Summer 2001 | The Olympian

Letter from John Naber

Letter from

John Naber

U.S. Olympians President

Perhaps you've heard the famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, quoted as saying, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." Sadly, that is neither what Lombardi said, nor is it what he meant.

In fact, the correct quote is, "Winning isn't everything, but the will to win, is." He was talking about intention, not victory!

That spirit of ambition and fair play is what allows all Olympians to feel like winners, if they just play by the rules, perform up to their potential and try to win!

It's far too simple and naive to define sportsmanship simply as following the rules. Meet referees cannot be the only ones to decide who is being a good sport. Spectators, coaches, family members and media all view the same event, and though victory is proclaimed, sportsmanship must be discovered.

Of course the ideal Olympians (the ones we appreciate over time) don't tie their opponent's shoelaces together, jump the gun or "cut corners" when no one is looking. We all understand that the gold medal is meaningful only if earned fairly. What defines sportsmanship is not merely following the rules. That much we demand. Sportsmanship is the willingness to go beyond what is expected, to offer the sport something more.

Lutz Long helped Jesse Owens win their event when he advised Owens how to more easily qualify for the championship finals, where Jesse would defeat Long for the gold. Ian Bruce from Britain encouraged American Milt Campbell to run

faster while they were both circling the track in the 1500 meters at the 1956 Decathlon. Stories abound of bobsled teams loaning their runners to othe/ ,.......____ • I teams, or cyclists that give spare inner tubes to competitors with flat tires.

Not surprisingly, the competitive nature of most Olympians usually seeks to beat the competition when they are at their best. It's no fun wrestling an injured opponent, or racing a boat with a crew not at full strength. Athletes who dodge the competition (trying to keep a winning streak alive) are not fooling anyone but themselves.

With the financial incentives and market value of victory increasing at a seemingly geometric rate, victory at any cost is rapidly becoming a temptation too large to resist. It's been said that if winning is the only thing that matters, then, ev entually, cheating becomes an option. If sportsmanship can be defined as trying to beat the other guy on his best day, I suppose the opposite of sportsmanship is "gamesmanship," trying to win at an \ cost.

Of course this includes all the clear violations like using banned substances, illegal equipment or breaking a rule. But it also should include the gray areas, a temporary sacrifice of our better character on the alter of victory.

Examples of this might be grabbing a jersey, framing a pitch, intentionally obstructing an official's view, keeping race conditions to yourself, denying an opponent access to a competition program, or intentionally misrepresenting your competitive condition. (I am embarrassed to admit that I once lied to a rival about my performance in a heat in order to see him "let down his guard" before a race.) Other examples might i nclude swapping a randomly drawn start number with a teammate, watering down a grass playing surface before meeting ( faster oppon ent or hiding a competito r's "lucky" sunglasses.

Continued on page 9

Celebrating 25 Years

The 1976 U.S. Olympic Team

By Lindsay Watts

My how time flies! It has already been 25 years since the Olympic Flame burned brightly in Innsbruck, Austria for the XII Winter Olympic Games and in Montreal, Canada for the XXI Summer Olympics.

1976 started off in Olympic fashion from January 29 to February 9 as the Winter Olympic Games were held in Innsbruck, Austria. Having previously hosted the Games in 1964, Innsbruck commemorated their second hosting by lighting two Olympic torches at the bowl ofthe ski jump during the opening ceremonies. Athletes from 36 nations competed in 34 events in seven different sports. Team USA brought home 10 1'-medals - three gold, three silver

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and four bronze. Gold medalists at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games included Dorothy Hamill (figure skating, 1976), Peter Mueller (speedskating, 1976, '80) and Sheila Young Ochowicz (speedskating, 1972, '76). Young Ochowicz became the first U S woman to medal three times in a single Winter Games. Colleen O'Connor-Towi/1 (figure skating, 1976) and Jim Mi/Ins (figure skating, 1976) also captured the bronze medal in the ice dancing event debut.

The 1976 Summer Olympic Games were held in Montreal, Canada from July 17 to August 1. The opening ceremonies featured a visit from Queen Elizabeth II and celebrated the 80 th Anniversary of the Modern Olympic Games. Athletes from 93 nations competed in 198 events in 21 different sports, including the addition of three women's eventsbasketball, rowing and team handball. Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci scored seven perfect "l0's" and bounced away with five Olympic medals as the star of the Games. Team USA won 34 gold, 35 silver and 25 bronze medals and dominated the swimming and diving events. The U.S. Men's Swim Team won 12 of the 13 men's events, including both relays, and finished first and second in nine of the 11 individual events. Basketball fans were thrilled when the U.S. Men's Basketball Team captured the gold medal while the Women's Team took silver in their debut event.

Gold medalists at the 1976 Montreal Summer Games included Shirley Babashoff (swimming, 1972, '76), Lanny Bassham (shooting, 1972, '76), Phillip Boggs(diving, 1976), Wendy Lansbach Bog/io/i(swimming, 1976), Benjamin Brown (athletics, 1976), Michael Bruner (swimming, 1976,

'80), Jennifer Chandler (diving, 1976), Edmund Coffin (equestrian, 1976), Bruce Davidson (equestrian, 1972, '76, '84, '88, '96), Howard Davis (boxing, 1976), Herman Frazier(athletics, 1976, '80), Bruce Furniss (swimming, 1976), Harvey Glance (athletics, 1976, '80, '84), Brian Goodell(swimming, 1976, '80), Donald Haldeman (shooting, 1972, '76), Millard Frank Hampton, III (athletics, 1976), John Hencken (swimming, 1972, '76, '80), Bruce Jenner (athletics, 1972, '76), John (LamJJones(athletics, 1976), Sugar Ray Leonard (boxing, 1976), Kim Peyton McDonald(swimming, 1972, '76), James Montgomery (swimming, 1976), Edwin Moses(athletics, 1976, '80, '84, '88), John Naber (swimming, 1976), Frederick Newhouse(athletics, 1976), Darrell Pace (archery, 1976, '80, '84, '88), Mary Tauskey Parkhurst ( equestrian, 1976), Maxie Lander Parks (athletics, 1976), John Peterson (wrestling, 1972, '76), John Plumb (equestrian, 1960, '64, '68, '72, '76, '80, '84, '92), Leo Randolph (boxing, 1976), SteveRiddick(athletics, 1976), Arnie Robinson, Jr. (athletics, 1972, '76), LuAnn Ryon (arc~ery, 1976), Leon Spinks, Jr. (boxing, 1976), Michael Spinks (boxing, 1976), Jill Sterkel (swimming, 1976, '80, '88), Rodney Strachan (swimming, 1976), Matthew Vogel (swimming, 1976), Mac Wilkins(athletics, 1976, '80, '84, '88) and the 1976 U.S. Men's Basketball Team of Michael Armstrong, William Buckner, Kenneth Carr, Adrian Dantley, Walter Davis, Phil Ford, Jr., Ernest Grunfeld, Philip Hubbard, Mitchell Kupchak, Thomas Lagarde, Scott May and Steven Sheppard.

The United States Olympic Committee and the Olympic Alumni Relations office congratulate all members of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Team on 25 spectacular years!

Indiana Olympians Participate in 500 Festival

By Lindsay Watts

Indiana was truly the "Home of Champions" this May during the 500 Festival, a series of events surrounding the Indianapolis 500 race.

For the third consecutive year, United Airlines served as a sponsor and the "Official Airline" for the 500 Festival Parade. The parade, which is only second to the Rose Bowl Parade in size, was held on May 26, 2001. United Airlines and its Indianapolis Maintenance Center employees were pleased to present their parade float, which paid tribute to 14 Indiana Olympians. The Olympians road atop the Grand Prize-winning float designed as a victorious horse and chariot, reminiscent of the early Olympic Games in Greece .

Indiana Olympians featured on the float included Sam Bell (athletics coach,

1976), Charles Burton (wrestling, 2000), Indiana Olympians President Dilan Casse//(athletics, 1964), Jayme Dickman(shooting, 1996, '00), Kathy Ellis Landgraff (swimming, 1964), Kelly Garrison Fuson (gymnastics, 1988), Joann Grissom (athletics, 1960, '64), Hank Johnson (boxing coach, 1988), MarvinJohnson(boxing, 1972), SteveKe//y(canoe/kayak, 1972, '76, '80), Bill Kessler (team handball, 1984, '88), Ginger Lakos (swimming, represented Hungary), Sunder Nix (athletics, 1984) and Natalie Seybold (figure skating, 1988).

