothy Richardson ( softba 11, 1996), Jeffrey Rouse (swimming, 1992, '96), James Ryun (athletics, 1964, '68, '72), Kate Sobrero (soccer hopeful), Kerri Strug (gymnastics, 1992, '96), Robert Stull (pentathlon, 1984, '92), Kevin Szott (judo, 1996), Debra Thomas (figure skating, 1988), Sarah Tueting (ice hockey, 1998), Andrew Valmon (athletics, 1988, '92), Meredith Valmon (athletics, 1992, '96), Anthony Volpentest (athletics amputee, '92, '96 '00), Jason Wening (swimming, paralympian 1996), Sara Whalen (soccer hopeful), and Malvin Whitfield (athletics, 1948, '52).

CHAMPIONS IN UFE participants

Jeffrey Blatnick (wrestling, 1980, '84), Karyn Bye (ice hockey, 1998), Michelle Finn-Burrell (athletics, 1992), Eric Flaim (speed skating, 1988, '94, '98), Joseph Jacobi (canoe/kayak, 1992), Buddy Lee (wrestling, 1992), Carol Lewis (athletics, 1980, '88), lair Lynch (gymnastics, 1992, '96), John Naber (swimming, 1976), John Register (swimming paralympian, 1996), Dorothy Richardson (softba 11, 1996), Kevin Szott (judo, 1996), and Sarah Tueting (ice hockey, 1998).

Olympians Busy at Springfield College: Blatnick speaks at graduation and de Varona receives an honrary

JeffreyBlatnick(wrestling, 1980, '84), 1984 wrestling gold medalist, spoke at his alma mater, Springfield College's 114t h commencement on May 14, 2000. Blatnick, known for thrill-

ing audiences worldwide when he won a gold medal in '84 afte r surviving cancer, retired from competition after his second bout with cancer. Since then, Blatnick has become a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a U S Olympic Committee ambassador, a network television commentator, and a motivational speaker. He devotes considerable time to charitable organizations that deal with advancing sports, physical fitness , and cancer- related issues. Today, Blatnick speaks nationwide against the trend to reduce physical education in schools

At the 114th commencement, Springfield College also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanics degree to Donna de Varona (swimming, 1960, '64). de Varona won two Olympic gold medals in swimming in 1964 after breaking an unprecedented 18 swimming records. She was the youngest and the first woman sportscaster on network television in 1964 when she became an expert commentator on ABC's Wide World of Sports de Varona launched a career in the sports journalism/broadcasting business that paved the way for future women athletes and journalists. She later played

degree!

roles in some of ABC's premier events, including several Olympics. Donna co-produced, wrote, and hosted Keepers of the Flame, an Olympic television special that won the Emmy award for producing and covering a story on a Spec ial Olympian. de Varona is a threetime Sullivan Award nominee and a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and International Women's Hall of Fame. She served on two presidential commissions and for five terms on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Working with Special Olympics since inception, de Varona was also a consultant to the United States Senate and a moving force in Congress' passage of the 1978 Amateur Sports Act and landmark Title IX legislation

Springfield College has historically awarded honorary degrees

I Jeff and Donna enjoy ceremonies. to individuals whose life and work exemplify its distinctive humanics philosophy that emphasizes development of the whole person in spirit, mind , and body for leadership in service to others. Among past recipients are Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Art Linkletter, Henry Luce, Sargent Shriver Jr , Stuart Udall, Arthur Fiedler, Jeffrey Blatnick (wrestling, 1980, '84), Richard MacPherson, Julius Erving, Robert Cousy, Dr. Tenley Albright (figure skating, 1960, '64), Jean Bertrand Ar istide, and Willye White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68, '72)

Jeffrey Blatnick

Donna de Varona

Donna receives her honorary Doctor of Humanics degree

Breakfast With Champions Special Olympics

Southern California

By: Natalie Hallett

The Special Olympics Southern California "Breakfast With Champions" took place June 17, 2000 at California State University, Long Beach. Breakfast With Champions is an annual event hosted by the S.O.S.C. Board of Governors to recognize the Outstanding Male and Female Special Olympians and corporate sponsors . Rater Johnson (athletics, 1956, '60), chairman of the Southern California chapter, introduced the winners of the 2000 Fran Greenspan Outstanding Female and Male Special Olympians, Kristine Ellen Johnson and Melges Scott and presented them with their awards. Silver medalist Ann MeyersDrysdale (basketball, 1976) was the guest speaker and spoke about the importance of heroism and the Special Olympics. Dr. Sammy Lee (diving, 1948, '52), three-time medalist in diving and 1960 Olympic coach, was also there to honor the athletes.

Breakfast With Champions is a fundraising vehicle for the Southern California Summer Special Olympics The Special Olympics holds International World Games every four years for summer and winter sports and holds chapter Olympics in each state every Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The last International Summer Games were held in Raleigh, NC during 1999. There were 7,000 athletes present and 150 different countries represented.

OLYMPIAN (~ ALUMNI ' CHAPTER g A NEWS

Did you kn ow th at the U S. Ol ympi a ns have reg io nal c hap te rs thro ug ho ut th e co untr y? L ook fo r upd ates o n c hap te r happ e nin gs in futur e iss ues of Th e O lymp ian ! If yo u would lik e to find out what is happ e nin g in yo ur area, c on tact:

Northern California Olympians

P res iden t: Anne Warner Cribbs (sw imm ing, 1960) (650 ) 856-3200

Southern California Olympians

Pre siden t: Charles G. Bittick (wate rpolo, 1960) (714) 974-4114

Georgia O lympians

Presi dent: Rocky Lane ( boxing, 1956) (770) 963-5903

New England Area Olympians

Pres ide nt: Tina Noyes (fig u re skat ing, 1964, '68) (781) 64 6 -0763

Midwest Olympians

Pre si d ent: Willye White (at h letics, 1956, '60, '64, '6 8, '72) (773) 651-8267

Washington State Olympians

P resi de n t: Caroline Holmes (gymnastics, 1968) (206) 246-2934

Southwest Olympians

Pres id ent: Earl Young (athlet ics, 1960) (214) 696-2393

Oregon Olymp i ans

Pre sident: Clem Eischen (athletics, 1948) (503 ) 492-2232

Florida Olymp i ans

Pre si de nt: Bob Beamon (at hletics, 196 8) (305) 470-6262

Indiana Olympians

Pre sident: Ollan Cassell (athletics, 1964) (317) 466-0444

Utah Olymp ians

Presi dent: Dick Roth (sw imm ing, 1964) (435 ) 645-8148

Colorado Olympians

Pre siden t: Hank Kashiwa (skiing, 1972) (303) 462-8 21 5

Nationa l Capita l Area Olympia ns

Pres ide n t: Jair Lynch (gymnastics, 1992, '96) (202 ) 462-1092

Hawaii Olympians

Pre siden t: Evelyn Kawamoto Konno (sw imming, 1 952) (808 ) 396-6102

Tri-States Olympians

Pre sident: Otis Davis (athletics , 1960) (201 ) 392-8448

No chapter in your area? In terested in starting a chapter? Contact the Olymp ic Al umni Relat ions office fo r detai ls at (800) 717-7555.

2000 Olympic Day Run held June 17th at the U.S. Olympic Complex

The United States Olympic Committee hosted the 2000 Olympic Day Run on June 17th at the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs The 125 participants were selected through youth community organizations. U S. Olympians from Colorado and Olympic hopefuls also participated in the run.

The theme for this year's event was "A Celebration of Peace Through Sport" and was part of the International Olympic Committee's worldwide celebration of Olympic Day.

The course was set on the U.S. Olympic Complex with runners receiving wristbands in the colors of the Olympic Rings for each of the five laps that were completed. The total course distance was 2 ½ miles. All participants also received a t-shirt commemorating the event.

