Spring 2004 | The Olympian

Important Phone & Internet Numbers

Do you have a change of address or know a fellow Olympian that has mo ved? Gi ve us a call.

U.S. Olympians Association (800) 717-7555

Fax: (719) 866 -4 917

United States Olympic Committee Tele: (719) 632 - 5551

e-mail

U.S Olympians Ass ociation Manager - Cindy.Stinger@usoc org

INTERNET ADDRESSES :

U.S. Ol ympic Committee http://www.usolympicteam.com TeamUSAnet http://teamusanet.monster.com

LETTER FROM JOHN NABER

U.S. Olympian s Pres id e nt

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While looking at an ornate statue of a horse in mid-stride , the admirer asked the artist how he carved such an intricate object: "It's easy, " replied the sculptor, "I look at the block of marble, and I chip away anything that isn't a horse "

The magic of carving granite is no less mysterious to me than the training and performance of Olympic Champions is to the viewing public. You and I understand how it works, but from the spectators' perspective, what Olympians do is an almost incomprehensible marvel of athleticism, grace and performance under pressure. For the athlete, it is something more basic and fundamental. It's almost a personal obsession. ("Fish gotta swim and birds gotta fly.")

As fundamental as hard work and innovative training may have been for us, I always delight in the opportunity to see those fundamentals ( and the authors of those fundamentals) honored by the public. The Olympic Games continue to inspire because the public wants to know what makes ordinary young men and women mold themselves into the finest in the world at their respective tasks. That's why they watch the Olympics in such great numbers, and that's why so many companies are willing to pay huge rights fees for the privilege of affiliating themselves with the world-famous five-ring symbol. I am regularly paid to share motivational stories of Olympic triumphs with corporate audiences of managers, sales teams or customers in the hopes that the personal goals of these audiences will some - ..-.. how be elevated. 1

Since writing my l ast column, three special opportunities to honor Olympians and their stories have come to my attention

In early January, I was invited to serve on the USOC Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. A small group of Olympic devotees met in Colorado Springs (or over the telephone) to cull a long list of worthwhile inductees into a smaller, more manageable number on which the public and media and Olympians might vote Our burden was not in deciding who belonged , but rather who would have to wait until the next ballot. Just reviewing the spectacular accomplishments of so many wonderful human beings was a personal inspiration. The actual inductees will be selected by a combination of public and Olympic family votes. U.S. Olympians' votes will count for 50% of the total so please visit the website at http://www.olympichalloffame.com/usoc and bring your Olympic ID number. If you do not know your ID please call the U.S. Olympians Association Office at 800-717-7555. All votes must be cast online between noon ET March 3 and noon ET April 14 , 2004.

Early in February, Disney Pictures released the movie "Miracle" about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. In addition to the members of that team, about 25 additional Olympians were invited to "walk the red carpet" as part of the Opening Night celebration. Media from around the globe was able to interview the likes of Mary Lou Retton, Bruce Jenner and Tommy Lasorda as part of the celebration. With each interview, I was delighted to think of the Olympic stories that were going to appear over the airwaves as a result of this inspiring film. I imagined thousands of young Olympic hopefuls getting their first dose of "five-ring-fever" at the local cinemaplex and asking their folks after the movie how they too might "play for the United States of America."

Thirdly, the Olympic Flame is coming to four American Cities in the month of June as part of the Athens 2004 Torch Relay. These cities are Los Angeles , St. Louis , Atlanta and New York. For those who cannot personally watch the flame's arrival, rest assured that the sponsors of the relay have invited Americans to nominate worthy torchbearers, and Olympians will certainly be involved The mere spectacle of the Torch Relay is something I have had the pleasure of witnessing on the streets (outside the Opening Ceremony) on four separate occasions in 1984, 1992, 1996 and 2002, and it never fails to raise a lump in my throat. Police escorts , media vans and flag-waving crowds along the sidewalks create an uplifting moment that elevates the consciousness of each spectator The Olympic movement to something grander than a sporting event; the flame heralds the ideals of individual accomplishment , sportsmanship, triumph over adversity and personal character. It makes us want to be better people!

We are all attached for life to this wonderful movement, and every time the phrase "Olympic Games" appears in word or print , I see an opportunity to help our youth, community and country at large. These opportunities don't come along every day, but they seem to come along often enough. Let's grab the chance whenever we can!

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Visits the U.S. Olympic Training Center

In October 2003, United States

Secretary of Defense

Donald Rumsfeld, who was in Colorado Springs for a series of NATO meetings, paid a special visit to the USOC headquarters There he received a personal tour of the complex and met specifically with members of the U.S Wrestling Team and its military athletes.

The men's freestyle team, consisting of more than 20 athletes, was in the middle of its afternoon practice when Rumsfeld arrived. A few of the women wrestlers were also on the mats for an early workout.

The athletes put their practice on hold for a few minutes to meet Rumsfeld, who was a wrestler and team captain for Princeton in the mid- l 950s and who had tried out for the 1956 U.S . Olympic Team . Rumsfeld said he has always expressed a strong passion for wrestling, and that he was pleased to attend their workout. He recalled seeing many of them in action when he attended the World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling in New York City a few weeks earlier.

Rumsfeld was especially interested to hear that some of the athletes were currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Those individuals included U.S . Army wrestlers Charles Daniels, Dominic Black, Jason Kutz and Eric Albarracin and also U.S. Air Force wrestlers Aaron Sieracki and Kevin Hoy.

Later, the team presented him with gifts and posed for pictures. Shortly after, Rumsfeld returned to dealing with world military issues and other pressing international matters.

The U.S. Men's Wres tling Team meets Donald Rumsfeld

Rum sfeld gives Sally Roberts, a female wrestler and 2004 Olympic hop ~ful, a pep talk during pra ctice

By. ELLIOTT DENMA N (athl etics , 195 6)

No American hammer thrower has stood atop the Olympic medals stand since 1956 and no American regrets this state of affairs more than Harold Connolly, himself the 1956 champion with an epic and s toried performance at the XVI Melbourne Games

Never a man to rest on his laurels - and his own magnificent collection inc ludes four Olympic appearances, seven world records and a reputation as the greatest ball-and-chain performer in this nation's history - Connolly has taken on the personal mission of targeting and developing the young athletes who might someday aspire to his own lofty level of achievement.

So there he was at the December 2003 annual meeting of USA Track and Field , the national governing bod y for the sport , in Greensboro , North Carolina, lobbying and cajoling and catching the ear of anyone and everyone in a position to promote junior hammer throwing in America, urging them to take some major action .

"That's my passion ," Connolly tells one and all.

"I want to see it happen , and there's no reason why it can't be done We need to provide a lot more opportunities for our young throwers."

After considerable discussion in Greensboro's con-idors and meeting r' rooms, many administrators and coaches on the junior level in the U.S. began to come around to Connolly's views.

And thus the hammer throw was approved for inclusion as a standard event in future ed it ions of the USATF Youth Track and Field Championships, in the meet's intern1ediate boys (15-16) and young men's (17-18) divisions.

Connolly, now 72, lives in Radford, Va., but takes a personal role in the coaching of a handful of promising young throwers around America. Most importantly, he's been working to coach their coaches, too.

"These kids have been at it a very short time," he says. "But they're a lready making ten-ific progress." He envisions the day, too, that some top young Americans can study under Europe's top coaches, as he once did.

No one's more aware of the hit-and-miss nature of hammer-throw development in the U.S. than Connolly, because his own participation in the event was purely a chance happening.

The son of a Boston house painter who'd once been a high school shot putter, Connolly took up the shot put, too, first at Boston's Brighton High School and then at Boston College.

Through four years of college competition, though, his best shot performance was just over 53 feet, a good effort but hardly extraordinary.

Not until a short time before his graduation from B.C. did he take up the hammer.

Bill Gilligan, the B.C track coach, had offered Connolly a ride home after practice - but not until Gi lli gan had completed his session with the B.C. hammer throwers.

So, hanging around the practice area with nothing better to do, Connolly picked up one of the 16-pound implements, an iron ball with its wire and handle, and began flipping it for fun.

One day, serving as a retriever for his teammates, he threw the hammer completely over their heads. That became the day that Connolly found his true calling in track and field.

Instead of hanging 'em up after college - as so many college athletes then as well as now do, draining the sport of so much promising talent - Connolly now embarked on a mission of training harder than he'd ever trained before.

Some might have called it a mission impossible. After all , Connolly's left arm was four inches shorter than his right, the result of an accident at birth .

"I was born 13 pounds, but it took a great toll on my mother," he says. "My mother was close to death after I was born. She surv ived, but there was serious damage to some of the nerves in my le ft arm."

He wound up wearing a brace for many years and endured sessions of physical therapy until age 13. With his left arm virtually dysfunctional,

Connolly learned to cope - in the only two-handed throwing event in track and field - with his powerful right.

"My parents were always very suppo1iive," he said. "They were willing to let me take risks."

Risking his ath let ic future on an event some said he had no business taking up, Connolly went on to master the event and show the world.

Not since 1924 when Fred Tootell - in later years the coach at the University of Rhode Island - took the gold at the Paris Games had an American won the Olympic hammer.

After B.C. , Connolly had sought out America's foremost hammer coaches, then ventured to Europe to study under such hammer experts as Sepp Christmann, who'd coached the 1936 Olympic champion, Karl Hein of Germany.

Christmann was a great confidence-builder

"H e told me I could win at Melbourne," said Connolly.

Sure enough, Connolly showed the world Down Under in 1956, bringing home one of the 15 golds the U .S. men's track and field team co llected in the most dominant display any nation's team had since 1904.

Through the 1950s, the hammer was considered' "East European property" but Connolly stunned them all with his Olympicrecord victory throw of 207 feet, 3 inches , as a Gameswinner who beat the 200-foot mark for the first time.

Soviet stars Mikhail Krivonosov and Anaoly Samotsvetov placed 2-3 with Cornell grad'Al Hall (who'd be Connolly's teammate for three more Olympic teams) a close fourth. Connolly had set the first of his seven world records wi th a 218 -10 throw six weeks before Melbourne (topping Krivonosov 's then-best 217-9) and improved it to 224-10 in another pre-Melbourne meet.

And Connolly was to set five more WR's - 225-0 in 1958, 230-9 in 1960 , 231 -10 in 1962 , and 232-11 and 233-9 in 1965.

Heading into the 1960 Rome Games, Connolly had high hopes of winning again.

"I really thought I was ready to do it ," he said.

But it didn't happen and he wound up eighth

There was additional pressure he didn't care for - his proposed presence on a Wheaties box and the cover of Life Magazine . That plus a wearying trip to a USA team meet in Berne , Switzerland.

He'd hoped to reach the top at Tokyo in 1964 , too, but hurt his back trying a 500 -pound squat lift just two days before the competition and settled for sixth place

The Mexico City Games of 1968 marked Connolly' s final Olympic appearance . By then, Gyula Zsivotsky of Hungary had extended the world record to 242-0 and the Olympic record to 240-8 , and Connolly went unplaced.

"I was 41 then, and essentially past my prime," he knew.