During the evenings prior to the parade, Olympians were also on hand to meet the public, Indy 500 racecar drivers and civic leaders for autographs and photo opportunities at the 500 Fes-

tival Family Float Night and Floatacious Parade Review. Both events were held on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. "Observing th positive interaction between the Olympians and the public with the United Airlines association was most pleasing to me," noted Charlie Wilson, a United 500 Festival coordinator:

On behalf of United Airlines and the 3,000 employees of its Indianapolis Maintenance Center, Fred Mohr, Managing Director of Heavy Maintenance, expressed his sincere appreciation for the support of the Indiana Olympians. "I would like to express my appreciation to the Indiana Olympians who joined us in celebrating this year's 500 Festival. It was indeed a privilege to salute them and their accomplishments in past Olympic Games while celebrating this year's 500 Festival theme, 'Home of Champions.' I am proud to be associated with a group of employees who never fail to display their commitment to the community in which w , live. My thanks to each United employee and Olympian for their great efforts."

(L - R first row) Indiana Governor O'Bannon, Bill Kessler, Charles Burton (2 nd row) O1/an Cassell, Sunder Nix, Jayme Dickman, Natalie Seybold, Kelly Garrison Fuson {3 rd row) Joann Grissom, Marvin Johnson, Kathy Ellis Landgraff, Steve Kelly (top row) Hank Johnson, Sam Bell, Pete Cava

Indiana Olympians wave proudly at the 500 Festival Parade.

2000 Sportswoman, SportsMan and Team of the Year Awards

The United States Olympic Committee's Olympic Alumni Relations office was pleased to recognize the 2000 United States Olympic Committee Sportswoman, SportsMan and Team of the Year at an awards banquet on April 28, 2001 at The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, CA. Track and field great, Marion Jones(athletics, 2000), Greco-Roman wrestler, Rulon Gardner (wrestling, 2000) and the 2000 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team were honored.

The USOC also paid special recognition to Rick DeMont(swimming, 1972) and welcomed him back to the Olympic Famity. DeMont was stripped of the gold medal he won in the 400-meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics after testing positive for ephedrine, a banned substance that was an active ingredient in his prescribed asthma medication. Just one year after the Olympic disappointment, DeMont bounced back to become the first athlete to ever break the four-minute barrier in the 400meters. He continues to contribute to his loved sport of swimming as an assistant swim coach at the University of Arizona. DeMont noted, "I am grateful to the USOC for recognizing my achievements. It does not bring back my gold medal, but it is a good feeling to once again be part of the Olympic Family."

Olympians attending the awards banquet included Lee Allen (wrestling, 1956, '60), Nathalie Bartleson (synchronized swimming, 1996), Carrie Barton (synchronized swimming, 2000), Sebastian Bea (rowing, 2000), Stacy Blumer (skiing, 1998), Don Bragg (athletics, 1960), Dan Brand (wrestling, 1960, '64), Beverly

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Brockway (skiing, 1960), Ed Burke (athletics, 1964, '68, '84), Art Burns (athletics, 1984), Dan Cantore (weightlifting, 1972, '76), Chris Cavanaugh (swimming, 1980, '84), Brandi Chastain (soccer, 1996, '00), Juno Cox(diving, 1948, '52, '56, '60), James Curry (weightlifting, 1980), Richard DeMont(swimming, 1972), Brian Derwin (weightlifting, 1980), Robert Djokovich (team handball, 1984), Tom Dooley(athletics, 1968,

'72), Chris Duplanty (water polo, 1988, '92, '96), Marco Evoniuk(athletics, 1980, '84, '88, '92), Bridget Finn (synchronized swimming, 2000), Jonathan Fish (rowing, 1988), ThomasFitzgerald(team handball, 1996), Ken Flax (athletics, 1988, '92), Bob Foth (shooting, 1988, '92, '96), Herman Frazier(athletics, 1976, '80), Juli Furtado (cycling, 1996), Rulon Gardner (wrestling, 2000), Tom Gompf(diving, 1964), Mary Harvey (soccer, 1996), Craig Healy(yachting, 2000), Mark Henderson (swimming, 1996), William Hobbs(rowing, 1968, 72), Sheila Hudson (athletics, 1996), Stacey Johnson (fencing, 1980), Barbara Jordan (swimming, 1952), Terry Kent(canoe/kayak, 1984, '88, '92), Craig Klass (water polo, 1988, '92), Karen Kurreck (cycling, 2000), Stanley Lekach (fencing, 1980), Pat

Love//(wrestling, 1964), Kristina Lum (synchronized swimming, 2000), Katie Marquard(speedskating, 1984, '88), Elicia Marshall (synchronized swimming, 2000), Brian Martin (luge, 1998), Rachel Mayer-Godino(figure skating, 1992), Mary McCagg (rowing, 1992, '96), Dominick Minicucci (gymnastics, 1988, '92), Benita Mosley (athletics, 1980, '84), Ted Murphy(rowing, 1996, '00), Cammy Myler(luge, 1988, '92, '94, '98), John Naber (swimming, 1976), Fred Newhouse (athletics, 1976), Peter Newton(canoe/kayak, 1992, '96, '00), Khoa Nguyen (table tennis, 2000), Ben Northrup(wrestling, 1960), Otis Norton (athletics, 1960), Maureen 07oole(water polo, 2000), Jim Page (skiing, 1964), Suzy Paxton (fencing, 1996), Nicholas Peterson (rowing, 2000), Trina Radke (swimming, 1988), Doug Robbins (baseball, 1988), Ron Rossi(luge, 1984), Molly Botkin Rossiter (swimming, 1960), Matt Roy (bobsled, 1988), Susan Roy(swimming, 1968), John Ruger (biathlon, 1980), Jill Savery(synchronized swimming, 1996), Jim Scherr (wrestling, 1988), Craig Schommer (cycling, 1988), Shawn Sheldon (wrestling, 1988, '92), Russ Silvestri (yachting, 1988, '00), Bill Stapleton (swimming, 1988), Cindy Stinger (team handball, 1984, '88, '92), Andy

Rick

Toro (canoe/kayak, 1976), Tisha Venturini(soccer, 1996), Lynn Vidali (swimming, 1968, '72), Joe Walsh (paralympian nordic skiing, 1992), Jay Warwick (taekwondo, 1988), Peter Westbrook (fencing, 1976, '80, '84, '88, '92, '96), Tim Wiley(luge, 1992), Ed Williams (biathlon, 1968), C.J. Young(ice hockey, 1992) and James Zylker(soccer, 1972).

Rulon Gardner

Brandi Chastain interacts with a young banquet attendee

DeMont is honored by USOC President Sandy Baldwin.

1924 gold medal-winning 4x100-meter relay team Gertrude Ederle, Euphrasia Donnelly, Ethel Lackie and Mariechen Wehselau

Everybody was saying it couldn't be done. "Our Trudy" proved them wrong.

By Elliott Denman

(athletics, 1956)

Long years before Nike began urging us to "just do it" - to the benefit of our own waistlines and its own corporate bottom line - Gertrude Ederle (swimming, 1924) "just did it" for America.

She's 94 now, still bright and alert, still the bundle of energy and enthusiasm that in 1926 carried her across the English Channel as the first woman and the fastest swimmer of either gender to make it across the treacherous body of water that has long represented her sport's greatest challenge.

Now, after all these years, Ederle - the most famed resident of the Christian Health Care Center nursing home in Wyckoff, NJ - is back in the spotlight once more. She was the subject of a recent feature article in The New York Times, and the 75 th anniversary of her

epic Channel swim is marked this summer.

Ederle's motivation back in 1926 was obvious. All these years later, she reminds you that "everybody was saying it couldn't be done."

"Well, every time somebody said that, I wanted to prove it could be done. It took a Yankee to show them how."

The native New Yorker had been a teenage swimming sensation as a member of the big city's famed Women's Swimming Association and went on to win three medals (a gold in the 4x100meter freestyle relay, and bronzes in the 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle) at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

But her real fame was two years off

and it, too, began in France.

Ederle, just 19, swam the Channel from Cap Gris-Nez, France to Kingsdown /\ England on August 6, 1926. The total swim figured at 35 miles; some 14 miles longer than the scheduled route, thanks to some treacherous tides.

In her fabled journey, she set off from France at 7:09 AM. She arrived at Kingsdown at 9:40 PM. Her clocking of 14 hours, 31 minutes easily beat the previous Channel best of 16:23 achieved by Sebastian Tirabocchi of Italy in 1923.

Since Captain Matthew Webb of England became the first to swim the Channel, taking 21:45 to cross from Dover, England to Calais, France in 1875, only four others- all male - had made it across.

When Ederle returned home from Europe, New York City greeted her with a ticker-tape parade down Lower Broadway's "Canyon of Heroes" that(\ attracted a huge throng of enthralled citizens and adulating fans.

Mayor James Walker led the welcoming committee, and President Calvin Coolidge and New York State Governor Alfred E. Smith wired their messages of congratulations.

The New York Times reported that "the demonstration, for numbers, notes, spontaneity and variety, surpassed any previous reception to a distinguished person."

"No president or king, soldier or statesman, has ever enjoyed such an enthusiastic and affectionate outburst of acclaim by the metropolis, as was offered to the butcher's daughter of Amsterdam Avenue, hailed as the 'queen of swimmers,"' said the Times.