The Coca-Cola Company is the worldwide partner of the Olympic Day Run. A sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1928, CocaCola has been supporting the run since 1989.

First Timers -

By: Natalie Hallett

ANNETT BUCKNER DAVIS & JENNY JOHNSON JORDAN

are America's top-ranked beach volleyball team, men or women, in the world at No. 2. In order to qualify for the 2000 Olympics, Buckner Davis and Johnson Jordan had to participate in at least eight FIVB (the world governing body) international tournaments. Points are totaled from these tournaments and the top two teams from the U.S. earn a berth to the Olympics. Davis and Jordan went from finishing 93 rd in 1997 when they first started participating in the FIVB World Tour, to being ranked No.2 in the world and No.1 in the U.S in 2000. The team of two (Davis and Jordan) won gold medals in four-person beach volleyball at the 1996 World Championships held in ·Los Angeles. These athletes are very tough players physically and mentally. Davis is married to Olympic hopeful swimmer, Byron Davis Jordan is the daughter of gold medal Olympic decathlete, Rafer Johnson, and married to former UCLA wide receiver, Kevin Jordan.

Email questions to: BFISHINC@aol.com (he writes for USA Volleyball)

Ready to Make Their Marki

Name: Annett Buckner Davis

Sport: Beach Volleyball

Born : September 22, 1973

Residence: larzana, California

Height: 5 '11 "

Weight: 150 lbs.

College: UCLA

Name : Jenny Johnson Jordan

Sport: Beach Volleyball

Born: June 8, 1973

Residence: larzana, California

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 154 lbs.

College: UCLA

the first and only women's pole vault world champion looks to add the first women's Olympic title to her already impressive resume this year. Dragila not only took first at the Track & Field Olympic Trials, but she set a world record for women's pole vault that day by jumping 15-02.25, her third outdoor world record since last August.

Dragila is the first woman to have ever won the world indoor championship in the pole vault in 1997 equaling the world record of 14-5.75. In 1999, at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Seville, Spain, Dragila became the first woman to win a pole vault outdoor title by equaling the world record of 15.l. In 2000, Dragila broke the American record four times and the world indoor record on three occasions. Dragila also vaulted 15-5 to earn $50,000 at the annual Beach Pole

Vault held in Santa Barbara, Califor1 nia but this mark won't be ratified to break her world reco r d because the runway didn't meet specifications (it was set up on the sand).

Name: Stacy Dragila

Sport: Athletics, Pole Vault

Born: March 25, 1971, Auburn, California

Residence: Pocatello, Idaho

Height: 5-7.5

Weight: 140 lbs.

College: Yuba CC '92, Idaho State '95

Personal Best: 15-feel 2.25 inches

MAURICE GREENE

Olympic Trials champion in the lOOM, will be one to keep your eyes on in Sydney. He is a two-time World lO0M champion ('97, '99), the 1999 World 200M champion, the 1999 World Indoor 60M champion, and the ancho r of the 1999 World champion 4x100 relay team. He is the world record holder in the SOM dash, the 60M dash, the 100M, and a member of the worldrecord-setting 4X100 meter relay. Maurice was the first man to accomplish the 100/200 sprint double at the World Championships and only the fourth athlete in World Championship history to win three golds in a single

meet. With all of Greene 's amazing accomplishments, the only thing tha l seems to be missing from his resume is an Olympic gold. He enters the

STACY DRAGILA

Olympic season as the favorite in the 100M.

Name: Maurice Greene

Sport: Athletic~ 100frl 4X100M relay

Born: July 2~ 1974/ Kansas Ci[½ Kansas

Residence: Granada Hills/ California

Height: 5-9

Weight: 175 lbs.

Personal best: 1 00M-9. 79

200M-19.86

60M-6.39

S0M-5.56

4X100 anchor-37.59

CHERYL HAWORTH

currently the strongest woman in the United States, will be one of the youngest weightlifters to compete in the Olympics. Haworth began lifting in 1996 at age 12. She is now 17 years old in a sport were a female athlete doesn't reach her peak until her 30's.

Cheryl is a 2000 Junior World two-time silver medalist and a bronze medalist, a 1999 Pan American Games Gold Medalist, a 1999 National Junior Championship G o I d Medalist, a 1999 Junior W or Id Si Iver Medalist, and a 1 9 9 9 W or Id Championship Bronze Medalist in the Snatch. She is the only U.S. Weightlifting Team member, men or women, who received a medal at the 1999 World Championships. In the junior division, 16 and under, Haworth outlifted all the guys. There was no

one stronger, male or female, under 16. In a given day, Haworth lifts 15 to 30 tons of weight in a two or three hour session. In addition to being able to lift over 300 lbs. above her head and squatting nearly 500 lbs., Cheryl is fast. She can easily run a sub 5 second 40 yard dash and has a 30plus vertical jump.

Name: Cheryl Haworth

Sport: Weightlifting

Born: April 1983

Residence: Savannah Georgia

Height:SIY

Weight Class: 75+ kg. (super-heavy division)

Personal Best: Clean & Jerk-318lbs. Snatch-264 lbs.

You may have heard her voice as disc jockey "Mrs. Jones" in Nike commercials. Showing only her mouth and nose while speaking into the microphone, she talks about issues affecting world sports. "Mrs. Jones," otherwise known as

MARION JONES

the World's Fastest Woman, will not be camera shy in September as she attempts to make history by winning five events, the 100M, 200M, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, and the long jump, at her debut in Sydney. Marion qualified for all five events at the trials by winning the 100M with a time of 10.88, the 200M with a time of 21.94, the long jump with a jump of 23-0.50, and being chosen to be on both the 4Xl00M and 4X400M relay teams. Marion is a two-time World 100M champion ('97, '99), a 1998 U.S. 100, 200, & long jump champion, as well as a 1998 World Cup 100 & 200 champion. She won the 1998 Goodwill Games in the 100 and the 200. Also a terrific basketball player, Jones averaged 22.8 points per game as a high

school senior and was named California Division I Player of the Year. As a point guard, she helped North Carolina to the NCAA title in her first year of college ball. She was inspired to be a track athlete by the late Florence Griffith Joyner. She never lost a high school competition after her freshman year and she holds the national high school record in the 200 meters. Coached by Jamaican Olympian, Trevor Graham, Jones only trains with men, including 400 star Antonio Pettigrew. Marion Jones is married to '96 Olympic shot putter, C.J. Hunter.

Name: Marion Jones

Sport: Athleti~ 100frl 200frl 4x100M relay, 4X400M relay, Long Jump Born: October 1975, Los Angele~ California

Residence: Raleigh/ North Carolina

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 150 lbs.

College: North Carolina '97

Personal Best: 1OOM-10.65

200M-21.62

400M-49.59

Long Jump-23 feet 11.75 inches

ANNA KOZLOVA

is the best synchronized swimmer in the United States. Originally from Russia, Kozlova recently received her U.S. citizenship on October 7, 1999. In her 17-year career, Kozlova has become famous for imitating animals in her solo routines. She likes the natural beauty and grace of animals.

In the past she has imitated a snake and a bird; who knows what she'll surprise us with next! Kozlova has been our national champion in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 in at least three out of the four events which include solo, duet, team, and figures. Anna took 2nd in duet at the VI Fina World Cup in '93. She competed for Russia in the '92 Olympics, placing 4t h in duet. Kozlova took 1st in both individual and duet at the 1999 Olympic Trials. The

LENNY KRAYZELBURG MAUREEN O'TOOLE

has broken world records twice in the lO0M and 200M backstroke, and looks to sweep the backstroke events at the

synchronized swimming events that are competed in the Olympics include duet and team. Kozlova was named the 1997 USSS Athlete of the Year and a Sullivan Awa r d nominee. She has been the Esther Williams Creative Achievement Award winner for both 1998 and 1999. Until she became active in synchronized swimming at age nine, Kozlova's goal was to be a ballerina in the Russian ballet.