After Connolly, just two other American men - William Green, fifth in 1984 ,. and Lance Deal, seventh in 1992, silver medal in 1996 - have reached the top eight in the Games.

them at a civil ceremony, which was followed by Catholic and Protestant services

The Connollys settled in California and had four children - twins Merja and Jim, followed by Mark and Nina Merja became an Olympic-caliber volleyball player, only to lose her 1988 opportunity with a broken ankle ; Jim was a promising pole vaulter, until suffering a broken leg. Mark was an amateur and professional boxer, and Nina a sprinter.

Connolly has taken on the personal mission of targeting and developing the young athletes who might someday aspire to his own lofty level of achievement.

With all he did in the hammer circle, though, he gained far larger headlines with what he did outside the Olympic arena.

Connolly met discus champion Olga Fikotova of Czechoslovakia at the Melbourne Olympic Village and it soon evolved into "total infatuation "

While both focused on their competitions in the Games - she won the women's discus on Nov. 23, 1956 (with an Olympic-record throw of 176-1 ), he won the men's hammer a day later - they focused on each other as soon as their events were completed

With the Cold War still raging , and The Iron Curtain firmly in place, any such East-West courtship might have been considered an impossibility. Not even an Iron Curtain, however, could stand in the way of their romance. Czech officials finally relented and they were ma1Tied in Prague , in Febrnary 1957. Some 40,000 people turned out to cheer

Olga Connolly would compete in four more Olympic discus competitions , now for the U.S., placing seventh in 1960, 12th in 1964, sixth in 1968, and 16th in 1972.

At the 1972 Munich Games, she was accorded the supreme honor of serving as U.S. flag-bearer at Opening Ceremony The Connollys divorced in 1973.

The 800-meter run hadn't been on the women's Olympic program since 1928 when it was brought back 32 years later, helping to launch the modern era of women's middle-distance tunning

Pat Winslow Daniels, who ran the 800 for the U.S. at Rome in 1960, would become the second Mrs. Connolly, and became a double Olympic pioneer in her own right , placing seventh in the first- ever women's pentathlon event at Tokyo in 1964 and sixth at Mexico City in 1968.

Harold and Pat Connolly have two children, Adam , who became a top-rank hammer thrower at Stanford University, and Shannon, who captained the volleyball team at Columbia.

"I really thought Adam was going to make the 2000 Olympic team in the hammer," said his dad. "He threw it 236 feet-plus , which is a family record, beating my own best-ever of233-10 fi. But he tore an anterior cruciate (knee) ligament playing basketball and that ended it for him

"He's in law school now, but the knee still isn't right."

Bottom line, says Harold : 'Tm extremely proud of all our kids."

Connolly went West after his Boston days and taught English for 30 years at Santa Monica High School.

He then returned East to become director of special programs for the 1Special Olympic national office in Washington , D.C., a post he held

for 11 years. While in Washington, he found time to serve as assistant coach at Georgetown University, where few hammer throwers had ever been seen.

With Connolly there , though, the Boyas quickly became a hammer power and Kevin McMahon, his top pupil , emerged as the IC4A champion, NCAA medalist, and two-time (1996 and 2000) Olympian. "And Kevin's training hard for this year's Trials," says Connolly "It will be his last one and he wants to make it his best."

Wife, Pat, is a brilliant coach in her own right, listing Evelyn Ashford (1984 100-meter go ld medalist ; 1988 si lver medalist) as her top charge, with current Southern Ca l freshman Allyson Felix , who broke Marion Jones' U.S. high school record in the 200 last year, as her top 2004 Athens candidate.

Back in 1956 , Harold Connolly met the then-elderly James Connolly, another Boston Olympic great but no relation .

When James Connolly won the triple jump at Athens with a 44-11 fi hop-step-jump on April 6, 1896 , he became the very first champion of the first modem Olympic Games.

"He was a real hero in the community," said Harold.

So , many years ago , the Dr. Robert Ingersoll Browne Charitable Trust commis s ioned the creation of a James Connolly statue , portraying the landing phase of his leap , which now inspires youngsters at a South Boston playground site.

The good news these days is that a statue of Boston's second goldmedal Connolly will soon be in place, also funded by the Browne Charitable Trust.

"It's eight-feet tall, bigger than life, some people say it makes me look like The Incredible Hunk ," says Harold , smiling at the prospect. The statue, which portrays Connolly at the explosive moment the hammer is released, is the work of famed sculptor Pablo Eduardo and may be the only statue of a hammer thrower in the nation.

It's expected to be installed in front of Brighton High School, the champion's alma mater, sometime in May

"If it inspires a few more kids to take up the hammer, that wi ll make me very happy," says the champion.

ATHENS 2004

Planning to Attend the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece?

We are compiling a list of Olympians planning on attending the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Please let us know your arriva l and departure dates, as well as where you will be staying if you are planning on joining the Olympic festivities in Athens. 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-mai l Linda.Nevarez@usoc.org

Olympic Truce

IOC Humanitarian Efforts

The International Olympic Committee Athletes' Co1mnission is asking that Olympians who will be competing in Athens take part in the following IOC humanitarian efforts:

Donate shoes and used sports clothing in the Olympic Village. These items will then be distributed by the IOC and UNHCR to needy individuals around the world.

All Olympians will be encouraged to sign the "Olympic Truce," which will be displayed in the Village.

Donations of items worn by medal winners are requested for fundraising by the IOC and for the Olympic Museum.

These initiatives wi ll help us proudly "give back thr ough sports" and promote the spirit of Olympism around the world.

f!lfoeMit ~dUJ(}, But He Sure is Consistent

By ELLIOTT DENMAN (athletics , 1956)

"Hey, slow down, man; don't you know the speed limit around here?"

The taxi driver, shouting out to the not-really-speedy figure crossing Broadway in Long Branch, New Jersey, a week ago, was playing diplomat.

The guy, out for a training stroll, clad in red trunks, at-shirt that was a remnant of a years-ago and now-vanished road race, shod in

Ra cewalked his plodder's ancient waffle-soled rac-

YC M arat hon ing flats , was absolutely no threat to any speed limit, past or present.

Five-mile-an-hour pace, or 12-minute miles, won't ever set off the flashing red lights

On the other hand, 26.2 of those 12-minute miles stretched out end-to-end will get you around a marathon course in the rough neighborhood of five and a quarter-hours. The not-reallyspeedy guy has been doing this kind of thing for years and years and years, and years and years and years before that.

That guy is me.

Today's 34th running of the ING New York City Marathon will be my 25th straight. The streak started in 1979. The completion certificates wallpapering my den carry the signatures of mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. They list times as low as four hours and 44 minutes, as cloddy as five hours and 47 minutes.

(By the way, I did not to choose to run any of them. Hey, I'm a racewalker.)

The times may vary but the emotions never will.

Every time I venture out onto the Staten Island end of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, awaiting the cannon blast booming the start of the jaunt into Brooklyn and boroughs beyond, I consider myself one of the 32,000-or-so luckiest guys on the face of the earth.

All at once, I'm in the World Series, the Super Bowl, the World Cup of my sport.

I'm ready to leg it through town with the ladies and gentlemen from Spain and Britain and Italy, Egypt and Armenia and New Zealand, Duluth and Denver and Des Moines and Daytona

Beach. The gent in the rhinoceros suit , the French waiter with his tray of Perrier, the torch-lady in the Miss Liberty outfit , too.

And I'm ready to meet and greet all those wonderful high-fiving, water-giving, banana-slice-dispensing folks lining the

boulevards from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint to Long Island City, midtown to Yorktown to Harlem and the South Bronx, then on to Tavern On The Green, the good people of appar ently every ethnicity on the face of this earth, who give you the goosebumps you can 't ev er shed.

The breathtaking view from the Verrazano in Mile One has always been a very special attraction of the NYC Marathon Since 9/11 / 01, the view peering across to Manhattan comes tinged with very special emotion .

I may not get to the 10-mile mark before the winner reaches 26.2. I don't fret about it, either.

Slow folks like me have special problems doing the boroughs. All those paper cups , disposed by the multitudes running on ahead, pose a serious slippage hazard. And watch out for those discarded, trampled-down plastic bags in the early miles, too. Took a tumble on one of those babies few years ago, and bit a gash in my mouth hitting the deck. Nothing serious, though Eight stitches that night at Monmouth Medical Center repaired the damage.

Most of all, though, slow folks like me count some blessings, that we're let into the race in the first place, unlike some other marathons which tell the less-than-rapid to get lost, that we get to share the same concrete as a Grete Waitz, a Bill Rodgers , an Alberto Salazar, a German Silva, a Rodgers Rop.

Every time I trek the boroughs I say my thanks to (A) the thousands of volunteers recruited by the New York Road Runners; (B) Allan Steinfeld, the club's tireless president and CEO , 1who'd put in 26-hour days working out the nuts and bolts of this massive undertaking if he could; and (C) the late , great Fred Lebow, who turned his vision into this incredible reality. But (D) my loudest thanks of all go to Jack Rudin (of Long

Branch and New York) and his late brother Lewis for stepping up and providing the wherewithal that went on to make this event, formerly a low-key race confined to Central Park , a smash-hit success story since 1976.

I do not consider doing 25 straight NYCs that big a deal. I'm simply patient and persistent. I know that one step at a time will always get you there , The Verrazano to The Tavern.

It's the journey of it all that keeps me going. Waffle-soled racing flats, don't fail me now.

NOTE: Elliott Denman racewalked his 25th consecutive NYC Marathon in 5:56:42, placing 32,004th in a field that rose to over 35,000. The time is slow-slow-slow. But he did get there.

First-Ever Global Torch Relay

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2004 will mark the first ever global journey of the Olympic flame. The sun's rays will light the flame during a traditional ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece on March 25 , 2004. The flame will then travel to the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens , the site of the 1896 Olympic Games, the first Games of the modem era, before beginning its historic worldwide journey.

The Olympic flame will then travel to every city that has hosted the Summer Olympic Games , as well as several other select cities on its trek. The relay will take the flame to each continent that is represented by the five Olympic rings and, for the first time , will visit the continents of Africa and South America. For approximately 35 days the torch will be can-ied to 34 cities in 26 countries worldwide . Four cities in the U.S. will have the great honor of hosting the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay. The first ever global journey of the Olympic flame will travel through Los Angeles, St. Louis, Atlanta and New York on June 16-19, 2004, en route to the Opening Ceremony of the :XXVIIIth Olympic Games in Athen s, Greece. More than 3,600 torchbearers from every corner of the world are expected to participate in the international portion of the

relay. Approximately 480 torchbearers are expected to take part in the American portion of this historic event.

"It is a tremendous honor for the United States and the United States Olympic Committee to be represented by these four great citie s in the first ever International Olympic Torch Relay," said Jim Scherr, USOC Chief of Sport Performance and 1988 Olympian . "Our nation has a proud Olympic history as the host country for four Summer Olympic Games and four Olympic Winter Games. The global relay of the Olympic flame is a fitting way to welcome the Ol ympic Games back to its birthplace in Greece."

Los Angeles (1932 and '84 Games)

St. Louis ( 1904 Games)

Atlanta ( 1996 Centennial Games)

New York City

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

The U.S Olympic Committee named the Sports Medicine Clinic at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs after former director, Bob Beeten, who created a legacy in his 26 years with the USOC. Beeten was recently honored at the U.S . Olympic Complex. The event was attended by more than 100 physicians and athletic trainers who had served on the USOC's medical staff during the past 25 years.