For this moment in time "Our Trudy" was truly her Uncle Sam's most admired 0 niece.

To this day, Ederle says she never really sought out the fame that engulfed

her the moment she stepped ashore in England. As she puts it, "I just did it because they said I couldn't; that was enough."

Nevertheless, she learned to live with that fame and soon embarked on a vaudeville tour that sent her around the nation and gained her even greater recognition.

Nearly three-quarters of a century later, it's hard to realize that Ederle, who will be 95 in October, was at one time perhaps the best-known woman on earth.

But the visions do put a great big smile on her face as she careens back down memory lane. She smiles more now than ever, now that - through medical and technical advances - she has regained her hearing, the hearing she lost as a direct result of the Channel swim.

Mobility is another problem she has endured since her early 20s, the result of a terrible fall, which caused a broken back.

She has lived at the Christian Health Care Center since last year and it is here that she is, once again, embraced as "Our Trudy."

Summer vacations spent at a family bungalow in Highlands, Monmouth County, NJ provided the perfect impetus to her swimming career.

"I really learned to swim in New Jersey, at Highlands, when I was 12," she says. "We had a bungalow right by the water. There was the bungalow, and there was the water. You went out of the house and dived right into the Shrewsbury River.

"My father tied a rope around me. When he took me in [for practice sessions] , I'd say, 'Hey Pop, don't forget to pull me out.111

To this day, Ederle's summers at Highlands are commemorated at a public park adorned with a plaque celebrating her achievements.

It still took the encouragement and prodding of big sister Margaret for Ederle to venture into competition.

"Meg's the one who actually made me become a swimmer," said Ederle. "I never cared for it, really. I was lazy. I liked to fool around in the water. I didn't like being serious about it. The whole idea was hers. She's the one who wanted to make me a champion."

When entry blanks to upcoming swim meets arrived in the mail, Ederle often tore them up. Margaret Ederle invariably fished them out of the wastebasket and mailed them in.

Ederle joined the famed Women's Swimming Association of New York and began making her mark in competition under the WSA banner. One success led to another, and another, and eventually to the Paris Olympic Games. There, she led off the gold medal 4x100-meter freestyle relay team, as teammates Euprhrasia Donnelly (swimming, 1924), Ethel Lackie (swimming, 1924) and Mariechen Wehselau Jackson (swimming, 1924) completed a world-record performance of 4:58.8. She also placed third behind Lackie and Wehselau in the 100 freestyle, and behind teammates Martha Norelius (swimming, 1924, '28) and Helen Wainwright Stelling (diving, 1920) (swimming, 1924) in the 400 freestyle.

She set 29 world and American records in her brilliant career and certainly loved her Olympic experience.

"We used to get a taxi and go around Paris," she says. " We'd stand up and go screaming around the streets. People would say, 'There go the crazy Americans.' We sure did have a lot of fun.

"The Olympic races? I just remember I had to swim like hell."

The 1924 squad was a classic American swim and diving team, featuring

such other celebrities as Peter "Johnny" Weissmuller (swimming, 1924, '28), Duke Kahanamoku (swimming, 1912, '20, '24) (water polo, 1932), Aileen Riggin Soule (diving, 1920, '24), Sybil Bauer (swimming, 1924), Albert White (diving, 1924), Pete Desjardins (diving, 1924, '28), Elizabeth Becker(diving, 1924, '28) and Caroline Smith (diving, 1924).

Still, she wanted to swim more than 400-meters. The Channel was her challenge, and she made her first unsuccessful try in 1925.

A year later, everything went perfectly. As she stroked on, those in the accompanying tugboat frequently asked, "Do you want to come out, Trudy?" And her invariable answer was, "What for?"

"It never struck me as a hardship, or anything. I never felt tired. I just kept going and going. Anyway, Margaret was with me, and I couldn't stop."

Her body covered with grease and wearing the wrap-around goggles that became her trademark, Ederle took just a sandwich and a few glasses of tea for nourishment.

With nightfall descending, she approached the famed White Cliffs of Dover, and then the emotion of it all began kicking in.

"When I walked out [of the water], I began thinking, 'Oh, my God, have I really done it?' When my feet hit the sand, that was a wonderful moment."

Tears welled in her eyes as she realized she had indeed done the previously impossible.

Her father was one of the first to greet her, but she wouldn't let him get too close until she was safely ashore.

"I yelled to him," she said. "'Don't touch me, don't come near me, Pop. Don't come near me,' That would have disqualified me [for taking illegal assistance]."

Continued on page 8

Continued from page 7 "What For?" became another of her nicknames.

"Trudy" Ederle was also "Miss What For."

A week later, she stepped aboard the Cunard steamship Berengeria to start the return voyage.

As the vessel approached New York, she was sent a request.

"'Miss Ederle, would you please go to the upper deck?' they told me, 'The planes want to welcome you.' They wanted to drop flowers down. I said, 'You're kidding, aren't you?"'

Of course, they weren't.

"So I went up there. The planes circled around and swooped down and dropped bouquets of flowers. They were just gorgeous. I was almost crying. I never felt anything like that. I was proud, very, very proud, so proud."

Some two years later, her luck turned.

"I was visiting a friend in Hempstead [Long Island, NY] and I didn't realize it, but the step [atop a flight of stairs] was broken up," she said.

"I went flying down the whole flight of stairs . I was all broken up and immediately put in a cast, you know.

"There was not much you could really do about it, either. Imagine me, being so active, then having to sit like that, all day, every day. I just had to keep, what they say, a stiff upper lip."

The ensuing years were difficult but she fought back, learned to walk again, and even swam in Billy Rose's Aquacade at the 1939 New York World's Fair. She also taught deaf children to sw i m and worked in the World War II effort.

Often forgotten, she's never minded being away from the spotlight she once commanded

"Oh, the memories are still there," she says, "and I've got a lot of them."

2001 lesse Owens Awards

The International Amateur Athletic Association was pleased to present the 2001 Jesse Owens Awards to five-time Olympic medalist Marion Jones (athletics, 2000) and former president George Bush on February 8, 2001 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.

Jones was awarded the 21 st Annual Jesse Owens International Trophy Award for a second time, having first won in 1999. The International Trophy Award is presented to the athlete

who best personifies excellence in athletic performance and promotes sincere cooperation and understanding among peoples of all nations.

Former president George Bush was the recipient of the Fifth Biennial Jesse Owens Global Award for Peace for his contributions in sports and leadership. The Jesse Owens Global Award was established in 1993 to recognize individuals who best personify Jesse Owens' humanitarian spirit.

Continued from page 2

I've heard of divers who try to cozy up to the international judges before competitions. Swimmers have spit from the starting blocks into other swimmers' lanes or intentionally distracted the field by clapping loudly immediately prior to the gun. One athlete tried to use a convoluted interpretation of an arcane rule in order to eject an Olympian from the team, so that he would be placed on the squad instead. These examples cannot be called cheating, but our respect for the athlete suffers as a result.

I've heard of a pole-vaulter that would ordinarily share his poles with competitors (a common occurrence at the time), but surprisingly stopped that practice when the gold medal was on the line. Teammates stop speaking to each other, head games begin, and almost any behavior is justified with the argument of"Hey, this is the Olympics!"

Just as drug users claim that "everybody is doing it" and that they're just trying to "level the playing field," Olympic athletes and coaches are increasingly arguing that because the competition doesn't bend over backwards to help others, why should they? These arguments don't hold water. Just because other athletes (and sometimes coaches) subscribe to this kind of behavior, does not make it right.

This slipping standard of sportsmanship has gone too far when the public begins to feel that it is impossible to win at the international level withoutcheating, or at the least, wlthout examples of selfish aggression.

Johan Olaf Koss, the Norwegian speed skating hero who won three gold medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, once told me that after his Olympic victories, he was invited to speak to a group of school children. The first ques- tion he received was, "Mr. Koss, what kinds of drugs did you have to take in order to win your medals?" As you can

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imagine, this was a sad moment for Mr. Koss and an equally sad moment for the Olympic Games.

It's bad enough when the public begins assuming winners have to cheat in order to win, but it's even worse when the only people who get any attention are those that either won (it's all that matters) or cheated (and got caught), for eventually that lowers the inherent value of Olympic participation, which, of course, will affect us all.

But all is not lost: As Olympic ambassadors, each member of the Olympic family has the ability (and the obligation) to call attention to the finer attributes of sport, the stories of character, fair play and sportsmanship, and the Olympic Games regularly deliver a library of anecdotes that exemplify our higher standard.

One of my favorite stories from the Sydney Games was of Jane Seville, the Australian race walker, who was leading the 20 kilometer event into the Olympic stadium. After walking for hours, she approached the tunnel leading into the stadium where almost 100,000 Australians were preparing to celebrate. With the finish line almost in sight, an official notified her that she was disqualified for breaking her stride (a technical infraction). I was expecting a formal protest by her delegation, or at least a cellular phone call to her attorney. Instead, she merely allowed the disappointment to overwhelm her as she burst into tears and slowly, she turned around and walked back up the tunnel and away from the stadium, into the arms of her coach/boyfriend.