Name: Anna Kozlova

Sport: Synchronized Swimming

Born: December 1972, St Petersburg, Russia

Residence: Santa Clara, California

Height: 510 "

Weight: 140 lbs.

College: Academy of Physical Education in Russia

Sydney Games. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Lenny's parents moved to the United States to escape anti-Sem itism and the fear that Lenny, at the young age of 13, would be sent to war. After Lenny settled in the United States, he finished sixth in 1996 in the 200M backstroke at the Olympic Trials Now he owns 6 of the 10 fastest times ever in the 200M backstroke, as well as the top two fastest times ever in the l00M backstroke. Lenny is a world record holder in the SOM, 100M, and 200M backstroke. He led-off the gold-medal winning 400 meter medley relay at the 2000 Short Course World Championships . Lenny was also named the 1999 USA Swimmer of the Year. Once a high school basketball player, Lenny is a L.A. Lakers fan.

Name: Lenny Krayze/burg

Sport: Swimming

Events: l00M and 200M Backstroke

Born : September 28, 1975, Odessa, Ukraine

Residence: Studio City, California

Height: 62 "

Weight: 180 lbs.

College: University of Southern California

regarded by some as the greatest female water polo player of all time, has waited two decades for an opportunity to play in the Olympics She will finally get her chance, as women's water polo makes its debut at the Sydney Games. The U.S Women's Water Polo Team made a dominant showing at the Holiday Cup by winning the title and finishing 6-0 over the entire field headed to the Sydney Olymp ics. O'Toole started playing water polo during the swimming offseason at age thirteen She started playing on the boys' team in high school and on the national team at age 15. She played at Long Beach City College for the men's national coach, Monty Nitzkowski. Maureen attended the University of Hawaii on a swimming scholarship, as t h e r e wasn't much opportunity to play collegiate water polo at that t i m e . O'Toole played on the national team from 1977 until 1991 when she left to have her daughter, Kelly. After only a three-year break, O'Toole was back in shape and playing at the '94 World Championships O'Toole then retired thinking there was no future for women's water polo in the Olympics. In 1998, it was announced that women's water polo would be added as an Olympic sport, so Mau r een got back in the pool and played in the 1998 World Championships . She has been playing ever since

,,-...,

Name: Maureen O'"Toole

Sport: Water Polo

Born: March 24/ 1961

Residence: Piedmont California

Height: 511 /I

Weight: 140

College: University ofHawaii

MARK RUIZ

will be diving into the hearts of Americans at the 2000 Games. Ruiz, native of Puerto Rico, began diving at an early

age. At the advice of h i s coach, Mark move f r o Puerto Rico to Orlando to benefit from better training

en vironments. At the 2000 Olympic Diving Trials, Ruiz took first in the 10-meter platform and the 3-meter springboard, making himself the first American diver since Louganis in 1988 to qualify in both. In addition to the two individual events, Ruiz will compete in the new event of synchronized diving at the Sydney Games. In 1999, Mark was named U.S. Diving's Athlete of the Year. At the 1999 summer nationals, he won two individual titles (platform and nonOlympic 1-meter springboard) and finished second in the 3-meter springboard. In the 1999 Spring Nationals, Ruiz became the first man since Louganis in 1988 to sweep all three individual events-the 1-meter and 3meter springboard plus platform. Also in 1999, Ruiz won the gold on the 3-

meter springboard at the Pan-American Games. Like Louganis, Ruiz attended ballet school for two years while he was in Puerto Rico to help him with his style and grace. Mark trains at the International Aquatic Center in Orlando, Florida, and is coached by Jay Lerew.

Name: Mark Ruiz

Sport: Diving

Events: 3-meter springboar~ 10meter platform, and synchronized diving

Born: April 9, 1979, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

Residence: Orlando, Florida

Height:5!r

Weight: 145/bs.

BRIAN VILORIA

native of Honolulu who is nicknamed "Hawaiian Punch" by his teammates and is known for performing victory

A student at Northern Michigan University, Viloria began boxing at age 6 and will be just 19 years old during the 2000 Olympic Games.

Name: Brian Viloria

Sport: Boxing; light flyweight

Born: November 24, 1980

Residence: Marquette, Michigan

Height: 57//

Weight: 106 lbs.

College: Northern Michigan University

4, I hula dances in the ring, captured his '1~~ '} tT/50 first world title in 1999. Viloria de-

feated

Maikro Romero of Cuba, the 1996 light flyweight Olympic Champion and 1997 light flyweight w or Id ch ampion, 9-2 in the finals of the 1999 World Championship. He solidified his status as the best amateur light flyweight (106 lbs.) boxer in the United States by winning the 2000 Olympic Box-offs and garnering himself a spot on the 2000 Olympic Team.

USOC Election Platform Statements

Earl Young

Self-discipline, courage, perseverance, self-direction, self-esteem and personal fitness - the principles of OLYMPISM and didn't you learn many of these through sport? What greater unifying program can the U S Olympians take on than the leadership role of the Community Olympic Development Program? A program that should be in every community - now in four cities - and is going to lose financial support from the USOC. A program that not only teaches the Olympic sports but also Olympism.

Jack Elder

11298 SE 34th Avenue Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 503- 794-1780 home 503-653-0378 work

I became an Olympian for myself. I am an Olympian for my community and country.

Experience: 1990 to 1996 Vice-President assigned the duties of the Secretary.

1992 to 1996 President Oregon Olympians

1987 to Present President of Oregon Sports Action a 501 (C) 3 dedicated to the development of Olympic sport in Oregon.

Olympians have the opportunity to pass on a legacy of sport and Olympism to our Nation by taking over the leadership role of the CODP As an officer of the USO my focus will be to see that through our chapters and a national sponsor we have an opportunity to direct the youth of America in learning what you learned through sport - Olympism . COPD is already established in four cities and working. Call or email me. I appreciate your thoughts.

A successful organization is defined by its programs and activities. The United States Olympians (US Olympians), formed in 1946 to assist the American Olympic Committee in fundraising

The world has changed and so has the Olympic Committee

It is time for Olympians to set a new course for the US Olympians with the following activities.

- Establish programs and mentorships to assist Olympians whose athletic careers have ended and life careers are begin -C reate a National Speakers Bureau through our Chapters to share our experiences and teach Olympisim.

-Expand our current Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund.

Russ Hodge

1964 Olympian in the Decathlon event. Former record holder in the Decathlon. Has the distinction of being the only mother/son Olympians in American history (Alice Arden 1936 High Jump Berlin).

Having a heritage in Olympic History I have had a very sensitive and concerned attitude for the Olympians past and present. I have had a nutrition business for more than thirty years and worked with hundreds of Olympians providing viable alternatives to performance enhancing drugs.

I have also worked diligently trying to provide benefits for our Olympians for over thirty years Coordinated and organized hospitality houses for the Olympic Family at the Olympics in Los Angeles (1984) and again in Seoul, Korea Olympics (1988). I was a consultant for the Visa Reunion Center in Atlanta (1996). Have been HonoraryChaplain for the Olympic Alumni for the past 8 years.

Preserve Our Olympic Legacy (POOL)

Willye B. White Candidate for President

For the past 12 Olympiads to the present, I have been passionately and joyfully involved in the Olympic movement, both as an athlete and advocate for human rights, fair play, opportunity and dignity for all Olympians and aspiring Olympians.

As the only Track and Field athlete to compete in five Olympic Games 56, 60, 64, 68, and 72, I have displayed my commitment to the Olympic movement.

Accomplishments:

- Two-time Olympic Medalist.