Beeten was one of the first USOC employees when he joined the staff in 1977 at Squaw Valley, California, the original Olympic Training Center. When the USOC opened its first permanent Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs later that year, he became the organization's first Director of Sports Medicine and built the program from the ground up.

Early on, at the site in Colorado Springs , Beeten worked with limited supplies consisting of two tab le s, a stash of band-aids and tape. He eventually oversaw the funding and building of the new Sports Medicine facility in 1996 on the OTC grounds.

The clinic now provides health care , injury treatment and rehabilitation and a lso performance medical services to develop elite -l evel Olympic athletes. It contains a rehabilitation center, therapy and massage area, hydrotherapy room, including a therapy and exercise pool, physician exam rooms, vision clinic, dental laboratory and an X-ray room

Beeten's vo lunteer medical program has attracted the top physicians and athletic trainers in the U.S. to the USOC's program . He formed the medical staffs for Olympic Games, Pan American Games, U.S. Olympic Festivals, World University Games and Paralympic Games since the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid. Beeten also oversaw the development and staffing of the sports medicine facilities at the Olympic Training Centers in Lake Placid, New York, Marquette , Michigan and Chula Vista, California All of this was discussed at the event which honored Beeten and was reason as to why the USOC named the Sports Medicine Clinic after him.

"This is a fitting tribute to a man who pioneered many aspects of sports medicine for athletes ," said Jim Scherr, USOC's Chief of Sports Perfonnance. "Bob Beeten and the doctors and athletic trainers in his program have meant so much to the athletes who have come to the Olympic Training Centers and have com-

peted on U.S. teams throughout the world. I know how much he meant because I was one of those athletes."

~ Scherr was a wrestler and a resident athlete at the OTC in the 1980s and represented the U.S. in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul , Korea

Beeten came to the USOC from Idaho State University where he was one of the top track coaches in the country. He earned his bachelors degree from Colorado State University and while there pa1ticipated in football , basketball and track. He later went on to do his graduate study at Brigham Young University where he received a masters degree in sports medicine in 1967.

His wife, Jennie, who was the USOC's head athletic trainer, worked in the USOC's sports medicine program from 1978 to 2000. Beeten also retired from the USOC in 2000, but his legacy lives on.

Build someone who arrives first in the morning and goes home last at night A person never at the center of attention, but never very far out of sight.

Someone who tells it to us straight, but uses 'subluxation' in front of dad & mom , One who knows our shoe size, if we cut class and who we took to the senior prom.

A roll of tape in their hands turns magically into a closed basket with a lock, They act like a scientist, think like an athlete and work closely with the doc.

The whirlpool and ice bag represent more than extremes of heat and cold , They are tools of recovery for most of the flock within their protected fold.

They make you shower, even when you're tired, before entering 'their' room , And then give you 'stim', ultra sound, massage or time in the aqua flume.

This is a person of care and intellect with ethics and values above reproach, One who knows anatomy, physiology, psychology - a worthy assistant coach.

The trainer Lord, has seen us at our lowest, knows our very best and also worst , Alternating treatment with a lecture while calculating fluid loss to offset thirst.

Produce someone Lord , with great insight, little ego and patience without end, To enable young athletes to reach their dreams and to help their bodies mend.

Form a person Lord , who can slide a backboard under a limp body in the dirt Someone who can give appropriate empathy and deal with the pain and hurt.

Create for us an Athletic Trainer with the Master's touch in their hands and heart Someone who knows what dreams lie within us as well as what is on our chart.

This selfless professional is the foundation for competing in the sporting ranks For this tireless, often under appreciated servant, we give our heartfelt thanks.

A poem dedicated to the honor of all athletic trainers, shared this evening in honor of Bob Beeten, the Father ofUSOC Sports Medicine.

Dr. John P Smyth Decemb e r 11, 2003

Ed Ry an, Director of Sp o rts Medicine ho nors B ob B ee ten

By: HAL BATEMAN

When you have a near perfect season like you did in 2003, the question for Allen Johnson (athletics , 1996, '00) is what can you do for an encore?

For one thing, you can regain the Olympic gold medal. Currently the reigning world champion, Johnson won the 1996 Olympic gold medal but slipped to fourth in an injury-plagued 2000. If his 2003 season is any indication, then he will be the pre-meet favorite at Athens.

Outside of a third -place finish at Berlin, Johnson had a perfect 2003 season. Besides the world title, he again won the national title and the Grand Prix final. Such exploits earned him the ranking as the world's top high hurdler and the honors as U.S . Athlete of the Year by "Track & Field News."

Johnson has won four World Outdoor Championship titles (1995, 1997, 2001, 2003) plus two more indoors (1995, 2003). In the 2003 outdoor race, Johnson led from start to finish but was nonetheless nervous.

"It wasn't the best race I've ever run , but it was good enough for first place and I'm happy with that ," Johnson said after his victory. "I got off balance over the first two hurdles and after that I did what I could to stay ahead of Terrence (Trammell) because I could see him on the right. Honestly, I wasn't thinking about the time. I was thinking about coming here and winning. I was nervous because I knew it was really going to be hard and I really wanted my fourth title. Each time I'm in a championship race I just treat it like it's the first time I've ever been in a championship race and I focus on what I have to do."

Johnson was a multi-talented athlete while in high school in Virginia and was recruited by the University of North Carolina as a decathlon man. Because of injury woes, Johnson settled on the high hurdles and the long jump. He won the 1992 NCAA indoor high hurdles title and was seventh in his heat at the Olympic Trials . He achieved his first national hurdles ranking (sixth) in 1993 and moved up to third in 1994 and placed second in the World Cup.

Internationally, Johnson had his big breakthrough in 1995 when he won his first world outdoor title after capturing the world indoor crown. He was ranked second in the world and moved up one notch in 1996 when he won the Olympic gold medal. He repeated as number one in 1997 and added another world hurdles title, also winning a second gold by running in the heats of the 4 x 400-meters relay. He concentrated on the 200 meters in 1998 but was injured much of 1999.

During the Olympic year of 2000, he won the Olympic Trials but suffered a hamstring injury in a Japanese race, a setback that dropped him to fourth at Sydney He soon returned to form and added the 2001 and 2003 world outdoor titles Highlights of his 2002 campaign were another second at the World Cup and another national outdoor title.

As good as he is on the track, Johnson has also excelled off the track. He won the 1999 Visa Humanitarian Award from USA Track & Field for his contributions to his local high school (Lake Braddock in Burke , Va ). He sponsored a high school track meet and led a fund drive for a new high school track

"He is a great representative of track and field in the world ," said Dennis Craddock, his college coach at North Carolina "He is quiet but yet aggressive and very competitive. He never boasts of how great he is as he lets his actions speak for himself. I'm very proud of Allen for being that total person."

Already the American high hurdles record holder at 12.92, Johnson has his eyes set on the world record and he said a perfect race would be worth a 12.70. Since the present world record is 12.91 then Johnson's goal is well within reach.

Certainly a world record and another Olympic gold in 2004 would cap off the career of one of the world's greatest high hurdlers and athletes.

The United States Olympic Committee and the Colorado Springs Girl Scouts of the USA/Wagon Wheel Council celebrated the 18th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Wednesday, Febru ary 4, 2004. For the sixth consecutive year, the USOC hosted the "Fanning the Flame" program for middleschool-aged girls as part of the nationwide observance day. The event took place at the U.S . Ol ympic Training Center in Colorado Spring s, Colorado.

NGWSD was established by a congressional resolution in 1986 to celebrate the ,,....... achievements of girls and women in sports. The first NGWSD 1Vas organized to remember and honor 1984 silver med al Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman (volleyball , 19 80, '84) , who died of Marfan's Syndrome during a volleyball game in 1986. The national celebration is recognized in all 50 states with community- ba se d events , awards and other acti v ities.

"Play Fair" was the theme for this year's program , which was hi g hlighted in Colorado Springs by the announcement and pre sentation of the 2003 Flo Hym an Youth Award to a local female athlete. The event was also highlighted by a motivational speech by three-time Olympian Tara Cross-Battle (volleyball, 1992, '96 , '00), who is atte mpting to b eco me the first a thlete in USA Volleyball history to make four Olympic Games teams.

During the morning , attendees were also taught the sport of taekwondo with Barbara Kunkel (taekwondo , 2000) and the sport of fencing with Olympic Training Center modem pentathlon resident athletes Anita A llen, Scott Christie , Samantha Harve y and Chad Senior (modern pentathlon, 2000)

The USOC's objective in conducting a National Girls & Women in Sports Day program is to empower girls by helping them visualize opportunities for the future and develop strategies for their successes.

Top: Tara Cross-Battle g i ves a moti vat ional speech; middle: Participants learn the in s and outs offencing; bou om : 2000 Olympian, Barb Kunkel, explains th e sport of taekwondo

2003 Flo Hy man Youth All'a rd nom in ees

Unveiling of Brooks Statue Draws Hundreds of Spectators

one night before the opening of the movie "Miracle ," hundreds of chilled spectators looked on as a bronze statue of legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks (ice hockey, 1964, '68) was unveiled outside the entrance of River Centre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The statue was commissioned to commemorate the life and legacy of the man responsible for Team USA's "Miracle on Ice" gold medal in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid , New York.

It was "a magical moment for St. Paul" said Mayor Randy Kelly, who had the idea of erecting a statue after Brooks died suddenly in a traffic accident last August. Brooks was 66 /\

In his speech , Kelly said , "We unveil this statue in this public space to pay tribute to a man who embodied the essence of what St. Paul is, someone who believed there is no 'I' in team and that anything is possible Twenty-four years ago, he not only inspired a group of young men to win the Olympic gold medal, he, in many ways, restored the confidence of a nation that was questioning its own greatness."

During the unveiling, chants of "USA, USA , USA!" rang out. Others who spoke during the event included former National Hockey League star Phil Housley (ice hockey, 2002) , St. Paul native and 1980 Olympian Rob McClanahan (ice hockey, 1980), Olympian Lou Naone (ice hockey, 1968) and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. The final speaker was Dan Brooks , son of Herb, who wore pl aid slacks and a vintage velvet sport coat for the occasion. He remembered his father, not as the complex person he was considered by so many but, "as a very simple man who just wanted to play and coach ice hockey."

The statue shows Brooks with arms raised in celebration depicting him at the precise moment the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" victory was achieved - an event many believe to be the greatest moment in all of sports .

The statue bears a plaque that reads: "Do you believe in miracles? Herb Brooks did."