I am pleased to report that the following morning, the local papers did not condemn the official for taking away an almost certain gold medal from Australia's total, and they did not seek to justify the athlete's accidental slip They merely praised her for accepting the judge's decision, and they praised the official for making what most cer-

tainly must have been the most difficult call of the Games.

It appears the Olympic Games, more than any other sporting event, still retain their position of ethical leadership, where spectators expect to see the higher values of sportsmanship and fair play

As Olympic alumni and former competitors, if there is any value we can now bring to the Games, it is to call attention to what the Games stand for, to increase awareness of what makes the Games special, of what makes them better. People want to hear the opinions of Olympic athletes. We are often invited to speak before Rotary Clubs and student groups. They look to us for leadership on matters of competition and fair play, and as such, we are the true hope of the Olympic ideals When we are asked our opinion of favorite moments, athletes and stories from the Games, it is up to us (who better?), to articulate a higher standard. We are the ones, by the authority of our firsthand experience, who can praise sportsmanship over victory, character over simple success.

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Thomas donates $400 to Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund

John Thomas (athletics, 1960, '64) of the U.S. Olympians New England Area Chapter was honored for his athletic achievements during a pre-game ceremony at a Lowell Spinners (a Class A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) baseball game on August 7, 2001. He was the bronze medalist in the high jump at the 1960 Rome Olympics and silver medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Thomas donated his $400 honorarium to his favorite charity, the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund (OORF).

The Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund was established by the United States Olympic Committee to aid United States Olympians and their immediate families who demonstrate a significant need due to hardship from illness, death or other extenuating circumstances. It is funded through tax-deductible contributions from United States Olympians.

Funds are distributed by the Grants Committee consisting of the OORF Board of Directors and staff of the Olympic Alumni Relations office. The Grants Committee was recently pleased to award grants to two-time gold medalist Bob Hayes (athletics, 1964) and gold medalist Bill Johnson (skiing, 1984).

For more information on the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund, a fund exclusively supported by Olympians for Olympians, please contact Cindy Stinger at (800) 717-7555 or e-mail cindy.stinger@usoc.org

QSe9 USa * 2002

Attention Olympians

We are compiling a list of Olympians planning on attending the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, UT. Please let us know your arrival and departure dates, as well as where you will be staying if you are planning on joining the Olympic festivities in Salt Lake. We would love to invite you to any scheduled U.S. Olympic Team functions during the Games. Please contact Linda Nevarez at (800) 717-7555 or e-mail linda.nevarez@usoc.org

U.S. OLYMPIAN CHAPTERS

Did you know that the U.S. Olympians have regional chapters throughout the country? Look for updates on chapter happenings in future issues of The Olympian! If you would like to find out what is happening in your area, contact:

Colorado Olympians

President: Hank Kashiwa (skiti1g, 1972) (970) 846-5570

Florida Olympian s

President: Jim Mil Ins (figure skating, 1976) (727) 942-6881

Georgia Olympians

President: Rocky Lane (boxtizg, /956) (770) 963-5903

Hawaii Olympians

President: Chris Woo (swimmtizg, 1976) (808) 597-8197

Indiana Olympians

President: Ollan Cassell (atl7!etics, 1964) (317) 466-0444

Midwest Olympians

President: Willye White (athletics, /956, '60, '64, '68, '72) (773) 651-8267

National Capital Area Olympians

President: Jair Lynch (gymnastics, /992, '96) (202) 462-1092

New England Area Olympians

President: Tina Noyes (/igz_1re skat1i1g, /964, '68) (781) 646-0763

Northern California Olympians

President: Anne Warner Cribbs (sw1inming, 1960) (650) 856-3200

Oregon Olympians

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

Southern California Olympians

President: Charles G. Bittick (waterpolo, 1960) (714) 974-4114

Southwest Olympians

President: Earl Young (athletics, 1960) (214) 219-1439

Tri-States Olympians

President: Otis Davis (athletics, /960) (201) 392-8448

Utah Olympians

President: Henry Marsh (athletics, 1976, '80, '84, '88) (800) 877-1740 ext. 74011

Washington State Olympians

President: Caroline Holmes (gymnastics, 1968) (206) 246-2934

No chapter in your area? Interested in starting a chapter? Contact the Olympic A l umni Relations office for details at (800) 717-7555 .

Olympians Inducted in Women's Hall of Fame

1980 U.S. Women's Basketball Team (1 st Row L-R) LaTaunya Pollard, Tara Heiss, Holly Warlick, Carol Blazejowski, Debra Miller, Lynette Woodard (2 nd Row L-R) Manager Lea Plarski, Rosie Walker, Jill Rankin, Kris Kirchner, Anne Donovan, Cindy Noble, Denise Curry, Assistant Coach Pat Head, Head Coach Sue Gunter

On June 9-10, 2001, basketball history was made in Knoxville, TN. LaTaunya Pollard (basketball, 1980), Rosie , Wa/ker(basketball, 1980) and Holly Warlick (basketball, 1980), all members of the 1980 U.S. Women's Basketball Team , were among the 10 inductees to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Pollard, who received the Wade Trophy in 1983 for being the best

collegiate player in the nation, played professionally in Europe for eight years. Walker, who also represented the United States at the 1979 Pan American Games, played professionally with the Nebraska Wranglers in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WPBL), leading the Wranglers to a league title in 1981. Warlick, who became the first player in the history

Olympian Authors Release Books

Bill Leach (canoe/ kayak, 1976) coauthored Circle of Success - Lessons from a Lifetime of Sport, an inspirational collection of personal reflections on how sport helps to develop strength of character needed to be successful in life. Along with Lesley Blindloss and NCAA water polo coach Ted Newland, Leach uses stories and anecdotes that highlight qualities developed through sports such as self-discipline, confidence, persistence, responsibility and attitude .

The book is available for $19.95 by calling (949) 854-5117 or writing to Hawthorne Hills Publishers, PO Bo x 5209, Irvine, CA 92616. Visit the Circle of Success website at www. ci rcleofsuccess. net

Jamie McEwan ( ca nae/kayak, 1972, '92), bronze medalist in 1972 for singles canoe slalom, released a Simon and Schuster Level 3 Ready-to-Read children' s book, The Heart of Cool, in May. The Heart

of University of Tennessee athletics to have her jersey retired after a collegiate career that included three trips to the Final Four, was also a Nebraska Wrangler and named a WPBL All-Star in 1981. Theresa Grentz, head coach of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team that brought home a bronze medal from Barcelona, was also among the inductees . Grentz, who was hired by Rutgers in 1975 as the first full-time women's basketball coach in the nation, has coached for 27 years building powerful programs at Rutgers and Illinois.

of Cool is dedicated to Lecky Haller (canoe/kayak, 1992, ' 00), McEwan's doubles partner in the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Synopsis: "When Bobby North comes to his new school, he discovers that some of his favorite things are not cool. What is cool is Harry Haller, a big moose of a guy who's friendly, easygoing, and a great skateboarder. So Bobby sets out to become as cool as Harry. And then Bobby goes even further, to find for himself the very heart of cool. But can he find it again when he really needs it?"

The book, priced at $15,00, is available from Simon and Schuster by calling (800) 223-2348 or by visiting www .SimonSaysKids com

Rosie Walker Holly Warlick

Theresa Grentz LaTaunya Pollard

In Celebration of Olympic Day 2001 Olympic Day Luncheon - Washington, DC

By Lindsay Watts

The Olympic spirit thrived in Washington D.C. on June 20, 2001 as Olympians, Paralympians and Olympic hopefuls merged with U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives for an Olympic Day Luncheon in observance of the 105th Anniversary of the Modern Olympic Games. Olympians Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) (judo, 1964) and Rep. Jim Ryun (R-Kansas) (athletics, 1964, '68, '72) joined Senator Ted Stevens CR-Alaska) and the USOC to host the event.

Donna de Varona (swimming, 1960, '64) served as Mistress of Ceremonies, with opening remarks given by USOC President Sandy Baldwin. Congressman Ryun and Senator Campbell presented the Olympic Day Congressional Resolutions. Paralympians Kevin Szott(judo, 1984, '96, '00) and Scott Moore (judo, 1996, '00), gold medalists at the 2000 Paralympic Games, demonstrated the sport of judo to approximately 150 attendees. A fencing exhibition was presented by Olympic hopefuls Adam Crompton (fencing) and HarveyMiller(fencing), students of Olympian Peter Westbrook (fencing, 1976, '80, '84, '88, '92, '96). The program was concluded with the introduction of the three USOC advertising videos featuring Team USA.