- First Athlete Coordinator for USOC Job Opportunity Program

- Member of President Ford's Commission on Olympic Sports

creating the Amateur Sports Act

- Winner of the World's Highest Sportsmanship Award - Fair Play Award, presented by UNESCO

If elected president I will:

- work with roe, usoc, NGBs and Olympic Chapters to strengthen our infrastructure

- provide strong visionary leadership; implement innovative programs

- review and update the Olympians strategic, operational and result management plans

- continue as an advocate for Olympians and athletes' rights

- work to devise a plan to increase the numbe r of chapters and develop a project that is national and international in scope

- POOL our resources to Preserve Our Olympic Legacy!

Ro.s:S"Bean (swimming, 1944) died on July 1, 2000 at the age of 76. He was born in Thatcher, Arizona, and was raised in Honolulu, HI and Berkeley, CA. He lived the past 37 years in North Tustin, CA. Ross was involved with swimming at a young age to help overcome the effects of polio he contracted at age 7. He qualified for the 1944 Olympic swim team in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle, but the Olympics were cancelled due to the war. He was named to the U.S. AllAmerican swim teams of 1944 through 1946. He later became involved in synchronized swimming through his wife, Dawn. He took over coaching the Athens Athletic Club Synchronized Swim team in 1951. He led them to more than 15 national titles, crowned by winning the first international gold medals ever awarded in the sport at the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City. Because of his expertise in music and sound reproduction, Bean was chosen to be the Sound Manager for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. He was a deck official for the 1996 Atlanta Games. From 1980 to 1996, he was part of a select group of U.S. judges qualified to judge major international competitions. He was elected to the United States Synchronized Swimming Hall of Fame in 1971 and received the MacKellar Distinguished Service Award in 1981. In 1998, he was selected to receive the Paragon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He is survived by Dawn, his wife of 51 years and his daughters Kevis Brownson, Avilee Goodwun, and Lea Bean.

Robert Blair Ridder (managerOlympic ice hockey, 1952, '56) died in his home on June 24, 2000 at the age of 80. Ridder was president of WCCO Radio and Television in Minneapolis and also served as president of WDSM

Radio in Duluth. He worked on several newspapers including the Duluth Herald and News-Tribune, the Grand Forks Herald, and the St. Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press. He was assistant secretary and director of Ridder Publications Inc., and served as vice president and director of Northwest Publications Inc., the Dispatch Realty Co., the Aberdeen News Co., and the Grand Forks Herald. Although Ridder was very involved in newspapers, radio, and television, his true passion was hockey. Considered the grandfather of youth hockey leagues in Minnesota, Ridder began local programs in 1948. Ridder managed the silver medaling 1952 and 1956 U.S. Olympic ice hockey teams. In 1966, Ridder was part of an eightmember syndicate of prominent Twin Cities men who paid to start the North Stars, a National Hockey League expansion team. In 1976, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1994, he won the coveted Lester Patrick Award, given out for ou t standing service to hockey in the United States. In 1998, he was inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame. Robert is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Kathleen Crampton; sons, Robert Jr., Peter, and Chistopher; sisters, Gretchen Nicholas, Esther Ridder, and Joan Challinor; and four grandchildren.

Donald Blessing (rowing, 1928), an Olympic gold medalist in the sport of crew, died on July 4, 2000 in Berkeley, CA. He was 94. Blessing was a member of the University of

California crew team that won the gold medal for the United States in the 1928 Amsterdam Games. As the team's coxswain, the member of the team who calls out the rowing rhythm for the crew, Blessing was given credit for his team's Olympic win. After the Olympics, Blessing retired from the sport. He worked for 50 years as a stockbroker for Henry F. Swift Co. in San Francisco. Blessing was one of eight original owners of the Oakland Raiders football team, which came to the Bay Area in 1960. In 1967, Blessing was named to the National Rowing Hall of Fame.

James Grogan (figure skating, 1952),1952 bronze medalist in figure skating and four-time silver medalist at the world championships, died on July 3, 2000 of multiple organ failure in San Bernardino, California. He was;---,,. 68. After leaving competition, Grogan went on to appear in Arthur Wirtz's "Hollywood Ice Review" and starred in the Ice Capades in the 1950s. Grogan had been a coach at the Ice Castle International Training Center at Lake Arrowhead, CA since 1985. Grogan was instrumental in developing the Ice Castle into a mecca for world-class skaters including Michelle Kwan. Grogan is survived by his wife, Yasuko Grogan his daughter, Roko Grogan, and his son J.D. Grogan.

Leonard Hilton (athletics, 1972) passed away on July 4, 2000 in Houston, TX after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Hilton was a 1972 Olympian in the 5,000 and a two-time American champion in the mile in 1973 and 75. He went to University of Houston, where he was the anchor of the Cougars' relay team that set a world record in the indoor distance medley relay in 1970. Hilton was the first native Texan to run a sub-four-minute mile. He accomplished this feat a

stunning 32 times in official competitions. Hilton later served as vice president of operations with Kinder Morgan Energy and Enron Corp. He is survived by his wife Christie and their foster children Elsa and Gabriella Castellon Quisbert.

H. Devereaux Jennings (skiing, 1948) died on April 14, 2000 in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire at age 75. A member of the 1948 U.S. ski team at St. Moritz, Switzerland, Jennings was an early booster of the Winter Olympics for Utah in 1972 In W or Id War II, Jennings was a member of the 10th Mountain Division; a specialservices u n i t trained in wintertime warfare. After the

war, Jennings returned to Utah where he founded Sporthaus, a sports, fashion and ski shop located near the University of Utah. In 1970, Jennings moved to New Hampshire, where he was named executive director of Waterville Valley Associates, a consortium of ski resorts in New England. He was elected into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame in 1989.

Uriah Jones (fencing, 1968), who in 1968 became the first African-American to make a U.S. Olympic fencing team, died on June 14, 2000 Jones died of a heart attack at the age of 75. Uriah first began fencing with sticks after watching Errol Flynn movies with his friends. In the late 50s, after fencing lessons at the New Haven YMCA, Jones went for advanced instruction in New York. Jones had the difficult task of breaking into the circle

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

of fencing which, at the time, was dominated by white society and by Europeans. Jones had to deal with people unwilling to coach him and sponsors unwilling to support him due to his color. Jones opened doors to American fencing by breaking these color barriers. He attended Hampton Institute, Cooper Union, and Columbia to become a civil engineering draftsman for the city of New Haven. He lived in West Haven. He is survived by his sons, Uriah III, Douglas, Jeffrey, and Noah.

Henry Helmut Laskau (athletics, 1948, '52, '56), America's best race walker for a decade after World War II, died on May 7, 2000 in Coconut Creek, Fla. He was 83 and suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Laskau, born in Berlin, was originally one of Germany's best 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter runners. Being a German Jew, Laskau was sent to a German labor camp in 1938, the holding ground for Jews before being sent to the death camps. Laskau escaped after three months and made his way to France, where he boarded a ship to Cuba. Nine months later, he was in the United States. In 1946, after his Army discharge, Laskau decided to resume his running career. After meeting Nat Jaeger, a race walker, Laskau decided to switch from running to walking. Before you could blink an eye, Henry was winning national championships left and right. Between the years 1947 to 1957, he won 42 national titles in the mile up to the 25 kilometers. He won the Amateur Athletic Union's national 10-kilometer title 11 consecutive years outdoors and the mile title 10 consecutive years indoors. In a 1952 fund-raising meet at odd distances in New York, Wes Santee won the three-quarter-mile run and Laskau the half-mile run, each in 2 minutes 58.2 seconds. Laskau's time broke a 75-year-old record but recognition was delayed because a member of the records committee argued that it was "physically impossible" to

walk that fast. He was named to the USA/Mobil team as the best indoor walker ever and was nominated several times to the United States Track and Field Hall of Fame. Laskau is survived by his wife of 56 years, Hilde; two sons, Michael and Howard; and two grandchildren.