Brooks

Brooks

11 Miracle 11 Premiers with Olympians

Back row left to right: Jo hn Nabe1; John Harrington Bill Bake,: Mark Jo h nson, Neal Broten, Mark Pavelic h , B r ian Godde// 4 th row left to right: Mitch Ga) /o,d, Ba, I Co 111101, To mm v l aso,da, Al Joyne , ; Ca thv Ferguso n, Dave C hns 11 an, J un Cratg, Janet Elans, B1uce Jenner 3rd 1011 left to n g h t Peter Vidma,; Co nni e Pa raskevm-Young, P aul Gonza les, Jack O 'Ca lla lwn, Dave S ilk, Ke n Mon ow, Bob S 111e 1, Bo11111e B lau, Pa ul Wj h e, Te , I) Sch ro ede, 2 nd ,ow left to, ,g ht lfyo n11a Ty us, D w1g h1 S tones, Am, Meye rs D1ysdale, Pat McCo rmi c k , MGJ:)' Lou Re tto n, Bob Seagre n, Ran dy (l.!t-,-,;.,, Ga rd11 e1; K ris ti Ya maguc hi, Pe te r Ca rru thers, Cathy Rig by, Lo uis Za mp e rini , Bruce Furniss seate d .fro nt ro\V left. to n g ht Sa mmy Lee , St eve , ;!?-' C hris toJJ; Phil Ve rcho ta, M ik e Eruzi o ne, Rob McC/a n a ha n, Tai Bab alo n ia, Mark We lls, Steve J an as cak, E r ic S trobel, Buzz Sc h ne1de1 Ke , 1 1 St rng I':;:,.,-,

On Febru ary 2 , 2004 the Di sne y Compan y gra ciously inv ited U. S Olympi ans and the ir gues t to attend th e world premi er e of the full-len gth fe ature film "M iracle ," about the 1980 "Mi ra cl e on Ice" U S. Olympic Ice Ho ckey Team. More than fift y Ol ympi an s showe d up to v iew the movi e at th e historic E l Capitan Th eatre in Hollyw ood , California . Nin eteen of th e Olympi an s in attendanc e wer e m emb er s of th e 1980 gold m eda l team.

"It was an ab solute honor and thrill for all of u s at the Walt Di sne y Stud io s to hav e so m any incredibl e Olympic champions join us for th e wo rld premiere of our mo vie 'Miracle ,"' said Ly lle Brei er, Senior Vic e Pres ident of Worldwide Special Events. "One of the best th in g s about 'Mira cle' is the w ay it demonstrates th e transcend ent power of sports -- especi all y Olympic sport s . It was w ond erful to have so m any Olympi c le gends at th e pre mi ere to ce lebrate w ith u s !"

Other promin ent sports figur es included Wayne Gretzky and Frank Mcc ourt , the new owner of the Dod ger s, among othe r s . .----, Actors and a c tress es were als o on hand duri ng the premi er e . Th ey includ ed Kurt Ru sse ll , w ho play ed H erb Brooks in th e movie, Goldie Hawn , K at e Hudson , Chri s Robinson, R ene Russo , Billy Crystal , and P atricia Clarkson who played P a tty

Br ook s The real Mr s. Brooks and h er .P son and daughter w ere al so there -'/' ·' l ef,' -

Disney extended an invitation to any South ern Californi a Olympi ans t o attend any of the r egul arl y schedul ed p erfor mances of the mo v ie at th e E l Capit an Theater durin g the month of Febru ary.

Peopl laces Hall of Fame Opens in the Big Apple

The National Track and Field Hall of Fame, previously housed in an out-of-the way area in Indianapolis now has a location worthy of its constituency. New York's Armory Track and Field Center in upper Manhattan opened its doors in January as the new Hall of Fame for the sport. Olympic gold medalists Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968) , Al Oerter (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68) and Frank Shorter (athletics, 1972, '76) , among others, were on hand to help dedicate the opening .

"I was in the old Hall a long time ago," said Oerter, a four-time Olympic champion in the discus . "I remember thinking, 'this is an international sport , how can this crowded mess be a hall of fame ?'"

The new Hall of Fame consists of 15,000 square Track and field 's greats help dedicate th e new Hall of feet spanning three floors Fame (lefi to right) Bob Bea mon. Ma l Whi tfield of the Armory. It houses Chandra Cheeseborough, Marga ret Larra bee (wife of th e la te Mike Larrabee), Frank Shorter, Al Oerte,; Billy interactive exhibits, films Mills, Jim Beatty and Mil Ro sen and memorabilia from track and field's greatest athletes including items from Oerter, Michael Johnson (athletics, 1992 , '96, '00), Carl Lewis (athletics, 1980, '84, '88, '92 , '96) and Jim Ryun (1964 , '68, '72) The hall also features a transparent glass Wall of Fame listing the 196 inductees. It overlooks the Armory's state-of-the-art 200-meter indoor track.

"You look from the past into the present and the future," said Norb Sander, a 1974 New York City Marathon winner and Hall of Fame project leader "It's symbolic of where the sport has been and is going "

The new Hall is projected to become the most visited sports Hall of Fame in the world , based on the number of athletes and participants who visit the Armory on a daily basis The facil ity hosts more than 80 track meets a year, serving as a training site for more than 40,000 athletes and attracting more than 300,000 athletes and family members each year.

"Finally, the National Track and Field Hall of Fame has a home in the United States that's worthy of the name ," Oerter said. "Most of these things were in almost a closet in Indianapolis, but now they are back in a place where track and field truly started in the United States. It's as it should be."

Jones Back on Track After Pregnancy

Marion Jones (athletics , 2000) is back on track after giving birth to her son, Monty, last June. And she's back in a big way. Jones won the 60 meters at the M i llrose Games on February 6 with a time of 7 .21 seconds , serving notice that she has returned to take back her spot at the top of her sport.

Jones, who resumed training a month after giving birth , quickly realized she needed to get back to competing. Two months ago she told her new coach, Dan Pfaff, that she needed to get into a race- any race. Millrose was the answer

Jones, among a tough field of sprinters , had a slow start but made a strong push at the end to clinch the race. She beat second place Angela Daigle by .03 seconds.

Marion Jones ba ck on trac k at th e 200 4 Mil/ro se Ga mes

"For the first four steps, I looked like a woman who has been on pregnancy leave for 12 months , " said Jones who's hailed as the world's fastest woman. "I shifted gears and said to myself, 'I'm the Olympic champion, I should be dominating this race "'

And dominate she did , with only two previous indoor races in her professional career under her belt, Jones admits to not having felt so nervous before a race in seven years.

At the moment, Jones is refusing to commit herself to what events she will do in Athens. As of now, to be back competing is enough.

Paralympic Academy

John Register (paralympian, 1996 , '00) has been named to oversee the Paralympic Academy. This is a national program which began in the fall of 2003, designed to inspire children with physical disabilities to participate in sports and recreational activities Register, in his younger years, was a three -time All -American in track and field at the University of Arkansas. He later sustained a running injury in 1994 that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Though, dedicated to sport, Register came back to compete in the 1996 Paralympic Games in

Paralympians Gain Residency at the U.S. Olym _ pic Training

Atlanta as a swimmer. During those Games , he saw athletes with prostheses competing on the track, which inspired him to start running again. Two years later, he competed in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia winning a silver in the long jump and taking fifth in the 100 and 200 -meter dashes. Register hopes his success serves as a testimony to other individuals with physical disabilities. "Just as I was inspired by athletes at the 1996 Paralympic Games who motivated me back to running, I know my life can impact children who think their lives have limits," Register said. "In my new role, my goal is to build awareness about the Paralympics Games and ensure that children know that the only limitations they have are those they place on themselves." Organizers of the Paralympic Academy anticipate the program will eventually expand to all fifty states.

USOC as members of the U.S. Women's Goalball Team have moved into the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs. The squad became the first ever Paralympic team to obtain residency at the center. 'fhis step wri ]l likeiy make headway for other Paralympians, in the future, that wish to obtain residency and full access to OTC facilities.

The four athletes named to the program are Jenny Armbruster (paralympian, 1992, '96, '00), Lisa Banta (paralympian, 2000), hopeful Nikki Buck and Robin Theryoung (paralympian, 2000). These women. were the core of the six-meml':>er team that qualified for the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Two additional players will be added to the program in June to train througl!l. uhe Games.

"Traditionally, these women have lived scattered around the c01rntry and only had the chance to train together a few times a year. Now they will have the chance to not only train together but mesh as a team, which will be critical to their successes," said Mark Lucas, USABA Executive Director.

U.S. Wom e n's Goa/ball Team (left to rig ht): Robin Th e 1J1011ng, Lisa Banta. Jenny Armbruste r and Nikki Bu c k

Peopl laces James E. Sullivan Award

Early in 2004 , the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced the names of the top finalists for the 74th Annual AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes the top amateur athlete in the nation. The first round finalists include: John Fonseca (karate); Paul Hamm (gymnastics , 2000); Lebron James (basketball); Barbara Lindquist (triathlon); Steven Lopez (taekwondo, 2000); Chellsie Memmel (gymnastics) ; Apolo Anton Ohno (speedskating, 2002) ; Michael Phelps

(swimming, 2000) ; Philippa "Phil" Raschker (athletics); Diana Taurasi (basketball); Rickie Weeks (baseball); and Jason White (football).

"This is one of our most diverse and talented group of nominees ever," said AAU President Bobby Dodd. "Ten different sports are represented among the finalists and I'm very proud to be able to say that each athlete is an exceptional role model to not only their respective sport but our country's youth as well."

The top five finalists and the 2003 national recipient will be selected in upcoming months and will be formally recognized and announced April 13, 2004 in New York City.

Considered the "Oscar" of sports awards, the AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented to prominent athletes of our time including 2002 recipient Sarah Hughes (figure skating, 2002) and 2001 recipient Rulon Gardner (wrestling , 2000). Other not ables include recipient Dan Jansen in 1994 (speedskating , 1984 , '88 , '92, '94) , Janet Evans in 1989 (swimming , 1988 , '92, '96), the late Florence Griffith -Joyner in 1988 (athletics 1984,'88), Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 1986 (athletics, 1984, '88, '92, '96), and Greg Louganis in 1984 (diving, 1976, '80, '84, '88).

My Big, Fat, Olympian Greek Wedding

Did you see the movie "My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding?" Being that we are on the verge of the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece,

we would like to share a story with you ofan Olympian style "Big, Fat, Greek Wedding." It is a true tale of one of our very own Olympians

Following the Atlanta Games , Gavin Arroyo (water polo , 1996, '00), a two-time USA water polo Olympian, traveled to Europe to play profe ss ionall y. On the Greek island of Crete, Gavin found his future wife, Erene , a graphic designer who was li v ing in Athens at the time After dating for five y ears, Gavin asked her father for her hand in marriage.

The wedding, which was traditionally Greek, took place in Chania , Crete on May 24, 2003. The ceremony was held in fr ont of the Greek Profete Iliac Church in a wooded area overlooking the Chania and Aegean Sea As Greek tradition goes , the groom and his family arrive at the stated time of the wedding but the bride , her family and friends arrive exactly 20 minutes later to make the groom nervous When Erene arrived, five hundred of their guests followed.

Clockwise: Apolo Anton Ohno, Steven Lopez, Paul f-10111111 and Michael Phelps

M,: and Mrs. Gavin Arroyo

The traditional ceremony was sung entirely by three Greek priests , one priest being the bride's uncle. The ceremony also included the drinking of wine and the blessing of crystal and silver ribboned circlets, which were placed on the heads of the bride and groom. Following the ceremony, the priests led the couple around in a circle while family members and guests showered them with rice and rose petals.

Water polo players from Croatia, Cuba, Greece , Russia , Spain, Turkey and the USA were among some of the family and friends that attended the reception. Gavin's best man was Gary Larson, a childhood friend and fellow swimmer. He is the son of Olympian and gold medalist Lance Larson (swimming, 1960). The menu featured traditional Greek and Cretan food and drink, which came from Erene's family vineyard. Her cousins also performed Cretan dances in traditional costumes and the guests danced and celebrated into the early morning hours.