USOC acting CEO Scott Blackmun was given the honor of introducing the Olympians, Paralympians and Olympic hopefuls. "It was great to have the opportunity to meet some other Olympians and Paralympians, as well as see the support system that exists. I am slowly starting to realize the true meaning of an Olympic Family," said Kim Black (swimming, 2000), gold medalist in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

Olympians attending the luncheon included Kim Black (swimming, 2000), John Brosius (canoe/kayak, 1972), Ben Nighthorse Campbell U 1964), Willie Davenport (athletics, 1964, '68, '72, '76) (bobsled, 1980), Donna qe Varona (swimming, 1960, '64), Tom Dolan (swimming, 1996, '00), Nina Fout (equestrian, 2000), Cheryl Haworth (weightlifting, 2000), Benita Fitzgerald Mosley(athletics, 1980, '84), Nathaniel Mills (speedskating, 1992, '94, '98), Jim Ryun (athletics, 1964, '68, '72), Dara Torres(swimming, 1984, '88, '92, '00), Meredith Valmon (athletics, 1992, '96), Clarence Vinson (boxing, 2000), Donna Weinbrecht(skiing, 1992, '94, '98), Michael Weiss (figure skating, 1998), Greg Weiss(gymnastics, 1964) and Peter Westbrook(fencing, 1976, '80, '84, '88, '92, '96).

Paralyrnpians attending the luncheon were Sarah Billmeier (alpine skiing, 1994, '98), Shea Cowart (athletics, 2000), Scott Douglas (tennis, 1992, '96, '00), Robert Evans (athletics, 2000), ScottMoore(judo, 1996, '00), ThomasNeal(cycling, 1996, '00), Paul Nitz(athletics, 1992, '96, '00), Karen Norris(swimming, 1992, '96, '00), Erin Popovich (swimming, 2000), Beth Scott (swimming, 1992, '96, '00), Marlon Shirley (athletics, 2000), Kevin Szott(judo, 1984, '96, '00) and Chris Waddell (athletics, 1996, '00) (alp i ne skiing, 1992, '94, '98).

Olympic hopefuls attending the luncheon included Tricia Byrnes (snowboard), Adam Crompton (fencing), Lincoln DeWitt (skeleton), Harvey Miller (fencing) and lea Ann Parsley (skeleton).

Olympic Day Run - Colorado Springs, Colorado

"I am somebody!" These three simple words were used by Joe Gentry to motivate participants of the 2001 Olympic Day Run hosted by the United States Olympic Committee and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation on June 23, 2001 at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs, CO. The event was part of the International Olympic Committee's worldwide celebration of Olympic Day.

Colorado Olympians Jennifer Gutierrez (triathlon, 2000), Scotty Gregg (field hockey, 1984) , Carl Schueler (athletics, 1980, '84, '88, '92) , Kathy Rex (team handball, 1988), Maureen Brown (team handball, 1988) and Greg Morava (team handball, 1984) joined area youth in the SK fun run.

To complete the SK, participants made three, mile - long laps around picturesque Monument Valley Park. Upon completing mile two of the run, one area youth proudly proclaimed, "I've got one more lap in me!"

The participants received a certificate signed by IOC President Juan Antonio Samarach, a Sydney 2000 Olympic pin and a commemorative T-shirt.

The fun run was sponsored by CocaCola, the Colorado Springs Gazette and NBC Channels 5/30. The Coca-Cola Company, a sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1928, has been a worldwide partner in the Olympic Day Run since 1989. Special thanks also go out to technical advisor Joe Gentry, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation, McDonald's, Dave Ogrean and Rachel Isaacs with the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, and many committed volunteers.

TeamUSAnet Has Launched! Check

TEAM USA NET

It's here! The first ever password protected web site for U.S. Olympians and Olympic hopefuls. TeamUSAnet was created by the USOC's Athlete Services Division and USOC sponsor Monster.com to serve as a virtual athlete services center for elite American athletes still training as well as those Olympians who have retired from competitive sport. Included in the site is information about USOC programs and services available to athletes, alumni relations, a national mentor network, an on-line career center, and communication tools for athletes to stay connected with one another and the USOC.

Qualified Olympians and hopefuls can register for and access TeamUSAnet by going to www.usolympicteam.com and clicking on the TeamUSAnet links under the "Athletes"or "Athlete Tips" section of the web site.

The following are pictures from some of the different pages of TeamUSAnet.

Athlete Services Page Here , one can get information on USOC athlete services including the athlete ombudsman, the Athlete Services Division, performance

Career Center Page

Thi s page contains Monster.corn's functionality to post a specially noted Olympic resume on -line and/or search for jobs. Also, one can obtain information regarding services provided by DBM.

Athlete Mentor Network Page

Athletes can select mentors by sport, location, education or occupation. Once a mentor is selected, users can send an e-mail to a mentor to open the lines of communication.

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Jim Barrier(skiing, 1960), 1960 Olympian in alpine skiing and 1968 Assistant Coach to the U.S. Ski Team, passed away on August 26, 2000 at age 60. In 1998, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a terminal cancer disease. According to Barrier's wife, Lucy, Jim was "an Olympian with courage and strength who knew his time on Earth was limited." A Celebration of Life was held at the Bermuda Dunes

Country Club in Bermuda Dunes, CA with a eulogy highlighting his life achievements. As a high school student, Barrier was ranked as Montana's number one alpine skier in 1956 and 1959. He later competed at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, CA in the giant slalom and slalom events. "The older I become, the more pride I take in being an Olympian," wrote Barrier before his death. Barrier entered Montana State College with a full skiing scholarship later that year, but missed the opportunity when he broke a leg that fall. In 1962, he was assigned skiing as duty in the U.S. Army. Barrier continued his skiing endeavors as Divisional Head Coach for the Pacific Northwest Ski Association from 1966'68 where he introduced the first jun-

ior ski racing seeding system in the U.S. During that time, Barrier coached the 1968 U.S. Men's Ski Team with Head Coach Bob Beattie and Gordon Eaton (skiing, 1960, '64). During the 1968 Olympics, Barrier was offered a job managing the Head Ski Company International Ski Racing Program in Baltimore, MD, which led to an association with Dura-Fiber, Inc. In conjunction with Dura-Fiber, Inc., he worked on developing an all fiberglass snow ski known as the Head XR 1. Barrier later resigned from Head Ski Company and accepted a VP position with Dura-Fiber, Inc. where he soon became President. After nine years, the company liquidated its ski manufacturing line. Barrier continued his professional career in engineering and engineering project management in California with Kaiser Aerospace and Electronics Corporation, which became Kaiser Compositek. He was instrumental in developing concepts for Boeing Helicopters for application in Military aircraft and also served as program manager for the Delta III V-Strut program used in Delta III Rockets. He is survived by wife, Lucy, and three stepchildren. Barrier's Olympic memorabilia is currently displayed at The Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT, the area that he represented in national and international competition.

Clifford Clyde Coffman (athletics, 1932), Olympic decathlete, died on March 4, 2001 at a nursing home in Mesquite, TX. He was 89 Born in Ford, KS, Coffman was the first high school student to pole vault 13 feet. While attending Kansas University, he received many awards in track and field. Coffman placed 7th in the decathlon at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics and was an alternate for the 1936 Games. He won the National AAU Championships in 1935. Coffman was employed with North American Aviation in Grand Prai-

rie, TX before starting the Lumilite Venetian Blind Company in Urbandale, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lu. Coffman is survived by son, Gary Coffman; daughter, Nancy Coffman Van; two granddaughters; and two step-grandchildren.

Werner Fricker died of cancer at his home in Horsham, PA in May 2001. He was 65. Fricker, past president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, helped to bring the 1994 World Cup to the United States. He played soccer for the United States in the qualifying rounds of the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan.

Dr. Dan Hanley, former chief physician to the U.S. Olympic Team, died May 6, 2001 at Bowdoin College in Maine. He was 85. Hanley served as chief physician for the Summer Olympic Games in 1960, '64, '68 and '72, and the Winter Olympic Games in 1968 and '72.

Anne Lumpp, wife of Ray Lumpp (basketball, 1948), passed away April 22, 2001. Ray was a member of the 1948 U.S. Basketball Team that brought back a gold medal from the Games in London.

Leamon King(athletics, 1956), member of the gold medal-winning 4x100meter relay team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, died in Delano, CA on May 22, 2001 of a heart attack. He was 65. Born in Tulare, CA, King was a man of many accomplishments. As a sophomore and again as a senior, he won state track titles for Delano High School. While a student at the University of California-Berkeley, King broke the world record in the 100-yard dash with a time of 9 .3 seconds and matched the world record in 100-meters with a time of 10.1 seconds. King returned to the

Jim Barrier

Delano Union School District where he taught for 28 years. In honor of his 65 th birthday in February, a monument was erected and the athletic field at Almond Tree Middle School was named after King.