Alice Lore/ Landon (diving, 1920), a pioneer in women's swimming and diving, died at her home in Ormond Beach, FL on July 13, 2000 at the age of 98. At 18, Alice was a platform diver on the first United States Olympic women's swimming team. At 82, she led the procession of American athletes at the Los Angeles Olympics, wearing a replica of her uniform from the 1920 Games. And at 94, Alice carried the torch for the Atlanta Games when it moved through Daytona Beach, Florida. Lord Landon was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame at Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1993. Alice met her husband, Dick Landon (athletics, 1920), gold medal high jumper, on the ship going to the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. The diver and the high jumper were married two years later in a burst of publicity over their Olympic romance. Alice is survived by her daughter, Bunny McMunn, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild Her husband died in 1971.

Bil/McMillan (shooting, 1952, '60, '64, '68, 72, '76) passed away on June 10, 2000 at his home in Encinitas, CA. He was 71 years old.

McMillan was a 6X Olympian in shooting, and a gold medalist in the 1960 Rome Games. His venue was rapid fire pis- Bill McMillan tol and he won his gold medal in a

three man shoot-off against competitors from Finland and Russia . Bill won World Championship shooting titles in 1954 and 1958, as well as the National Pistol Champ ionship in 1997. He was inducted into the U.S. International Shooting Hall of Fame in 1994.

Michael Silliman (basketball, 1968), captain of the 1968 Olympic gold medal basketball team, died on June 16, 2000. Silliman was only 56 and died of an apparent heart attack. A native of Kentucky, Silliman attended St. Xavier High, where he led his team to the 1962 state tit le. Silliman averaged 24.1 points and 20 rebounds a game as a high school senior, was named Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in 1962, and concluded his high school career with 1,972 points The 6-foot-6-iri oh Silliman had 55 full college scholarship offers, and he chose to go to Army where he had a banner career. He finished his three -year stint on the varsity team with 1,342 points, crowning himself as the school's alltime leading scorer. Silliman then went on to captain the Olympic team that won the 1968 gold medal. He had six points in the 65-50 win over Yugoslavia in the championship game in Mexico City. Silliman played one year as a professional - 36 games in 1970-71 for

Jay8al7:5' (archery, 1988) captured his sixth straight and 12t h career United States Field Archery Championship on June 3rd , 2000 in the men's Recurve Bow division. Barrs won the division with the compiled two-da1/ total of 644.

Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968), gold medalist in the long jump, will hold The 3r~Bob Beamon Golf & Tennis Classic, October 19-20, 2000, at Delray Beach, Florida. The event is held to benefit Florida Atlantic University athletics. Beamon, also an artist, contributed art to The VII Biennial Sportsman in Art exhibit and received a jury award for his artwork. The Sportsma11 in Art

the Buffalo Braves of the NBA. Michael was also prominent after his basketball career. He became a mortgage banker and developer who worked with companies that constructed buildings. He was vice president of Faulkner Hinton & Associates and former manager of corporate real estate development for HFH Commercial Real Estate Services . Son, Michael S. Silliman; daughter, Marian E. Silliman; brothers, Gregory R. and Daniel C. Silliman ; and sisters, Susan S. McDaniel and Janet S. Cundi ff survive Silliman.

Bill Simon (USOC pres ident, 19811985) passed away on June 8 of heart and lung ailments at age 72. Simon was remembered by many as a man who made his fortune on Wall Street as a master of leveraged buyouts. He was also a cabinet member who served under Republican presidents Nixon and Ford. Simon left a legacy within Olympic circles.

Olive Hasenfus Sparkes (athletics, 1928, '36) died on April 15, 2000 in Newmarket, New Hampshire at the age of 87. Olive (Ollie) was a sprinter in the Olympic Games in '28 and '36. The '28 Games were the first Olym -

pies to include women in track, and Olive competed at the young age of fifteen. She spent most of her life 1 coaching and was inducted into thE New England Track and Coaches Hall of Fame at the time of her death. She was living with her daughter, Shirley Manseau.

Harry Williamson (athletics, 1936), died on April 8, 2000 in Charlotte, North Carolina of cancer. Williamson finished 6th in the 800 at the Berlin Summer Games. That same year Harry ran the third leg of a world-recordsetting 4x880 relay team.

Gail O'Rourke Wong (vol l eyball, 1964) died of cancer on April 3, 2000. Gail was one of the twelve members of the 1964 Women's Olympic Volleyball team that placed 5th at the Tokyo Games. 1964 was the first year that the Olympics included volleyball. Gail later became a sales representative for mainland clothing companies in Hawaii. She is survived by her mother,(""""\ Alice O'Rourke, her sister, Terry O'Rourke, her brother Brian O'Rourke, and her son, Adam Wong.

exhibit has traveled from Barcelona to the U.S. on a world-wide tour through 2000. This juried multi-media exhibit consists of works created by Olympians from various nations throughout the world. Bonnie Blair Cruikshank's (speedskating, 1984, '88, '92, '94), Ryan

Heckman's (skiing, 1992, '94), and Duncan Kennedy's (luge, 1988, '94) images now appear on Delta Airlines new Boeing 777 Olympic aircraft, The Soaring Spi rit 11. The aircraft will be used to transport the Olympic Flame from its home in Greece to North America before reaching Salt Lake City, Utah on February 8, 2002 for the Winter Games. The sun's rays traditionally ignite the flame for each Olympic Games at a ceremony held in Olympia, Greece.

Tonja Buford-Bailey (athletics, 1992, '96), returning from maternity leave, won the Olympic Development

400 hurdles at the Pontiac Grand Prix held i n Raleigh, NC with a time of 55 .76. Tonja is an Olympic bronze medalist.

Mark Croghan (athletics, 1992, '96) took second at the Track & Field Olympic Trials with a time of 8: 16.20, earning him a spot on the 2000 Olympic Team. Croghan also won the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the adidas Oregon Track Classic with a time of 8:24.17. The meet was held on June 25, 2000 at Griswold Stadium, Portland, Oregon

Tim Daggett (gymnastics, 1984), part of the 1984 Olympic gold medal gymnastics team, served as the color commentator at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Men's Gymnastics Championship held on March 18 and 19, 2000 at Springfield College.

NBC has assembled an amazing group of talent for their Olympic coverage, many of which include United States Olympians. On the list of reporters are Donna de Varona (swimming, 1960, '64) and Summer Sanders (swimming, 1992). Russ Hellickson (wrestling, 1976, '80) and Chris Marlowe (volleyball, 1984) will both be play-byplay announcers at the Summer Games. NBC has also lined up an outstanding group of analysts including Jeff Blatnick (wrestling, 1980, '84), Doug Collins (basketball, 1972), Tim Daggett (gymnastics, 1984), Rowdy Gaines (swimming, 1980, '84), Alexi La/as (soccer, 1992, '96), Carl Lewis (athletics, 1980, '82, '84, '88, '92, '96), Marty Liquori (athletics, 1968), Ann Meyers (basketball, 1976), Cynthia Potter (diving, 1972, '76, '80), Frank Shorter (athletics, 1972, '76), Dwight Stones (athletics, 1972, '76, '84), and Paul Sunderland (volleyball, 1984).