Gavin and Erene are now happily married and living in San Francisco. After two Olympic Games and seven years of playing professional water polo , Gavin is giving back to the sport by returning to Berkeley to coach.

Skiers Visit U.S. Troops

In late January, members of the U.S. Men's Ski Team visited with American soldiers in Germany during their World Cup races. Mamy of these soldiers are serviIDJg in Iraq and were on. leave with their families at one of the armed forces centers in Garmish.

"It was pretty cool," said Jake Fiala (skiing, 2002). "It's the least we could do. We felt honored to be there. Usually people are excited to meet the U.S. Ski Team, but I feel it was the reverse as we were really honored to meet them [tne soldiers]."

Fiala, Daron Rahlves (skiing, 1998 , '02) and Bryon Friedman signed autographs, trading cards and helmets and encouraged American service personnel to get out on the slopes and attend the races.

The U.S. Men's Ski Team also had a chance to have dinner with the troops . "It was really cool to see the faces of the troops that are over there and learn firsthand what they are doing," said Friedman.

(l e fi to rig ht): Jokub Fiala. B1yo11 Fri e dman and D aron Rahves s ig n autograph s f or soldi ers sen 1i11g in Ira q

Peopl laces

11 Seize the SUMMIT 11

Eighty-five athletes who dream ofrepresenting the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games traveled to Athens , Greece , to "Seize the SUMMIT". The November 6-9, 2003 gathering , which included a visit to the Athletes Village and previews of the USA High Performance Center and competition venues, was the third in a series of 2004 Summer Sport SUMMITS hosted by the United States Olympic Committee and its Athlete Programs Division .

Designed to help American athletes achieve their peak performance at the Athens Olympic Games, the SUMMIT program brings together a cross-sport group to share a vision of excellence and serve as a motivating support system for one another prior to and during the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad It is modeled on the SUMMIT 2002 initiative, which was an instrumental part of the overall medal success of the U.S. Olympic Team in Salt Lake City. Of the athletes who participated in the 2002 program , 49% earned a medal and 80% placed in the top eight during the Olympic Winter Games in Utah.

"This SUMMIT is a reminder of why we do this, why we con-

tinue to train in our sport," said Ruth Nortje (canoe/kayak , 2000 , South Africa). "It's wonderful to come away wanting to make ever single minute count. It's too easy to become complacent. This event was a renewal. The SUMMIT has renewed my focus on my process . I will take my best path."

Olympic hopeful, gymnast Raj Bhavsar, cited mental imagery as the biggest benefit of his participation in the program in Athens. "Now that I've been here, when I train I'll be able to visualize everything - landing at the airport, going through the terminal, driving through Athens , arriving at the [athletes'] village, training at the venue and competing I can see it all - it's so important." Asked if he believes this will give him an advantage, Bhavsar said, "I know it will - big time Mental imagery is huge."

A steering committee of U.S. Olympic medalists has helped the hopefuls as they prepare for the 2004 Athens Games by sharing experiences and lessons learned in setting goals and achieving them. They include Mike Conley (athletics, 1984 , '92, '96); Karch Kiraly (volleyball, 1984, '88, '96); Heather Pease

Olson (synchronized swimming, 1996, '00), Connie Carpenter Phinney (speedskating, 1972, cycling 1984); Sandra WhyteSweeney (ice hockey, 1998); Andrew Valmon (athletics, 1988, '92); and Peter Vidmar (gymnastics, 1980, '84). Serving as team leaders for the SUMMIT in Athens were Olympians Jill Savery (synchronized swimming, 1996) and Michelle Dusserre Farrell (gymnastics, 1984), who is now a USOC sport partnership manager.

Diver Mark Ruiz (diving, 2000) credited Whyte-Sweeney with providing his "take away moment" from the sessions in Athens. "It was that resources are there for us and we need to take advantage of them. Sandra's story made me think about that for the first time. I have an advantage - not all the athletes have been able to see all the USOC has provided for us."

Athletes participating in the "Seize the SUMMIT" program were: Vic Wunderle (archery, 2000); boxing's Karl Dargan and Raul Martinez; Kathy Colin (canoe/kayak, 2000), Ruth Nortje (canoe/kayak, 2000, South Africa) and Matt Taylor (canoe/kayak, 2000); cycling's (Mountain) Susan Haywood; diving's Cassandra Cardinell, Michelle Davison (diving, 2000), Sara Hildebrand (diving, 2000), Mark Ruiz (diving, 2000) and Brittany Viola; fencing's Soren Thompson; Gymnastic's Raj Bhavsar; Brian Olson (judo, 1996, 2000); yachting's Betsy Allison, Lee Icyda and Suzie Leech; as well as shooting's Brandi Neal and Glenn Eller (shooting, 2000).

Also, softball's Leah Amico (softball, 1996, '00), Laura Berg (softball, 1996, '00), Crystl Bustos (softball, 2000), Jaime Clark, Lisa Fernandez (softball, 1996, '00), Jennie Finch, Tairia Flowers, Amanda Freed, Nicole Giordano, Lori Harrigan (softball, 1996, '00), Lovieanne Jung, Kelly Kretschman, Lauren Lappin, Jessica Mendoza, Stacey Nuveman (softball, 2000), Catherine Osterman, Jenny Topping and Natasha Watley. Swimming's Rachel Komisarz also took part as well as synchronized swimming's Alison Bartosik, Tammy Crow, Erin Dobratz, Mary Hofer, Becky Jasontek, Sara Lowe, Lauren McFall, Stephanie Nesbitt, Katie Norris and Kendra Zanotto. Taekwondo hopefuls Simona Hradil, Diana Lopez, Mark Lopez, Peter Lopez and Taylor Stone.

Additionally, track and field's Dawn Burrell (athletics, 2000), Allyson Felix, Jearl Miles-Clark (athletics, 1988, '92, '96, '00), Melissa Morrison (athletics, 2000), and Demetria Washington; beach volleyball's Dain Blanton (volleyball, 2000), water polo's Omar Amr, Ryan Bailey (water polo, 2000), Layne ,,..-.__ Beaubien, Brandon Brooks, Larry Felix, Peter Hudnut, Genai Kerr, Dan Klatt, Merrill Moses, Jeff Powers, Chris Segesman, Wolf Wigo (water polo, 1996, '00) and Adam Wright; and wrestling's Stephen Abas, Tina George, Eric Guerrero, Jamill Kelly, Sara McMann, Kristie Marano, Sally Roberts, Jenny

Wong, Kevin Bracken (wrestling, 2000), T.C. Dantzler, Justin Ruiz and Brad Vering.

"One Team, One Dream" was the theme for the 2001 sessions of the SUMMIT, which brought together athletes representing 19 summer Olympic sports for a variety of group activities aimed at helping the participants get to know each other and celebrate their commonality even though they come from different disciplines. In 2002, the theme was "Riding the Wave to Athens" and the program continued to focus on philosophies and training regimens that could help in the athletes' pursuit of Olympic success.

Shot Putters to Play on Ancient Grounds

Organizers of the 2004 Athens Olympics have decided that men and women shot putters will be competing in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Games, which began in 776 B.C. It is also the spot where the flame for each Olympiad is lighted.

The event is scheduled for August 18, 2004 two days before the rest of the track competition begins. There will be no temporary stands or scoreboards. Attendance by fans and media will be restricted.

Adam Nelson (athletics, 2000), U.S. shot putter and the 2000 silver medalist looks forward to competing in Olympia. "The blending of the ancient with the modem will draw tremendous public appeal," says Nelson "If they do it right, it could be great for the event and the Olympics."

Olympia is 200 miles southwest of Athens. Other track and field events will be held in Athens at the Athens Olympic Sport Complex.

Peopl Places

Run for Something Better

Running the New York City Marathon, or any marathon , can be as much of a mental challenge as a physical one. There is a lot to think about in terms of the race ; staying moti v ated , focusing on pace and keeping an eye on the other participants. This past year, four of the world's elite runners , Jen Rhines (athletics, 2000), Marla Runyan (athletics, 2000) , Lornah Kiplagat of the Netherlands and Ludmila Petrova of Russia had one more thing to think about during the NYC Marathon- raising money for N ew York City parks and helping children develop healthier lifestyles.

It was all part of the ING J en Rhin es run s th e 2004 NYC Marathon "Run for Something Better," a professional race within the ING N ew York City Marathon. The program was new this year Each of the four runners was assigned to one of four New York City parks. Runyan ran for Astoria Park in Queens , Rhines for Red Hook Park in Brooklyn , Kiplagat for McCarren Park also in Brooklyn and Petrova for Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem. On race day, the athletes competed not only for the title of marathon champion, but also for "their" park. ING donated funds , depending on the order of finish , on the athletes' behalf to park improvement funds as well as to community service programs in their hometowns. Thanks to the program, more New York City children will learn about track and field events and potentially develop healthier lifelong fitness habits due in part to park improvements.

"This gives us the opportunity to be involved with the community and help return something to the city," explained Rhines.

"Jen and I were giving each other little cheers along the course ," said Runyan who had a tough race. "At mile 18 I was really ready to drop out , but what got me to finish was the Run for Something Better. I was concerned if I dropped out the

charity would go away empty-handed. I said 'Come on , you've got to make it five or six more miles so the parks can get what the y deserve."'

Kiplagat , who raised the most amount of mone y for her park , was the winner of the ING "Run for Something Better. " She came in at 2:23:43. On her heels was Petro v a who finished in 2:25 :00. Third w ent to Rhines who finished in 2:43 :02 and Runyan took forth coming in at 2:45:12 respectively.

Torino Begins Countdown to 2006 Games

F ebruary 9, 2003 marked exactly two years until the Opening Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Games. In celebration , a countdown clock was unveiled in Torino's most famous public square located in the very heart of the historic northern Italian city. The clock calls up the spirits of the season: snow, ice and winter sports and serves as a reminder that the XX Olympic Winter Games are right around the corner.

torino aooe

2003 Rings of Gold Award Winners

On September 23, 2003 the United States Olympic Committee announced Clair Young and the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) as the winners of the 2003 USOC Rings of Gold Awards, which are presented ann u a lly to individuals and organizations that have helped Olympians reach their goals. These "unsung heroes" were recognized for their roles in helping Olympic athletes through the challenges and struggles of their careers at the USOC Board of Directors meeting, which took place October 18-19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Clair Young, of Detroit, Michigan was nominated b y his daughter, Sheila Young Ochowicz (speedskating, 1972, '76) an Olympic speedskating medalist in the 1976 Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck , Austria. Sheila, the first United States athlet e to win three medals (gold 500, silver 1500, bronze 1000) in an Olympic Winter Games, also won the sprint cycling world title in 1976. Clair Young was one of the founding members of 1the Wolverine Sports Club (Detroit , Ml), where he not only dev elope d his daughter's ath letic skills but also other young athletes who went on to win world titles, ride the Tour de France , and skate and cycle in the Olympic Games . "My dad did more than what needed to be done when my mother became ill with cancer and died ," explained Young "Left alone with four young children and a full time job , he built a life for his family that was filled with love, security and an examp le of devotion. He made a melt-in-your-mouth homemade lo af of bread, helped us with our homework, made us do our chores, and took u s to the ice rink and bike track four days a week. Every weekend we packed up the car with our family and others who needed a ride and headed for races."