Clayton "Bud" Marquette died of congestive heart failure in May 2001 at age 81. Marquette, a five-time member of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team coaching staff, coached from the 1956 Melbourne Games to the 1972 Munich Games.

George E. Miele passed away on February 10, 2001 at Connecticut Hospice in New Haven, CT. He was 91. Miele coached the U.S Women's Gymnastics Teams at the 1936 London Olympics and the 1948 Berlin Olympics. Miele introduced music to floor exercises at the Berlin Games where the team placed first in that event and third overall. Born in West Hoboken, NJ, Miele later received a bachelor's degree from Panzer College in Montclair, NJ, a master 's degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ and a doctorate from New York University. As a college student, he held several NCAA titles in the parallel bars. From 1950 until retirement in 1973, Miele was a counseling psychologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare Center in Newark, NJ. He is survived by his daughter, Dorothy; son, William; and two grandchildren.

John Novotny ( cross-country skiing, 1988) died quietly on April 18, 2001 of cancer complications He was 43. Born in 1957 in Chicago, IL, Novotny was blinded from cancer of the retina at age two. Unlike many blind international athletes, he learned all his skills as a totally blind person An avid guitarist, singer and computer whiz, Novotny graduated from Chicago University and later earned a master's degree. From 1984-'90, he was the top blind competitor for the U.S in cross-country skiing. Novotny placed 6t h i n the 5 km cross-country race at the 1988 Calgary

Olympics, the only qualified U.S. blind competitor in the event. A memorial service was held in his honor on May 2, 2001 in Breckenridge, CO.

Hal Haig Prieste ( diving, 1920)

By Elliott Denman (athletics, 1956)

Hal Haig Prieste, America's oldest Olympian and the world's oldest Olympic medalwinner, passed away at 104.

A bronze medalist in platform diving at the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games, Prieste died at the Camden, NJ rehabilitation center where he'd lived for several years.

"For those of us fortunate enough to have met Hal and to have seen his vibrant spirit, we can be comforted in knowing that he lived a full, rewarding life. Indeed, he had many "bonus" years that most of us will never see," said Cynthia E. Stinger, Manager of the Olympic Alumni Relations office of the United States Olympic Committee, Colorado Springs, CO.

Prieste, who had hoped to make a ceremonial appearance at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games next February, was back in the spotlight last September at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Over 80 years earlier, he'd shimmied up a 15-foot flagpole in Antwerp and snared an Olympic flag that quite possibly was the first ever created in the now-standard design of five interlocking rings, representing five continents, of five colors, representing at least one color in the flag of every Olympic nation.

Prieste had been dared to take the flag by his famed 1920 Olympic teammate, swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku (swimming, 1912, '20, '24).

The flag remained in one of Prieste's suitcases until he returned it to International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch at a special ceremony held days before the opening of the Sydney Games. In return, Samaranch presented Prieste with a boxed, commemorative Olympic medal.

"[The flag] was no good to me; I won't be able to hang it up in my room," said Prieste, who had been flown to Sydney as a special guest of the International Olympic Committee. "People will think more of me for giving it away than keeping it."

"That's Hal for you; everybody in Sydney loved him," said Mrs. Carolyn LaMaina of Wildwood Crest, NJ who served as Prieste's travel guide and manager in recent years.

Prieste became a media celebrity all over again in Sydney.

"Every newspaper, every feature writer, every TV station wanted to interview

Hal Haig Prieste and Cindy Stinger at the 2000 Sydney Games

him," said Mrs. LaMaina. "He did those interviews every day, and he never got tired of doing them."

In the 1920 platform diving event at Antwerp - the first Games to be held after World War I - Prieste placed third behind U.S. teammate Clarence Pinkston (diving, 1920, '24) and Erik Adlerz of Sweden.

In later years, Prieste went on to a show business career that saw him play an original Keystone Kop and appear in 25 movies, take roles on the Broadway stage and perform in the circus and Ice Follies.

Prieste stayed in excellent physical shape for most of his life, sticking to a routine that included swimming, skating and calisthenics.

In 1996, he was a member of the torch relay escorting the Olympic flame to the Atlanta Olympic Games. In recent years, he'd been honored at events hosted by the New York Athletic Club and the New Jersey Sports Writers Association.

Born in Fresno, CA in 1896 - the same year the Modern Olympic Games were born - Prieste celebrated his 104th birthday last November 23 at the Camden Rehabilitation Center, displaying the energy of a much younger man. "He danced with the girls and had himself a great time," said Mrs. LaMaina.

A memorial service for Prieste was held from 7 to 9 PM, Friday, April 27 at the Zale Funeral Home in Stratford, NJ.

Cathy Racine, the mother of topranked bobsled driver Jean Racine, died in Waterford, MI on May 14, 2001. She was 47. Since 1996, Racine had been fighting scleroderma, an immune system and connective tissue disorder.

Irvin "Bo" Roberson (athletics, 1960) passed away April 19, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA at age 65. Born in Blakely,

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

GA, Roberson went on to win an Olympic silver medal in the long jump at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Idella Moore Sehorn (swimming, 1952) died on March 14, 2001 at age 73. Della was a member of the 1952 U.S. Swim Team in which she swam the 200-meter breaststroke. She is survived by husband, Albert J. Sehorn, a staff member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Swim Team.

Walter Tomsen (shooting, 1948) died in Southbury, CT on December 30, 2000. Born in Russia in 1912, he later immigrated to the United States, settling in New York. Tomsen began smallbore rifle competition in the 1930s and was an Olympic silver medalist in smallbore prone rifle as a member of the 1948 Olympic Team. Tomsen, whose father was a member of the Russian Olympic pistol team before WWI, passed on the shooting tradition to his youngest son, Gregory, a member of the U.S. Army All-Guard Rifle Squad.

Owen C. Torrey, Jr. (sailing, 1948) passed away on February 13, 2001. Funeral services were held at the American Yacht Club in New York at Torrey's request. An Olympic flag was proudly displayed at the ceremony, along with members' burgees, other yacht club burgees and the American flag. Torrey won an Olympic bronze

medal in the swallow class at the 1948 London Games.

Albert T. Urbanski, father of Olympian Calla Urbanski (figure skating, 1992), died suddenly on April 18, 2001. He was 71. Albert was very instrumental in Calla's skating career, which was highlighted with a trip to the 1992 Albertville Olympics where she and Rocky Marva/di (figure skating, 1992) competed in pairs figure skating.

Correction:

Walter M. Hoover, Jr. (rowing, 1952, '56) was incorrectly identified in the Spring 2001 issue as Walter M. Moorh, Jr. in the picture of the 1956 ,, U.S. Olympic Rowing Team. The picture accompanied the memorial column for Erwin Fox(rowing, 1956) who died on October 3, 2000.

Walter Tomsen

(L -R) Owen Torrey and Lockwood Pirie (sailing, 1948)

Jay Barrs (archery, 1988, '92) returned from the United States Field Archery Championships in Spokane, WA with his

eighth consecutive and 13th career win in the men's Recurve Bow division. Barrs brought home an individual Olympic gold medal and a team silver medal from the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Alan Charles Be//(cycling, 1956, '60) attended the Bicycle Safety Rodeo and SAFE KIDS Day on May 12, 2001 in Lawrenceville, NJ on behalf of the U.S. Olympic Committee. More than 300 children that attended the event with their families were able to see his ex-

Games, coached the Philadelphia 76ers through the NBA Finals. Although the Sixers did not come away with the championship, the fact that it was their first Finals in 18 years is quite an accomplishment. Brown also served as Assistant Coach for the 1980 U.S. Basketball Team and the 2000 Team in Sydney.

Jennifer Capriati (tennis, 1992) captured her second major title with a win at the French Open in Paris against Bel-

ana beginning this spring. Cassell was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that won an Olympic gold medal from the 1964 Tokyo Games.

Dana Chladek (canoe/kayak, 1992, '96), two-time Olympic medalist in K-1 kayak single, was featured on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine in June 2001

hibit, which included Olympic memorabilia. Bell was a member of the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team at the 1956 Melbourne Games and the 1960 Rome Games.

LarryBrown(basketball, 1964), member of the 1964 U.S. Basketball Team that took the gold medal at the Tokyo

Jennifer Capriati

gian Kim Clijsters 1-6, 6-4, 12-10. Earlier this year, she defeated American Martina Hingis for the title at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Capriati captured an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

01/an Cassell (athletics, 1964), President of the Indiana Olympians Chapter, will be teaching an Olympic history course at several universities in Indi-

with the headline "Women Athletes Make a Splash." The issue introduces the Smithsonian Institute exhibition GAME FACE: What does a female athlete look like?, a unique collection of photos depicting the sacrifice and celebration of sport in the lives of girls and women. The exhibit opened June 27, 2001 and will travel to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for display during the 2002 Olympic Games. The GAME FACE book by Random House is available nationwide with a cover featuring the famed photo of Brandi Chastain (soccer, 1996, '00) after the U.S. Women's Soccer Team won the 1999 World Cup.