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

(afbJetics, 1964, '68, 72, 76) (bobslecJ, !9801 was promoted to full Colonel in the Army National Guard on June 19, 2000 in Arlington, VA

, (athletics, 1960), 1960 two-time gold medalist in the 400

: , - - (shooting, 2000 0[y.rr:ipic qualifier) set a new finals w0rtd record in the 50-mefer free pistol at the Milan World Cup in Milan, Italy. His score of 676 2 combines his soores from the qualification round S.77 i:>lus the final score of 99.2. This aeeomplishment beats previous finals world reco rd of 675.3 set by Taniu K:iriakoz of Bulgaria in 1995. Demar-est is in first place in both men's free-pistol and men's ait pistol, follewing the first Olympic tearn selection trial ih April Tne final seleat:ion takes place Jooe 27 tg July 1 in Atla!'lta.

meters and ttle 1600 meter- re~y, gresented the Tri-States Olrmpiams WIDO Sportsmanship Award to Westfield, NJ High School swimming/volley~all coach, Bev Torok, as the organization's president. Davis also helps with a skills development program based out of Union City. Along witti Davis to present the award was 1976 silver medalist in basketball, Gail A. Marquis (basketball, 1976). Gail is currently President of Ms. World Enterprises, LLC. The Tri-States Olympians 2000 group was organized this May and encom@asses New Jersey, New Yolik, ancl eonnecticut. Coach Torok became the firnstt recipient of what will be

thl , he mete r- fi 4 Olymfl)ics, has been named IDirector of Pru brlc Relations Programs for the United States Olympic Committee. As part of her auties as the new director) Benita will ove 11see several USOC external and community-based programs including: FLAME (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere), Project GOLD, Citizenship Through Sports Alliance, Ct.lam • in Life, and the U.S. Olympic Fame. Fitzgerald Mosley has s as the director of the USOC's 01 Training Centers i eo, ef.l • N

e a 1s a special occasiom as it was the first had wori as many single World Gl:lp isi0n. .

Brian Goodell (swimming, 1976, '80) 1976 Olympic gold medalist in swimming, spoke to the children from Cielo Vista Elementary School at their second annual Greek Olympics held at the Rancho Santa Margarita campus in Santa Margarita, California. Goodell opened the mock Olympic trials with an inspiring speech and then raised an Olympic torch and shouted, "1 declare the games open!" Children scattered to different events which included a "shoe toss" (a modern version of the ancient "sandal toss''), discus, plastic javelin, long jump, foot races, and makeshift chariot races. The Greek Olympics were a way to cap the children's studies of the ancient Greek culture while giving them a fun day before school let out.

Mark Grimmette (luge, 1994, '98) and Brian Martin (luge, 1998), the bronze-earning doubles team from the 1998 Olympics, were named USA Luge Team of the Year on June 19, 2000. Grimmette was also named USA Luge's

Male Athlete of the Year.

Grimmette and Martin are twoti me reigning World Championship bronze medalists, overaII World Cup bronze, and 2000 Inaugural Winter Goodwill Games gold medal ists.

Bruce Hunter (swimming, 1960), 1960 gold medalist in the lOOM freestyle joined Boston Mayor Tom Menino on the Fourth of July weekend in a ceremony announcing the official opening of all city pools for the summer and the opening of the newly renovated Mira bell a Bath house. Hunter also pledged to conduct a swim clinic for underpriviledged youth in the City of Boston.

CJ. Hunter (athletics, 1996), the defending world champion, made the most of his home-track advantage by winning the shot put with a personal best of 21.86 meters (71 feet 8.75 inches) at the Pontiac Grand Prix Invitational. The Pontiac Grand Prix is the first of three title-sponsored meets in the USATF's signature event series, the Golden Spike Tour.

Allen Johnson (athletics, 1996), Olympic gold medalist, won the 110 hurdles on June 17, 2000 at the Pontiac Grand Prix Invitational with a time of 13.34. Johnson also won the 110 hurdles at the adidas Oregon Track Classic with a time of 13.27 on June 25, 2000. This time set a new meet record.

Jeff ljartwig (athletics, 1996) broke his fourth Amer ican pole vau lt record on June 14, 2000 at the Dia de Saito mee t i n Jonesboro, Ark. Hartwig cleared the bar on his second attempt at 19ft 9 ¼ in . (6 .03m.). The vault beat his previous American record set nearly a yea r ago at 19ft. 9in. (6 .02m.) in Eugene, Oregon. Rafer Johnson

Michael Johnson (athletics, 1992, '96) easily won the 200 meters Friday at the Seville Grand Prix track meet with a time of 19.92. Returning to the track where he set a world record in the 400 meters at the World Champ ionships last summer, the Da llas native once aga in made it look easy as he beat a field that includes 014 Brazil 's Claud inei da Silva and Francis Ob ikwelu of Nigeria.

Rafer Johnson (athletics, 1956, '60) , gold medalist in the decathlon, helped launch the " Olympians Reunion Cent er," a joint venture supported by Vis a Interna t ional, the Australian Olympic Committee, the City of Sydney, t he Wor ld Olympians Association,

and by the National Olympic Committees worldwide. The Olympians Reunion Center, designed as a hospitality facility for Olympic Alumni athletes at the upcoming Sydney 2000 Games, will offer meeting areas, refreshment services, communications and video facilities, and assistance with special reunion functions. Olympic Gold Medalists Bill Toomey (athletics, 1968) and Al Oerter (athletics, 1956, '68) spearheaded a successful earlier version of the center at the 1996 Atlanta Games called the Visa Olympic Reunion Center. With the AOC acting as host and with the support of the WOA, the Olympians Reunion Center concept will continue to grow and expand into future Olympic Games.

Regina Jacobs (athletics, 1988, '92, '96) took first in the 1,500 with a time of 4:01.01 at the Track & Field Olympic Trials held in Sacramento, CA. This win will guarantee her a spot on the 2000 Olympic Team. Regina received a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, but this year she plans on bringing home the gold! Jacobs also won the 1,500 in a time of 4:11.24 in her first race of the outdoor season at the Pontiac Grand Prix Invitational; the first of three meets in the Golden Spike Tour. Jacobs won the event over a field from Kenya, Ethiopia, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. She also won the 3,000 meters at the adidas Oregon Track Classic on June 25, 2000 with a time of 8:42.55 This meet was the second of three meets in the Golden Spike Tour, held in the Griswold Stad ium at Lew is & Cla rk College , Portland , Oregon.

Roy Jones, Jr. (boxing, 1988) ranked # 1 in USA Today's Super Six Fighter rankings and # 1 in USA Today 's Light Heavywe ights Top 10 rankings by div I s1 on , will fight Dariusz Michalczews ki-results TBA

Terry Kent (canoe/kayak, 1984, '88, '92) was recently appo inted to be one of the five Directors of Sport Partner -

Jeff Hartwig

ships at the United States Olympic Committee. Terry, a three-time Olympian in kayak, had served as the Executive Director of USA Canoe/Kayak since 1996. Before Canoe/Kayak, Terry was responsible for marketing and communications at the U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation.

Michael Marsh (athletics, 1988, 1992, 1996) won the 100-meter dash at the Pontiac Grand Prix Invitational held at John Derr Track in Raleigh, NC with a time of 10 01 seconds. Marsh also won the 100-meter dash at adidas Oregon Track Classic with a time of 10.18.

Tom Malchow (swimming, 1996) broke the world record in the 200meter butterfly at Charlotte Ultraswim in Charlotte, NC. Malchow's time of 1 minute, 55:18 seconds topped the mark set by Russia's Denis Pankratov of 1 minute, 55:22 seconds in 1995.

John Moffet (swimming, 1984), Olympian and Newport Harbor High School alumnus, spoke at a fundraiser to help defray the travel costs for the family of Newport Harbor swim star and projected 2000 Olympian, Aaron Peirsol. The fundraiser included dinner and a silent auction held in Newport Beach, CA.

Joan Nesbit (athletics, 1996) received National Track & Field Hall of Fame's Ken Doherty Memorial Fellowship research grant for 2000 . With the grant, the l0K runner in the Atlanta Games will analyze how great U.S. athletes exit the athletic stage gracefully.