THE CLAIR YOUNG LEGACY

Sheila Young Ochowicz - Olympian, speedskating - 1972 and 1976, daughter of Clair Young, wife to Olympian, James Ochowicz.

Roger Young - Olympian, cycling - 1972 and 1976, son of Clair Young, husband to Olympian, Connie Paraskevin Young.

Connie Paraskevin Young - Olympian, speedskating - 1980, 1984 and cycling- 1988, 1992, and 1996, daughter-in - law of Clair Young, wife to Roger Young.

James Ochowicz - Olympian, cycling • 1972 and 1976, son-in-law of Clair Young, husband to Sheila Young Ochowicz.

Elizabeth (Ellie) Ochowicz - Olympian , speedskating - 2002 , granddaughter of Clair Young, daughter of James and Sheila Young Ochowicz.

The Organization of the Ye ar award honors a sport association that is dedicated to nurturing and developing the Olympic dreams and life goals of children. The 2003 recipient, the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues , se rves two million youth in 25 Olympic sports in 1,7 00 facilities nationwide. A member organization of the USOC, the foundation of PAL's program is to ensure positive mentoring and leadership opportunities for y outh while fostering a unique , positive relationship between police officers and kids that will build character and non-violent pathways to a successful adult life .

"The Police Athletic League has been a major force in serving inner-city youth for close to 90 years ," states USA Boxing Executive Director Eric Parthen , who nominated the associa-

tion for the award. "PAL has a vital place in American society in providing youngsters with healthy activities, encouraging their physical and emotional growth , and in the process , instilling in them the Olympic ideals."

Numerous Ol ympians have started their athletic careers in local PALs , including Oscar De La Hoya (boxing, 1992), Bruce Baumgartner (wrestling 1984, '88 , '92 , '94) , Dawn Staley (basketball , 1996 , '00) and Mae Faggs (athletic s, 1948 , '52, '56).

Left to rig/,/: Colo nel Jeanne Picariello (U.S. Army Retired), Dorothy Young, Clair Young, Sheila Young Ochowicz and Alicia Mc Connell

L~fi lo right: CA .R ob ertson, President of PAL, Colonel Jeanne Pi cariello (U.S. Army Retired), C.O.D .P. Chair and Brad Hunt, past PAL President

0 12

OLYMPIANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT

NEW YORK'S ATHLETE-CENTERED BID

FOR THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

A simple but powerful promise unifies New Yorkers: that anyone, from anywhere, with a dream and the desire can rise to the top. It is all those dreamers, from every corner of the world, who give New York its special energy - just as it is the athletes whose dreams generate the power of the Olympic Games.

On November 2, 2002, New York City won the right to represent the United States in the international competition for the 2012 Olympic Games. Now it faces a challenging international competition against some of the world's other great cities including Havana, Istanbul, Leipzig, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris , and Rio de Janeiro, leading to the International Olympic Committee decision on July 6, 2005. While New York has received enthusiastic support from the entire country, our greatest supporters have been Olympians. And you will play an even larger role during the critical year and a half to come

More than 1,400 Olympians and Paralympians from around the world are already supporting New York's Bid through NYC2012's Circle of Olympians and Paralympians. Your input has helped produce a plan that offers the best possible experience for athletes while leaving a dramatic legacy for the world of sports.

The result is New York's Olympic X Plan, which positions nearly every venue along two intersecting transportation routes, one water and one rail, that run right through the heart of New York.

The Olympic Village will be at the center of the X, on a spectacular waterfront site across the East River from the United Nations, just minutes from all the excitement of Midtown Manhattan. In this beautiful and serene setting, the Village will offer athletes modern, spacious, and secure apartments that will become high-quality private housing after the Games.

Swift transportation on Olympic Ferry and Olympic Rail networks to state-of-the-art venues will provide athletes with optimum conditions to compete, while New York's knowledgeable and diverse fans will provide almost every competing nation with a hometown crowd.

After the Games, the world-class sports facilities will enable New York to host championships in a much broader range of Olympic sports, wh i le providing opportunities for generations of young New Yorkers to train for their own Olympic dreams.

NYC2012's Circle of Olympians has kept Olympians fully informed and actively participating in the Bid, while also creating a forum to recognize and showcase their e xtraordinary achievements. For a full list of participating Olympians, please visit NYC2012.com, under "NYC2012 Team."

To join these Olympians in supporting New York's Bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, contact Erica N. Nelson, NYC2012 Sports Manager, at enelson @nyc2012 com or 646-587-5440

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

If you are not a member of the Circle, New York needs your support!

Join the Circle today!

No time requirement required, ju st add your name to our growing list of Olympian supporters If you would like to be more invol v ed , you will be invited to participate in all major e vents associated with New York's bid.

Encourage other Olympians, both U.S. and international, to join our Circle.

Strengthen our bid by sharing your expertise and connections within your sport and the Olympic Movement

Let us know when you are in New York and you can visit our office and see our plans first hand

NYC has a l ways been the world's premier destination. In the past and today, NYC represents freedom , opportunity and dreams of success. In 2012, Olympic Sport will mirror l ife as the world competes for those very same values. I think NYC2012 bringing the Olympics to NY would b e a great thing not only for th e City, but also for th e Olympian s It's ex tremely capable of doing an ex cellent job in ho s ting, plu s the athletes would have an a w esome time!

- J e f f B la tn ick , Vice President, U.S. Ol ympians Association and NYC2012 Circle of Ol ympians member (Wrestling: 1980, 1984 G) - Dara Torres , NYC2012 Circle o f Olympians member (Swimming : 1984 G, 198 8 8, 1992 G, 2000 2 G, 38)

What better city than New York! Our kind of town! The city that never sleeps will bring champions and excitement. - Ann Meyer s, NYC2012 Ci rcle of Olympians member (Basketball: 1976 S)

With Winning in Mind

By: Lanny Bassham

Lanny Bassham (shooting, 1972, '76), who has taught mental management to elite athletes and business professionals for 25 years, has written a book called With Winning in Mind. The book, which discusses how mental training can affect your performance, is geared toward athletes, coaches, business trainers and sa les professionals. Readers will learn powerful mental tools used by Olympic winners, the secrets of mastering pressure, mental processes that control a winning performance, and how to turn your deficiencies into strengths.

A Rough Way to Ride Between Earth and Sky: Memoir of Ski Jumper Casper

Oimoen

By: Sonja Oimoen-Stalions

Sonja Oimoen-Stalions, daughter of ski jumping legend Casper Oimoen (ski jump , 1932, '36), has written a book highlighting her father's achievements as an athlete: Her book is titled A Rough Way to Ride Between Earth and Sky: Memoir of Ski Jumper Casper Oimoen. Over the course of Oimoen's career, which spanned from the late 1920s through the 1930s, he won 95 percent of all the meets he entered, winning more titles than any other skier in the country. He was selected to the 1928 Olympic team but suffered a heartbreaking disappointment as a result of being disqualified because of an Ellis Island clerical error on his name. However, in 1932 and 1936 , Oimoen made the U.S. Olympic Ski Teams serving as Captain in 1932. During those days , he jumped 255 feet at the Western U.S. Ski Jumping Championships, shattering the American amateur distance record by 15 feet. Oimoen was later inducted into the United States Skiing Hall of Fame and is credited for initiating the forward lean to ski jumping in America. This book documents Oimoen's feats through stories and rare historical pictures.

Reflections in the Ice: Inside the Heart and Mind of an Olympic Champion By:

Derek Parra

Derek Parra (speedskating, 1998, '02) has written an autobiography entitled, Reflections in the Ice: Inside the Heart and Mind of an Olympic Champion. The autobiography discusses Parra's life and talks about lessons he learned while on the road to success His agent, Patrick Quinn , urged Parra, who also gives speeches, to write a book in order to reach people. With a microphone clipped to his shirt , Parra began taping his memories while he drove to and from workouts. His agent then transcribed the tapes and helped get the book together. The autobiography was officially released during "Derek Parra Night" at a Utah Grizzlies hockey game in his home state.

REFLECTIONS IN THE ICE

The Big 0: My Life, My Times, My Game

By: Oscar Rob ertson

Oscar Robertson (basketball, 1960), considered one of the greatest all -around players in the history of basketball, has written an autobiography titled, The Big 0: My Life, My Times, My Game. Robertson, who was named Player of the Century in 2000 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, speaks frankly about the game and the social issues paralleling college and pro sports during the last five decades. He also discusses winning a NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the NBA Players Association on its quest for free agency and achieving success in the business aspect of sports when coaching and general management opportunities in the NBA were not as good as today.

No Pain , No Gain? Athletes, Parents and Coaches Can Reshape American Sport s Culture

By: Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor (skiing, 1964) shares more than four decades of experience as a young skier, college athlete, Olympian and National crosscountry skiing coach in his book, No Pain, No Gain?

Athletes, Parents and Coaches Can Reshape American Sports Culture. Taylor addresses the principles of exercise science and troubling questions for these three groups. How can Americans be gold medalists and record holders in some sports and at the same time have so little success in other ones? What is it that our endurance athletes are missing? What kind of exercise is optimal for athletes as they grow from youngsters to teenagers to mature competitors? To answer these questions, Taylor turns to American and international research in a number of sports, finding that the American historical perspective, "No pain, no gain," approach has caused many young athletes to become injured and burned out. Taylor argues that these values have been passed down in the traditions of American sport and says that if our young athletes are to achieve their full potential they must first understand how this perspective can be harmful.

Colorado Olympians

U.S. OLYMPIANS CHAPTERS

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

President: Elaine Cheris (fencing, 1984, '88, '96) (720) 530-6475

Florida Olympians

President: Jim Millns (figure skating, 1976) (813) 979 - 5608

Georgia Olympians

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

Hawaii Olympians

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

Indiana Olympians

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

Midwest Olympians

President: Willye White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68, '72) (773) 651-8267

National Capital Area Olympians

President: Arlene Limas (taekwondo, 1992,'96) (540) 720-1988

New E ngland Area Olympians

President: Tina Noyes (figure skating, 1964, '68) (781) 862-5575

N orthern California Olympians

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

Oregon Olympians

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

Southern California Ol y mpians

President: Cathy Marino Bradford (canoe/kayak, 1988, '92) (714) 847-5596

Southwest Olympians

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

Tri-States Olympians

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

Utah Olympians

President: Henry Marsh (athletics, 1976, '80, '84, '88) (801) 560-8698

Washington State Olympians

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

No chapter in your area? Interested in starting a chapter? Contact the U.S. Olympian s A ss ociation office for details at (800) 717-7555.

Alumni News

Clarita Heath Bright (skiing, 1936) a California-born pioneer skier who qualified for the first U.S. Women's Ski Team in the 1936 Olympic Games after a mere 13 months on skis, passed away in late October, 2003. She was 87. In 1936, Bright had accompanied her mother on a tour of Europe, tried skiing and enjoyed it so much that she stayed the winter at a ski school in Austria. She quickly pickup the sport , made the first U.S. Women's Ski Team and at the Games placed 27th in the downhill event. In 1937 she placed second in downhill at the World Championships and competed successfully in Switzerland, France and Austria . Bright was inducted into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame in 1968.