Matt Chojnacki (freestyle aerial skiing, 1998) successfully completed the most difficult aerial maneuver in the history of Freestyle Aerial Skiing on April 4, 2001 at Winter Park Resort, CO. ~ His jump, a Quad Twisting Quadruple (4X4), broke the 18-year record held

O/lan Cassell

Jay Barrs

Allen Charles Bell at SAFE KIDS Day

Dana Chladek

Matt Chojnacki

by Frank Bare. Chojnacki's World Record jump can be seen in the movie Cold Fusion expected to be released this October and on a nationally televised episode of Adrenaline TV in November.

Maggie Connor(freestyle mogul skiing, 1992) has combined her certifications in neuro linguistics, timeline therapy, kinesiology and hypnosis in her company, Ultimate Journey Productions, which seeks to produce fast and permanent human change. She works with clients from all walks of life such as CEOs, people with addictions, children with learning disabilities and athletes. Recently, Connor's success has attracted the attention of Major League Baseball and NFL players who have hired her to help improve their game.

Otis Davis (athletics, 1960), two-time gold medalist and President of the TriStates Olympians Chapter, continues to set the pace for Olympian involvement in community activities and as a role model for children. On June 6, 2001, he served as director and guest of honor for the first Mayor's Track and Field Meet at Roosevelt Stadium in Union City, NJ. The meet drew kids from nine area elementary schools to compete in sprints, a sprint relay and a circle relay. He also spoke to 75 fifthgraders in Staten Island later that month on the occasion of their graduation to middle school. Davis runs an

after-school sports program for children called Safe Haven and is coordinator for the Union City Municipal Drug Alliance, an anti-drug and alcohol abuse program.

Tom Dolan (swimming, 1996, '00) has joined a group of other prominent sports figures involved in America's Promise, an organization formed in 1997 to make youth a national priority. The organization hopes to utilize the role model capabilities of the athletes to positively influence America's youth. Dolan is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter individual medley, and won a silver medal in the 200-meter individual medley in Sydney.

Stacy Dragila (athletics, 2000), Olympic gold medalist in pole vault at the Sydney Games, broke her previous world record by an amazing 4 ¼ inches at the U.S. Open in Stanford, CA this June. She won the pole vault competition with a vault of 15 feet-9 ¼ inches.

MarkGrimmette(luge, 1994, '98) and Brian Martin (luge, 1998), bronze medalists in partners luge at the 1998

Nagano Games, were named USA Luge's 2001 Team of the Year. The doubles team has many successes to their credit including three World Championships bronze medals, and a gold medal at the 2000 Inaugural Winter Goodwill Games.

Ato Hand (judo, 2000) captured the bronze medal at + 100 kg in the Guido

Sieni Trophy International Judo Championship held in Sassari, Italy.

After a spring filled with emotional ups and downs, Randy Heis/er(athletics, 1988) celebrated as his Indiana Hoosiers track team captured their 2nd consecutive Big Ten outdoor title on May 20, 2001 by defeating Purdue with a score of 140 to 122 ½.. Just before Indiana placed 3rd at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in February, his wife, Tammy, underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumor After a three-month recovery, Tammy was able to cheer on her husband's championship team and resume her job as a third-grade teacher. Heisler, who threw discus in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, was a bronze medalist in the 1987 and '95 Pan American Games.

Regina Jacobs (athletics, 1988, '92, '96) was named Xerox Female Athlete of the Day and Xerox Female Athlete of the Meet after becoming the first woman to win the 800 and 1,500 in 17 years at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, OR. The double combination has only previously been accomplished in 1965 and '84, and was Jacobs' third consecutive national double. Jacobs then tried for an unprecedented triple with a win in the 5,000, but took second to Marla Runyan (paralympian, 1992, '96) (athletics, 2000) who won with a time of 15:08.03.

Rafer Johnson (athletics, 1956, '60), 1956 Olympic silver medalist and 1960

Rafer Johnson

Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, proclaimed the 32 nd Annual Spe-

(L -R) Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin

cial Olympics Southern California Summer Games open on June 15, 2001 at Cal State Long Beach, CA. Johnson, who was instrumental in bringing Special Olympics to Southern California, later re-lit the Olympic torch during the closing ceremonies held at Sports Expo Park on June 17.

Mary Lou Retton Kelley (gymnastics, 1984) joined Bela Karolyi, staff member of the 1992, '96 and '00 U.S. Gymnastics Teams, as official co-chair of the 2001 National Gymnastics Day held on August 25, 2001. She has remained active promoting gymnastics while serving as a motivational speaker and corporate spokesperson.

Hunter Kemper (triathlon, 2000) claimed overall honors at the Cheyenne Mountain Sprint Triathlon in Colorado Springs, CO in June. Kemper used the fastest bike split to win in a time of 58:05.

Karen Kurreck (cycling, 2000), one of three women that made up the U.S. Women's Cycling Team in Sydney, was recently featured in the University of Illinois alumni magazine for her accomplishments as an athlete and professional. Kurreck actually attended Illinois on a gymnastics scholarship, where she received numerous honors including 1984 University of Illinois Athlete of the Year. In 1992, after participating in triathlons and realizing that cycling was her best event, Kurreck began intense cycling training. Training paid off in 1994 as she made the U.S. National Team and won the world individual time trial in Palermo, Italy A 1984 Illinois computer science graduate, Kurreck resumed her career as a computer programmer after the 2000 Olympics.

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

John K. Matthews (greco-roman wrestling, 1976, '80) will return to coaching soccer and wrestling after 15 1/z years with Miller Brewing Company, He plans to pursue work in coaching, teaching and administration in a public

school system. Matthews hopes to "touch young athletes' lives" and help them achieve their dreams and goals in sports. Matthews, a two-time Olympian, was the gold medalist at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Doug Mientkiewicz (baseball, 2000), USA's leading hitter at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, enjoyed a solid start to the Minnesota Twins' baseball season. The first baseman is among the leading hitters in the American League. After a tough rookie season in 1999, the Olympics were refreshing for Mientkiewicz. "I had lost my love for the game. The Olympics gave me my confidence," he said in USA Today. In the Olympic gold medal game against South Korea, Mientkiewicz hit two home runs, one a grand slam.

MartyNothstein(cycling, 1996, '00), 2000 Olympic gold medalist, earned four more national titles at the USCF Elite National Track Cycling Championships held in Blaine, MN from June 1216, 2001. Nothstein won the kilometer time trial, Olympic sprint, sprint and Keirin. James Carney (cycling, 1992, '00) and brother Jonas Carney (cycling, 2000) won the team pursuit as members of the Prime Alliance squad with teammates Ryan Miller and Colby Pearce. James also took the title in the men's points race. For the women, Olympian Tanya Lindenmuth (cycling, 2000) scored a victory in the 500-m time trial and sprint, and Erin Mirabella (cycling, 2000) left with the top position in the points race and pursuit.

Karen O'Connor (equestrian, 1988, '96, '00) became the American Horse Shows Association 2001 National Champion of Eventing at the Foxhall Three Day Event held in Atlanta, GA from May 3-6, 2001. She was

awarded the Guy V. Henry Memorial Trophy after her victory riding Prince Panache. Karen's husband, 2000 Olympic gold medalist Davi, ,,-----..., O'Connor (equestrian, 1996, '00), placed third in the event riding Tigger Too. Karen and David were both members of the silver medal team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the bronze medal team at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Olympians Involved in 2001

F.L.A.M.E. Program: The 8th Annual F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) Program was held July 11-15 at the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, CO and July 26-29 for the first time at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Olympians serving as motivational speakers and role models included Teresa Edwards (basketball, 1984, '88, '92, '96, '00), Matt Ghaffari (greco-roman wrestling, 1992, '96), Debbi Thomas (figure skating, 1988), Bonnie St. John Deane (paralympian,,,.,--...._ downhill skiing, 1984), Herman Frazie, (athletics, 1976, '80), Billy Mills (ath-

Karen O'Connor

letics, 1964), Jennifer Rodriguez (speedskating, 1998), Wil/ye White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68 , '72) and Tonie Campbell (athletics, 1980, '84, '88).

Dot Richardson (softball, 1996, '00) was named medical director of the

new triathlon training center in Clermont, FL. Richardson was a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning teams at the Games in Atlanta and Sydney.

Bill Toomey (athletics, 1968), Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon at the 1968 Games in Mexico City, can now be heard LIVE every Saturday in San Diego and Santa Barbara, CA on the radio show "The Jock and the Doc." Cohosted with Diana Schwarzbein, the show provides helpful medical and fitness information for listeners.

Tara VanDerveer, coach of the 1996 U.S. Women 's Basketball Team that

Charles "Chuck" J. Daly, head coach of the 1992 U S. Olympic Dream Team, was granted an honorary degree from Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, FL where he also gave the commencement address.