Brian Olson Uudo, 1996) won the gold medal in the 90 kg division at the Guido Sieni Judo Championships that took place the weekend of June 3rd , 2000 in Sassari, Italy. Olson beat Yosvane Despaigne of Cuba (7 th at 1999 World Judo Championships and a strong force in the most competitive Judo tournaments) in the final.

Official Newsletter of the U.S.

Olson's defeat over Despaigne gives him momentum going into the Sydney Games.

Connie Paraskevin- Young (speedskating, 1980, '84) (cycling, 1988, '92, '96) has been speaking to cyclists in the Southern California area about the techniques of riding. Paraskevin-Young's competitive spirit has been transferred to promoting and inspiring. She talks about her life as an Olympian, women in sports, or anything dealing with sports. Connie hopes to explain the techniques and training skills that will hopefully make the ride easier, while sharing her passion for the sport She promotes her own bicycle camp and has developed a Web site for it (http:// www.cyclingvacation.com), check it out!

hand in both sports at the Sydney Games, he would have been the first to do so since Bob Hughes in 1956.

Connie Price-Smith (athletics, 1988, '92, '96) threw 62-11.25 to win the shot put at the adidas Oregon Track Classic on June 25, 2000. This meet is the second of three in USATF's signature series, The Golden Spike Tour.

Summer Sanders (swimming, 1992), gold medalist in '92, went with NBA players James Worthy and Jamaal Wilkes to Marine View Middle School in Huntington Beach, CA to talk to sixthgraders about the importance of teamwork. The Scholastic Book Club and the NBA sponsored a sweepstakes in which winners would receive a visit from the former Lakers and the Olympic gold medalist. Summer Sanders is now the co-host of "NBA Inside Stuff" and the host of Nickelodeon's "Figure It Out."

Brad Schumacher (swimming, 1996), the third swimmer of the '96 gold medal 4X200 meter freestyle relay team, decided to pursue a gold in water polo instead of swimming at the 2000 Olympics. The swimming trials conflicted with water polo training so Brad had to choose between the two. Had Schumacher decided to test his

Picabo Street (skiing, 1994, '98), gold medal downhill skier and 1998 USOC Sportswoman of the Year, will accompany an anticipated 200 hikers up Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs this fall to support brain injury prevention. Hiking the 13.5 mile challenge will be brain injury survivors, Olympians, family, friends, and supporters Picabo also hosted the first annual "Athletes for Brain Injury Prevention Celebrity Dinner and Silent Auction" on June 8th in Colorado Springs. Jim Moran (skiing, 1998), who survived severe brain injury, spoke passionately about the need for brain injury prevention education and the importance of helmet use. Olympians in attendance at the dinner included Maureen Brown (team handball, 1988), Chris Coleman (bobsled, 1992, '94), Jean Foster (shooting, 1996), Bob Foth (shooting, 1988, '92, '96), Scotty Gregg (field hockey, 1984), Grace Jividen (judo, 1992), Leslie Klein (canoe/kayak, 1980, '84), Dan Mello (wrestling, 1980), CJ. Mueller (skiing, 1992), Kathy Rex (team handball, 1988), Laura Ryan (team handball, 1988, '92, '96), Cindy Stinger (team handball, 1984, '88, '92), Scott Stoll (bobsled, 1994), and Eric Wunderlich (swimming, 1996). The dinner and silent auction raised over $23,000 for Brain Injury Association of Colorado and Think First Olympians who support the hike and its cause include Alan Alborn (skiing, 1998), Bobby Aldighieri (skiing, 1992), Fritz Allen (shooting, 1992), Wayne Baughman (wrestling, 1964, '68, '72), Liz Bradley (rowing, 1988), Maureen Brown (team handball, 1988), George Dicarlo (swimming, 1984), Elaine Cheris (fencing, 1980, '88), Chris Coleman (bobsled, 1992, '94), Benita Fitzgerald Mosley (athletics, 1980, '84), Jean Foster(shooting, 1996), BobFoth(shooting, 1988, '92, '96), Diane French (volleyball,

1980), Andre Gambucci (ice hockey, 1952), Martha Hill Gaskill ( skiing, 1988), Richard George (athletics, 1976), Scotty Gregg (field hockey, 1984), Dave Jarrett (skiing, 1994, '98), Annie Kake/a (rowing, 1996), Billy Kidd (skiing, 1994, '98), Leslie Kiein(canoe/kayak, 1980, '84), Chris Klug (snowboarding, 1998), John Macready (gymnastics, 1996), Roger Mar (shooting, 1992, '96), Dan Mello (wrestling, 1980), Jim Moran (skiing, 1998), Greg Morava (team handball, 1984), CJ. Mueller (skiing, 1992), Kathy Rex (team handball, 1988), the late Betty Robinson Schwartz (athletics, 1928, '36), Shawn Sheldon (wrestling, 1988, '92), Laura Ryan (team handball, 1988, '92, '96), Cindy Stinger (team handball, 1984, '88, '92), Scott Stoll (bobsled , 1994), Josh Thompson (biathlon, 1984, '88, '92), Randy Weber (skiing, 1994, '98), Alex Wilson (skiing, 1998), Dale Womack (skiing, 1998), and Eric Wunderlich (swimm ing, 1996).

Cristina Teuscher (swimming, 1996), senior at Columbia University, was presented with the HondaBroderick Cup, given out to the nation's

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -Nancy Dunkle (basketball, 1976), Cindy Noble Hauserman (basketball, 1980, '84), Sue Gunter (basketball, Olympic coach, 1976, '80), Pat Head Summitt (basketball, 1976, Olympic coach 1980, '84), Patricia Roberts (basketball, 1976), Kim MulkeyRobertson (basketball, 1984), Sue Rojcewicz (basketball, 1976), and Kay Yow(basketball, Olympic coach, 1988) were inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, TN., on June 10t h

Peggy Reming (figure skating, 1964, '68), Scott Hamilton (figure skating, 1980, '84), Michelle Kwan (figure

outstanding collegiate female athlete, on June 12, 2000 Teuscher won the NCAA championship in the 400-meter freestyle and the 400 - meter individual medley. She was undefeated in nine meets this season and never lost an individual race in her collegiate career. Teuscher was the Ivy League champion in the 200 and 400 IM, as well as the 100 freestyle. She was named outstanding swimmer of the Ivy League championship for the fourth consecutive year and holds 10 of 14 school individual records and four relay records. She was an Ivy League all - academ ic selection and maintains a 3.4 grade-point average. Teuscher earned a gold in the 800-meter relay event at the 1996 Olympics and is training for the 2000 Games in Sydney.

Olympians Willye White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68, '72), Lucinda Williams Adams (athletics, 1960), and William Yorzyk (sw i mming, 1956) were joined by Tony DiC icco, 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer Champions' head coach, Curt Hamakawa, director of the USOC's athletic service division, Pam Hixon, head coach of the 1996 Olympic Hockey Team, Grant Peacock, deputy chief at the 1996

Paralympic Games operations, and Diane Schumacher, director of the United States Olympic Committee's service division, for a panel discussio n at Springfield College entitled "For the Love of the Game." All speakers are graduates of Springfield College, as the panel discussion is a program of the college 's reunion weekend

Paul Wylie (figure skating, 1988, '92), 1992 silver medalist in f igure skating, recently accepted a position with Broadband Sports as Director of Business Development.

Louis Zamperini (athletics, 1936) was the spokesman and honorary starter for the seventh annual Keep LA Running SK Walk/Run, 10K Run, and Coastal Fun Bike Cruise on July 2, 2000 at Dockweile r Beach in Playa Del Rey, CA. The event is a fundraiser for the Los Angeles County Special Districts Employee Disaster Relief Fund and several other charities . The event drew more than 1,500 participants. Zamperini, 83, ran the 5,000 meters in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He also won two NCAA titles and set a national high school record that stood for 20 years.

skating, 1998), Tara Lipinski (figure skating, 1998), and Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating, 1992) were selected for International Figure Skatings 25 Most Influential Names in Figure Skating 1999-2000.