James "Doc" Counsilman, perhaps the most itmovative coach in United States swimming history, passed away January 4 , 2004. He was 83 and had Parkinson's disease. While in his 20's, he rejected the principle that a swimmer should pull their arms straight back through the water. He contended that the swimmer would go faster with a bent elbow and revolutionized the sport. He also introduced the use of pace clocks and markers that separate lanes. Cousilman had been a swimmer himself at Ohio State where he won national titles outdoors and indoors in the 220-yard breaststroke. From 1957 to 1990 , he was the men's coach at Indiana. There he led the Hoosiers to 20 consecutive Big Ten crowns and six consecutive national titles. He also coached 48 Olympians from nine countries who won 46 medals , 26 of them gold. In 1976 , while still an active coach, Counsilman was elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Then in 1979, at age 58, he swam across the

English Channel. At the time , he was the oldest person to have done so in 13 hours 7 minutes Counsilman is survived by his wife, Marge , son, Brian and his daughters Cathy Bonner and Jill Morriss and five grandchildren.

Frank Covelli (athletics , 1964 , '68) , a U.S. record holder for the javelin , passed away October 25 , 2002 at the age of 66. Covelli was born April 2, 1936 in Kentucky. He attended Arizona State University and while there was the 1963 NCAA javelin champion. He later went on to become a two-time Olympic team member and a 1967 Pan American Games champion. He is survived by his brothers , Samuel and George, and also his sister Alyce Branigan. The family held a private burial.

Robert Detweiler (rowing , 1952) Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Colonel passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah , on December 8, 2003 following complications from surgery. He was 73. Detweiler won a gold medal in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. During the funeral services five members of his crew participated as honorary pallbearers. Detweiler was born on July 20 , 1930 in Centralia , Illinois. He was schooled at the U.S. Navel Academy where he was a member of the United States Naval Academy's rowing team. The crew was called the "Great Eight" which never lost a race. Later during his career in the military, he received five Distinguished Flying Crosses for valor in combat and also received the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal. Detweiler was also a nuclear physicist and was honored for his research as "The Most Outstanding Military Scientist" in 1965. Detweiler is survived by his wife, Donnell Brown Detweiler, his four children, eight grandchildren and his brother, Austin Lee , and sister, Betty Jean Keiser.

Left to right: James " Doc" Counsilman, Frank Covelli and Robert Detweiler

Charles Dumas (athletics, 1956, '60), the first person to high jump over 7 feet, died January 5, 2004 of cancer in Los Angeles. He was 66. Dumas, a straddle jumper in the era before the "Fosbury Flop" sent the numbers soaring, accomplished this historic feat clearing 7-0 fiat the 1956 Olympic Trials. He went on to win a gold medal at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Dumas also participated in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, finishing sixth while hampered by a knee injury. After retiring from competition, Dumas taught and coached at the high school level in Los Angeles. Dumas was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1990 and also his alma mater's Athletic Hall of Fame at USC in 1997 He is survived by his son, Kyle , and daughter, Keasha, as well as three brothers and two sisters.

Gertrude Ederle (swimming, 1924), a pioneer in women's sports , recently passed away in November 2003. She was 98. Ederle was best known as the first woman to swim the English Channel in 1926. She was 19 at the time. Only five men had preceded her in completing the feat and she beat the record by more than two hours, finishing in a time of 14 hours and 30 minutes. At the 1924 Olympics in Paris, she won three medals, a gold, silver and bronze Later in life she lost her hearing and decided to teach deaf children how to swim Ederle was recently inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Bill Koll (wrestling, 1948), a wrestling legend , passed away Saturday, September 27, 2003 at the age of 80. He became a three-time NCAA national wrestling champion at Iowa State Teachers College , now known as the University of Northern Iowa . During his three collegiate seasons, he had a 72-0 record, surrendering only one takedown. He became the first two-time winner of the NCAA national championship tourna-

ment's Outstanding Wrestler Award. In 1948 he wrestled for the U.S. Olympic team at the Games in London. There he placed fifth, losing to the eventual gold medal winner in the semifinals. From 1964 to 1979 he was the head wrestling coach at Penn State University. Koll, who served his country from 1943-45 and landed on Omaha Beach with his unit during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, was very disciplined and expected no less from his athletes. He set a standard for producing tenacious and well-conditioned athletes that would be a hallmark for the program A ceremony for Koll took place on January 23, 2004 at a Penn State wrestling tournament. An Olympic flag was raised in his honor as part of the ceremony. More than 4,000 people responded with several standing ovations. Koll is survived by his wife , Barbara, their six children and 10 grandchildren.

Harold Manning (athletics, 1936) who ran the steeplechase in front of Adolph Hitler at the most controversial Olympics of all time, died January 26, 2003 in his hometown of Sedgwick, Kansas. He attended Fairmount College , now known as Wichita State University, where he excelled in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. After graduating, Manning ran in the 1936 Summer Olympic Team trials and qualified for the Games in Berlin where he placed fifth. After the Games, Manning continued to run professionally and a few years later retired as an athlete.

Wendy Wyland VanDerWoude (diving, 1984) who won a bronze medal in platform diving at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles passed away September 27 , 2003 in Rochester, New York. She was 38. The cause of death was not immediately known. VanDerWoude had been experiencing migraine headaches during the last two years. In September she went

Top row (/eh to right): Charles Dumas, Gertrude Ederle and Bill Koll

into work, fell ill and was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. VanDerWoude began diving at the age of 10. Even in her youth she impressed observers with her concentration, determination, courage and skill. Her coach Ron O'Brien said Wendy had an "incredible cat's sense," always knowing where her body was in relation to the water VanDerWoude was hailed as a seven -time national platform champion. In 1984 she finished third in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Shoulder injuries forced her to sit out most of the 1985 season, but she went on to compete in the 1986 World Championships, winning once again the bronze in the platform .

Eleanor Holm Whalen (swimming, 1928, '32) a 1930s swimming champion and first female swimmer to be chosen for three American Olympic teams passed away January 31, 2004 at her home in Miami The cause of death was kidney failure She was 91. In her day, Holm's stood at the pinnacle of the swimming world. She finished fifth in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1928 Games in Amsterdam. In the 1932 Games in Los Angeles , Holm won the 100 -meter backstroke setting a world record in that event and also the 200-meter backstroke. At that point she had not lost a race in seven years and was favored to take home a handful of medals at the Berlin Games. However, Avery Brundage, president of the U.S. Olympic Committee at the time, expelled Holm from the 1936 Games for carousing and breaking curfew while aboard the ship en route to the Germany. Her actions seem tame by modem standards but this incident became one of the most publicized flaps in Olympic history. During the 1936 Games, Holm served as a reporter and celebrity presence in the press area. After the Olympic Games, her headline -making drinking episode bought her a career in show business. She sang and acted in the

movie, "Tarzan's Revenge. 11 Holm had no children and is survived by two nieces.

Stanley Wudyka (athletics, 1936) a 10,000-meter rnnner at the 1936 Olympic Games passed away January 25, 2003 in Atlantic City, New Jersey . At the Games, while in the company of sprinter Jesse Owens , Wudyka placed 29th in the 10 ,000meter race.

Four outstanding wrestlers have been selected as distinguished members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Wrestlers in the 2004 class include Les Anderson, Don Behm (wrestling, 1968), Larry Hayes and Jim Zalesky.

Chandra Cheeseborough (athletics, 1976, '80, '84) three -time Olympian and track coach at Tennessee State University was recently named the 2003 Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year This is the second straight year that Cheeseborough has received the honor. She has also received the OVC Coach of the Year for Outdoor Track and Field for the past two years, giving her a total of four OVC Coach of the Year awards.

Tess Contos (team handball, 1984), a Syracuse native , was inducted to the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame on October 20, 2003. Contos was an all-around athlete at SUNY Cortland College. She discovered the obscure sport of team handball when she ducked into a college gym to avoid a thun-

Top row (left to right ): Eleanor Holm Whalen, Wendy Wyland VanDerWoude and Chandra Cheeseborough

derstorm during the 19 81 Sports Festival. Her team handball career began in 1982 when she made the U.S . Team Handball squad, which placed fomth in the 1984 Olympic Games. Her team won national championships in 1983, 19 86, and 1996. She also played in U.S. Olympic Festivals, the Goodwill Games and Pan American Games. In 1996, she was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through her hometown, an honor she says she will always cherish. Contos , along with eight other honorees, will join the 127 previous Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame was established in 1987 making this the 17th annual induction.

Swimmer and Olympic hopeful Natalie Coughlin and WNBA

All -Star Lisa Leslie (basketball, 1996, '00) were named the Women's Sports Foundation, U.S. Sportswomen of the Year for 2003. Coughlin , 21, became the first woman to break the oneminute barrier in the 100-meter backstroke in a time of 59.58 seconds. Leslie , a two-time Olympic champion , was honored for leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a 2002 WNBA title. The International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in New York also honored a handful of other athletes including three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee (athletics, 1984, '88, '92 , '96).

U.S. Speedskating announced its 2003 Coaches of the Year. Tom Cushman (speedskating, 1988) was named National Coach of the Year, Dave Besteman (speedskating, 1988, '92, '94) was cited as Developmental Coach of the Year, and Dennis Marquard was awarded Volunteer Coach of the year.

Landon Donovan (soccer, 2000) won his second consecutive U .S. Soccer Player of the Year Honda Award in October 2003. Donovan led the U.S. team this past year with six goals. In

July of 2003, while playing Cuba, he became the fourth U.S. player to score four goals in a game USA Team Handball named Lisa Eagen (team handball , 1996) and Gary Hines as Female and Male Athletes of the Year.

Richard "Butch" Johnson (archery, 1992 , '96, '00) and Jennifer Nichols were named USA Archery's Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2003 The Team of the Year award went to the 2003 Archery Pan American team consisting of Vic Wunderle (archery, 2000), Guy Krueger, Glenn Meyers (archery, 1984) , Jennifer Nichols , Janet Dykman (archery, 1996, 2000) and Stephanie Miller. The team swept all four gold medals and set four new Pan American Games records.

USA Triathlon announced Hunter Kemper (triathlon, 2000) and Olympic hopeful Laura Reback as 2003's Elite Triath letes of the Year. Both were U.S. national champions in the past year Kemper, 27 , also received the honor in 1999 and 2000 yet had the best season of his career in 2003, winning his first ITU World Cup race and winning gold at the Pan American Games. He finished second at the Treasure Island Triathlon in San Francisco but was the first U.S. finisher and so took home the national title. Kemper finished his season ranked 11th in the world and first in the United States Reback also had a promising year, winning the ITU World Cups in St Petersburg , Florida taking second at the ITU World Cup in Japan , p lacing third at the ITU World Cup in Canada and winning the U.S. National Championship race held at the Treasure Island ITU International Triathlon.