Josh Davis (swimming, 1996, '00), three-time gold medalist in 1996 and two - time silver medalist in 2000, was honored May 20, 2001 with the dedication of the Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio, TX. The North East School District chose to honor their forme r athlete for his accomplishments and personal character. The Josh Davis Natatorium is a new, state-of-the-art facility considered to be one of the best high school natatoriums in the nation It features a short-course, all-deep water pool with anti-wave racing lane buoys and rim flow gutters. Davis has been busy doing motivational speeches, working on his business , and devoting Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

won Olympic gold in Atlanta, attended the 150th anniversary celebration of her high school, Buffalo Seminary, in June. VanDerveer coaches at Stanford University where she has led their team to win two national championships and trips to five Final Fours.

Craig Virgin (athletics, 1976, '80, '84) returned to racing July 4, 2000 after a head-on collision in January 1997 nearly killed him. Virgin battled back from head injuries, a heart arrhythmia, broken ankles, a broken finger and several surgeries. Virgin, who had to learn to walk again immediately after the wreck, ran in Tommy's American 3K Race in St. Louis as part of the city's annual Fourth of July celebration.

Gary Hall, Sr. (swimming, 1968, '72, '76) was one offive people inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame on June 26, 2001 at the Waldorf-Astoria

Hotel in New York. He was selected for his accomplishments as a student-athlete at Indiana University. Hall captured a silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics for the 400-meter individual relay. He added another silver to his collection at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the 200-meter butterfly, and an additional bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the 100-meter butterfly. Lynn Barry, staff member of the 1996 U.S Basketball Team, was also honored for her contributions as a student-athlete at William & Mary

Magic Johnson (basketball , 1992) was honored on June 21 , 2001 with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in front of the Roosevelt Hotel at 7018 Hollywood Boulevard. Johnson, who has placed Magic Johnson Theatres in five minority communities, was honored in the motion picture category. Although there is no ca t egory for athletes, other

Gary Hall, Sr. and Charles Hickcox (swimming, 1968)

Bill Toomey

time to his wife, Shantel, and three children

Olympians such as Johnny Weissmu//er(swimming, 1924, '28), who starred in the movie Tarzan, have been honored as actor/athletes.

Michelle Kwan (figure skating, 1998) was named Figure Skater of the Year through Skating Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards. She is the only multiple recipient of the award, previously winning in 1994, '96, '98 and '99. Kwan captured an Olympic silver medal at the 1998 Nagano Games.

The IOC awarded Carl Lewis(athletics, 1980, '84, '88, '92, '96) the Olympic Order on June 23, 2001. The cer-

emony took place at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly renovated building. Established by the IOC in 1974, the Olympic Order honors those persons who demonstrate the Olympic ideal through their actions, have achieved excellence in sport, or have contributed greatly to the Olympic movement. Lewis was a

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

four-time gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, silver medalist and two-time gold medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, two-time gold medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and most recently won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the long jump.

Rod Milburn (athletics, 1972), whose life was cut short after a tragic accident on November 11, 1997, was honored at a ceremony on August 18, 2001 in his hometown of Opelousas, LA with the opening of a permanent exhibit at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center featuring Milburn. All medalists from Milburn's gold medal-winning 110-meter high hurdles event at the 1972 Munich Games were in attendance: silver medalist Guy Drut of France, bronze medalist Thomas Hill (athletics, 1972) and 4th place finisher WillieDavenport(athletics, 1964, '68, '72, '76) (bobsled, 1980).

Tina Noyes(figure skating, 1964, '68), President of the New England Area Olympians Chapter, was named honorary chairperson of the 10th Annual Massachusetts Senior Summer Games held at Springfield College from June 14-1~ 2001 and-~~ delivered the keynote address for the Games' banquet on June 15. The Games provide athletic competition for seniors 50 years of age and older. Past honorees include Olympic gold medalist K.C. Jones (basketball, 1956) and 1960 Olympic gold medalist Lucinda Williams Adams (athletics, 1956, '60). (Tina is

named Synchronized Swimmer of the Century by the International Swimming Hall of Fame in May 2001. During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she won gold medals for solo competition and duet competition with partner Candy Costie Merrill (synchronized swimming, 1984). RuizConforto added a silver medal to her collection at the 1988 Olympics for solo competition .

Marla Runyan (paralympian 1992, '96) (athletics, 2000) was awarded a $10,000 William E. Simon Olympic Endowment Fund Grant. During the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she became the first legally blind athlete to compete for the U.S. Olympic Team. Runyan finished 3th in the 1500 meters in Sydney- the top American in the event. At the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, Runyan placed first in 100-meters, 200-meters, 400meters and the long jump. In 1996 at the Atlanta Paralympics, she won gold in the pentathlon.

Tracie Ruiz-Conforto (synchronized swimming, 1984, '88) was

Carl Lewis

Litz, Christine Haigler, Team.) Team Manager James Earl, Peggy Fleming, Monty Hoyt, Tina Noyes,

Scott Allen

USA Hockey Annual Congress Award Recipients: Three Olympians were among the 11 people honored at the USA Hockey Annual Congress held on June 9, 2001 in Colorado Springs, CO. Eric Weinrich (ice hockey, 1988) and Darby Hendrickson (ice hockey, 1994) were presented the Bob Johnson Award for excellence in

Mihai Bagiu(artistic gymnastics, 1996) and his wife, Kris, welcomed their fourth child, daughter Chloe, into the family. Born at home on October 24, 2000 with a midwife in attendance, she weighed 10 pounds and was 22 inches long. Chloe joined her proud siblings Gabriela (6), Mia (3), and Jared (2).

Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians

international competition. Weinrich competed in the 1988 Calgary Olympics and just completed his 13th season in the NHL. Hendrickson was a member of the 1994 Olympic Team in Lillehammer, and finished the inaugural NHL season with the Minnesota Wild at a career-high of 29 season goals. Herb Brooks (ice hockey,

1964, '68) was given USA Hockey's Distinguished Achievement Award for his outstanding lifelong contributions to the sport of hockey Brooks led the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team to a gold medal victory in the Lake Placid, NY Olympics. He has again been assigned as head coach for the 2002 U S. Olympic Hockey Team in Salt Lake.

Scott Strausbaugh and Joe Jacobi at La Seu d'Urgell, Spain

Mara Keggi Ford (rowing, 1988) and husband, Don, celebrated the birth of twin boys at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA The boys were born two months premature on February 16 , 2001. Christopher Daly, born at 10:55

am, weighed 4 pounds, 15 ounces and was 18 inches long. Alexander Walden, born at 10:56 am, weighed 4 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18 inches long.

Joe Jacobi (canoe/kayak, 1992) and Lisa Riblet Jacobi (canoe/kayak, 1996) are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter, Seu Jane Jacobi. Born on March 20, 2001, Seu weighed 7.3 pounds and was 19 ¾ inches long. Seu, the Jacobi's first child, is named in tribute to La Seu d'Urgell, Spain. Located north of Barcelona, La Seu d'Urgell played host to the Olympic whitewater events in 1992 where Joe and his partner Scott Strausbaugh (canoe/kayak, 1992) won Olympic gold medals in canoe doubles.

Natalie Kim Seybold (figure skating, 1988) and husband, Mark Catron, who married August 29, 1999 in Indianapolis, IN, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Ivy Catron. Born at Women's Hospital in Indianapolis on July 27, 2000 at 11: 13 am, she weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 ¾ inches long. Natalie competed in pairs figure skating at the 1988 Calgary Olympics with her brother Wayne Seybold (figure skating, 1988).

Natalie Seybold Catron and Wayne Seybold

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 2001-2004

CHAIR/PRESIDENT

Sandra Baldwin

VICE CHAIR

Herman Frazier

VICE CHAIR

Paul E. George

VICE CHAIR

Bill Stapleton

SECRETARY

Marty Mankamyer

TREASURER

Frank Marshall

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICER/SECRETARY GENERAL

Scott Blackmun

U.S. OLYMPIAN OFFICERS

PRESIDENT John Naber (swimming, 1976)

1st VICE PRESIDENT

Willie Davenport ( athletics, 1964, '68, '72, '76/bobsled, 1980)

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Jeff Blatnick (wrestling, 1980, '84)

3rd VICE PRESIDENT

Cathy Ferguson (swimming, 1964)

4th VICE PRESIDENT

Theresa Andrews (swimming, 1984)

5th VICE PRESIDENT

Anne Warner Cribbs (swimming, 1960)

6th VICE PRESIDENT

Willie Banks (athletics, 1980,'84,'88)

EDITORIAL STAFF

SENIOR EDITOR

Cynthia E. Stinger

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

J. Michael Wilson

MANAGING EDITOR

Linda J Nevarez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Denise O'Shea

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR

Lindsay Watts

51045 OLYMPIC ALUMNI RELATIONS

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

ONE OLYMPIC PLAZA

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