Florence Griffith Joyner's (athletics, 1984, '88) involvement in her community and her contributions to her country were hono red with the opening of the Florence Griffith Joyner Olympiad Park in Mission Viejo, California on June 27, 2000. FloJo and her husband, AlJoyner, Olympic gold medalist (athletics, 1984), often ran through the 17-acre park, which is near their Mission Viejo home. The

park is also just yards from where the 1984 cycling course ended. Ten other Mission Viejo residents who won Olympic medals were recognized at the ceremony including: two -time gold medalist Tiffany Cohen Adams (swimming, 1984), gold medalist Julie Foudy(soccer, 1996), two-time gold medalist Brian Goodell (swimming, 1976, '80), two-time gold medalist Lisa Jacob (swimming, 1996), twotime gold medalist Carolyn Schuler Jones (swimming, 1960), five-time medalist Greg Louganis(diving, 1976, '84, '88), two-time medalist Michele Mitchell (diving, 1984, '88), silver medalist Jeanne Beauprey Reeves (volleyball, 1984), and bronze medal-

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

ist Wendy Wyland (diving, 1984). More than 600 people joined Al Joyner and his 9-year-old daughter, Mary, for i1e unveiling ceremony of the life-size bronze statue of FloJo.

MichelleKwan (figure skating, 1996), three-time world champion and Olym-

IN MATRIMONY

~ ~1'P~t1'-'l. Bret Hedican (ice hockey, 1992), who now plays hockey for the Florida Panthers, and Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating, Bret and Kristi Hedican 19 9 2), go Id medalist figure skater in 1992, were joined in marriage on June 8, 2000 at the Orchid at Mauna Lani on the Big Island of HaNa ii. Yamaguchi, 28, first met Hedican, 29, when they both represented the United States in the Olympics at Albertville. The two became

pie silver medalist, unveiled the wax figure that was made of her by Madame Tussaud on July 11, 2000 at her home rink in El Segundo, CA. Michelle will be the only skater represented with a wax figure at the opening of Madame Tussaud's New York, an 85,000 square foot venue which will

Bonnie Blair- Cruikshank (speedskating, 1984, '88, '92, '94), five-time Olympic gold medalist and David Cruikshank(speedskating, 1988, '92, '94, '98), four-time speedskating Olympic medalist, have added a new prize to their collection: their second child, daughter Blair. Born on July 14, 2000 in Milwaukee, Blair weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. Their son Grant is 2. Bonnie has been traveling, doing motivational speeches, speedskating commentary for ABC, and working with corporate sponsors.

George DiCarlo (swimming, 1984) and his wife, Amy, welcome their new baby girl, Sydney, into their lives. Born

reacquainted three years later in Vancouver, Canada, where Hedican was playing for the Canucks. Among the 300 guests at their wedding were fellow Olympians Scott Hamilton,

Peggy Fleming, Brian Boitano, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Todd Eldredge.

present a virtual "Who's Who" of motion pictures, televisions, sports, and music, as well as world leaders and influential historical and social personalities.

Jason and Angela Pyrah

Jason Lloyd Pyrah (athletics, 1996, 2000 Olympic qualifier) and Angela Michelle Hyde

were married on June 1, 2000. Jason became the 2000 USA Indoor mile Champion and a 2000 Olympic qualifier in the 1500M.

Marieke Karen Veltman (athletics, 1996) and Mitchell R. Miller were joined in marriage on October 30, 1999.

KimZmeskal (gymnastics, 1992) married Chris Burdette on October 23, 1999. The couple is moving back to Texas after training and coaching for 3 years in Ohio, with the intent of opening a gymnastics school of their own. First, they plan to tour the country this summer doing camps and clinics while working with NBC.

on May l5t, 2000, Sydney Remington Dicarlo weighed in at 6 pounds, 7 ½ ounces. George works for Aventis, a pharmaceutical company and is also a pharmacist. In his spare time, George enjoys racing his Porsche 911 at Colorado race tracks and mountain biking with his wife, Amy.

Michael Johnson (athletics, 1992, '96) and his wife, Kerry, are proud parents of their new son, Sebastian Alexander, born May 6, 2000 in Dallas, TX. Kerry and Sebastian were in Sacramento during the Track & Field Trials, cheering on "Dad." Michael contributed this quote on "fatherhood" "It is the most rewarding experience ever for me. Being a father

is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I look forward to spending time with Sebastian and teaching him about life. I will commit myself to doing the best job I can as a parent just as I did to become a world-record holder and an Olympic gold medalist." - Michael Johnson

Doug Kern (sailing, 1992) and his wife, Ivanna, are proud parents of their new daughter, Aubrey Marie, born on March 3, 2000. Doug received a silver medal in Sailing (Soling Oass) at the Barcelona Games, along with teammates Kevin Mahaney and Jim Brady. Doug is currently the Director of Product Marketing at CaritaSoft in Austin, Texas.

A Very Special Offer to A Very Special Group

Charles Fazzino, the world's foremost 3-D pop artist is very proud to present you with his first limited edition fin h art release commemorating Team USA:

Most famous for his 3-D cityscapes, Charles Fazzino has immortalized many of our most beloved icons including The New York Yankees, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, and his work is sold in 600 art galleries in more than 20 countries around the world . Special projects with NBC's Today Show, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and more have only added to his long list of achievements.

Since becoming an official artist of the USOC in 1999, Fazzino has created art for the U.S. Olympic Congress, USA Swimming, USA Water Polo, and The United States Racquetball Association. In April, 2000, he released his first limited edition three-dimensional Olympic image and his publishing company, Museum Editions Ltd. is making it available to all Olympians through a very special offer.

The United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, CO seeks candidates for REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR located in Colorado Springs. Identify, solicit, steward major gift prospects from individuals, corporations and foundations in assigned region. Requires bachelor degree plus 5 years progressively responsible fundraising exp, with proven record for securing major gifts.

Forward resume and salary history to Human Resources Division, U.S. Olympic Committee, One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 -OR- fax to (719) 6322884 (if faxed, do not mail originals)OR- email to usoc.hrmailbox@usoc.org. Deadline Sept 29 EOE

Important Phone & Internet Numbers

http://www.sydney.olympic.org

Salt Lake 2002 http://www .slc2002.org

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 1997-2000

PRESIDENT

William J. Hybl

VICE PRESIDENT

Sandra Baldwin

VICE PRESIDENT

Herman Frazier

VICE PRESIDENT -

Paul E George

SECRETARY

Andy Kostanecki

TREASURER

James T. Morris

CEO/SECRETARY GENERAL

Norman P. Blake, Jr.

20090 OLYMPIC ALUMNI RELATIONS

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

ONE OLYMPIC PLAZA

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80909-5760

U.S. OLYMPIANS OFFICERS

PRESIDENT John Naber (swimming, 1976)

ist VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY

Caroline Pingatore Holmes (gymnastics, 1968)

2nd VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER

Earl Young (athletics, 1960)

3rd VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

Willie D. Davenport {bobsled, 1980) ( athletics, 1964, '68, '72, '76)

4th VICE PRESIDENT/HISTORIAN

Willye B. White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68, '72)

5th VICE PRESIDENT/ALUMNI SERVICES

Russell Hodge (athletics, 1964)

6t h VICE PRESIDENT /MEMBERS HIP SERVICES

Rocky Lane (boxing, 1956)

EDITORIAL STAFF

SENIOR EDITOR

Cynthia E Stinger

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Barry King

MANAGING EDITOR

Linda J. Nevarez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Denise O'Shea

Special thanks to Natalie Hallett, Intern

Extraordinaire, for her contributions to this special Pre-Sydney Issue

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Colorado Springs, CO Permit No. 564