U.S . Figure Skating inducted six athletes into the U.S . Figure Skating Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Twotime Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan (figure skating, 1992 ,

Top row (left to right): Landon Donovan , , Laura Kraut and Jill Watson Bottom row: Nancy Kerrigan

'94) lead the way for the 2004 inductees. The other inductees include Jill Watson (figure skating, 1984 , '88), skater and coach Peter Oppegard (figure skating, 1988), Hugh Graham, as we ll as N01ma and Wally Sahlin. Each member was formally inducted during the 2004 State Farm U.S . Figure Skating Championships held the second weekend in January. The U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. To be considered, the nominee must be retired from eligible skating for at least five years

Laura Kraut (equestrian , 1992 , '00) was named as the recipient of the Jack Kelly Fair Play Award, an honor given to indiv idual s who displayed outstanding acts of sp01ismanship. During the recent Pan American Games, Kraut's horse developed a slight injury. Although not serious enough that the animal would fail th e veterinary inspection, there was a possibility th at its condition co uld impact the U.S. team's chances to win the competit ion and qualify for the 2004 Ol ympic Games. Therefore, Kraut stepped aside . She supported her team by assuming the role of team assistant. Her dedication was rewarded when the U.S team won th e competition and secured a spot in the show jumping event in the upcoming Games.

Pat LaFontaine (ice hockey, 19 84, '98) was recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Lafontaine, a twotime Olympian, played through 15 NFL seasons with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers. He had 468 goals and 1,013 points, including six consecutive 40-goal seasons. He played in five All-Star Games and is one of five Americans with more than 1,000 points. "I am truly thrilled to re ceive this tremendous honor," sa id Lafontaine, who suffered a career-endi ng concussion in March 1998. "Growing up in St. Louis , I al ways played for the lo ve of the game and never

dreamed this cou ld ever lead to my being a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame."

The Co lo rado Ski Hall of Fame inducted five out standing indivi du a ls in October 2003 at their 27th annual gala. Inductees included Kevin Delaney, Max Marolt (skiing, 1960), Frank Penney, Morrie Shepard, and Park Sma ll ey who was the first full-time head coach of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. Each individual was honored for his commitment to excellence and for his dedication to the development of skiing and snowboarding in the state of Colorado The Colorado Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame benefited from the money raised during the event.

The United States Association of Blind Athletes named track and field ath lete Royal Mitchell (paralympian , 2000) and tandem cyclist Karissa Whitsell (paralympian , 2000) as Male and Fema le Athletes of the Year. The Team of the Year honor went to the USABA men's goalball team.

Lou Nanne (ice hockey, 1968), U.S. Olympian and former Mim1esota player, has been named as a 2004 Internationa l Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame (UHF) inductee. He will be the first American inducted. Nanne is one of twelve inductees being honored. "I am very honored to have been se lect ed. International hockey has been a big part of my li fe and this is a ,---..__ wonderful culmination ofmy career," said Nanne of thi s induction. The UHF Hall of Fame induction and ceremo ny wi ll be held during the 2004 IIHF Men's World Championship in Prague which is set for April 24 -May 9. The Hall was introduced in 1997 and now boasts of 119 hockey greats from 20 different nations.

Top row : ( Left to right ): Pat Lafontaine , Apolo Anton Ohno and Jennifer Rodriguez

Bottom row: (left to right): Lou Nanne and Janet Dykman

Apolo Anton Ohno (speedskating , 2002) and Jennifer Rodriguez (speedskating, 1998, '02) were named U.S Speedskating's Athletes of the Year for 2003. Ohno won his second career World Cup title in February, earning 196 points out of a possible 200 during the season. He had a hand in 12 of the 13 short track medals won by the U.S. during the 2003 calendar year. He also won his fifth U.S. National Short Track Championship in March and set American records in the 500meters , 1000-meters, 1500-meters, and 3000-meters. Rodriguez reached the award podium 19 times at international competitions in 2003, compiling 11 gold , four silver and four bronze medals.

World champion decathlete Tom Pappas (athletics , 2000) and long distance runner extraordinaire Deena Drossin Kastor (athletics, 2000) were named recipients of the 2003 Jesse Owens Awards. The award is Track and Field's highest accolade. It is presented annually to an outstanding U.S. male and female track and field athlete . "Tom had a true breakthrough year in the decathlon , and he now takes a place among the alltime great American decathletes, from Rafer Johnson to Bruce Jenner and Dan O'Brien ," said USATF CEO Craig A. Masback. "Deena continued her reign as America's finest women's distance star by breaking a record owned by one of the pioneers of women's running [Joan Benoit Samuelson]. We ~o ngratulate th em both and wish them future success in 2004 and beyond." The Jesse Owens Award was presented last December at the Jesse Owens Awards Banquet and Xerox Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Kimberly Rhode (shooting , 1996, '00) and Walton Glenn Eller III (shooting, 2000) were named USA Shooting Athletes of the Year for 2003. Rhode, a double trap two -time Olympic

medalist, went undefeated in every 2003 national event. Eller, a 2000 Olympian in double trap, earned the Athlete of the Year title by winning a gold at the World Championships and Grenada World Cup. Shooters from other disciplines were also recogni ze d Recognition goes to pistol shooters Daryl Szarenski (shooting , 2000) and Elizabeth Callahan (shooting, 1992 , '96), clinch rifle shooters Jason Parker (shooting, 2000) and Olympic hopeful Jamie Beyerle as well as running target shooter and hopeful Armando Ayala.

David Robinson (basketball, 1988, '92 , '96) and teammate Tim Duncan were honored as Sports Illustrated's 2003 Sportsmen of the Year. The duo , both seven -footers, were honored after leading the San Antonio Spurs to their second NBA champion ship this past year. "It's great that they put u s to gether, " said Duncan , "it's an honor to be included in something like this with Dave, he defines sportsmanship." Terry McDonnell, Sports Illustrated's managing editor, said the selection was based on their successes on and off the court. "They could have won this simply by what they did on the court. But behind their athletic contributions , when you look at the language of what this has stood for, it's also been about character and sportsmanship," said McDonnell. Robinson , who 's a threetime Olympian , retired last summer after a 14 -year career with the Spurs. Amon g hi s accomplishments are two NBA titles , two Olympic gold medals and a spot as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players.

Middle -distance runner Mary Decker Slaney (athletics, 1980, '84 , 188 , '96) , sprinter John Carlos (athletics , 1968) , and 400meter stars Larry James (athletics , 1968) and Mike Larrabee (athletics, 1964) were the 2003 inductees into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame . This celebrated Hall of Fame

Top row (left to right): Tim Duncan and David Robin son , Kerri Walsh , Jeff Nygaard

Bottom row : Muffy Davis and Picabo Street

Class was inducted on December 5, 2003 at the Jesse Owens Awards Banquet and Xerox Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. "Our country has been blessed with so many wonderful track and field athletes and this group of stars adds to our sport's legacy, " said USATF President Bill Roe. "Their induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame is the highest recognition they can receive and each athlete is most deserving of the honor." These four athletes are the first to be inducted into the Hall's new home at the Armory in upper Manhattan It is expected that the site will be more heavily visited than the previous site in Indianapoliis_

Trisha Waller (athletics, 1996), ten-time national high jump champion, was named USA Track and Field's 2003 Visa Humanitarian of the Year The honor recognizes contributions that U.S. track and field athletes have made off the field of play. Waller, who won her first U.S. crown in 1996, has a record of community involvement and service that is as deep as her athletic resume. She is a speaker for the Anti-Drug Campaign, a student mentor for children in Atlanta , a guest reader for Wal-Mart's "Reading on Wheels" program, a homeless shelter volunteer and a motivational speaker for local schools , Girl Scout troops and track banquets. "Trish does much more than compete at the highest level ," said USATF CEO Craig Masback, "her community and service and socia l activism sets an example for an ofus "

The Association of Volleyball Professionals named Kerri Walsh (beach volleyball , 2000) and Jeff Nygaard (beach volleyball , 1996, '00) as the Most Valuable Players in 2003.

USA Water Polo honored USA Men's National Team captaiN. Wolf Wigo (water polo, 1996 , '00) by naming him the 2003

Leh to right: Chad Fleischer, Pete Sampras and Wolf Wigo

Bottom row : John Carlos

Male Athlete of the Year. The Female Athlete of the Year award went to Ellen Estes (water polo , 2000). This is the second straight year that she has captured the awar d. George W. Bush invited USA Basketball Women's Senior National Team forward, Tamika Catchings, to attend the State of the Union Address. Catchings, who is expected to play in Avhens, was singled out by the White House to represent 2004 Olympic hopefuls. She was seated near Laura Bush during the annual speech.

In September of last year, lifelong friends Muffy Davis (paralympian, 1998) and Picabo Street (skiing, 1994, '98 , '02) teamed up to promote the 2003 Pikes Peak Challenge. The eighteenth annual event challenged hikers to climb the 14,110 foot mountain in Colorado Springs in order to raise money for brain injury awareness and prevention. Of the 261 hikers that registered , 226 reached the summit. As a whole, the group raised $112,000.00. Street served as the honorary chairwoman while Davis was one of the first wheelchair participants , reaching the peak's summit via the Pikes Peak Highway

The U.S. Ski Team announced last October that two-time Olympian and U.S. downhill champion Chad Fleischer (skiing, 1994, '98) has decided to retire. Fleischer, who missed half of the 2002 season and all of last winter while recuperating from knee surgeries , seemed determined to mount a comeback for tihe 2006 Winter Olympics but realized the hunger was gone. "That passion and fire I've always lived with and skied with just hasn't been there There are very, very few people

Nho have that edge, that desire to sacrifice everything, even your own life, to get where you need to be and be on top. I just don't feel like I have it anymore." Fleischer, 31 , recently moved to Steamboat Springs and will travel much of the World Cup circuit this winter doing race commentary for the Outdoor Life Network.

Sara DeCosta-Hayes (ice hockey, 1998, '02) is hanging up her hockey pads after an eight-year career in red , white and blue The U.S. Women's Olympic and National Team goaltender plans to focus on starting a family from hereon out. DeCostaHayes, 26, is best known for her 3-0-0 performances with the 1998 U.S. Olympic Team that took home the first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's ice hockey. She is also remembered for securing a 2-1-0 record at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games where the U.S. earned a silver medal. "It has been an amazing experience representing my country," said DeCosta-Hayes.

Defenseman Phil Housley (ice hockey, 2002), a six-time member of the United States Men's National Ice Hockey Team and member of the U.S. 2002 Olympic Team recently retired from the sport. Housley was on the National Hockey League for 21 years and is the top U.S.-born scorer in the NHL with 1,232 points.

Rebecca Lobo (basketball, 1996), gold medalist in the 1996 Atlanta Games, recently announced her retirement from the WNBA after seven seasons. Lobo , 30, was a key figure in the formation of the WNBA and one of the original players in 1997. She played the first five years of her pro career with the New York Liberty In 2002 , Lobo played for Houston and was

then traded to the Connecticut Suns for the 2003 season. Lobo now hopes to pursue a career in television. "I know it's time to move on to a new phase of my life," said Lobo.

Cameron Myler (luge , 1988, '92, '94, '98) a four-time Olympian recently joined Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein and Selz, a premier media, entertainment, and advertising law firm. She is now an associate with the company. Myler was the U.S. Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremonies for the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. She is also a current member of the USOC Board of Directors, Athletes' Advisory Council and Governance and Ethics Task Force. Myler received her J.D from Boston College Law School and her A.B. from Dartmouth College Congratulations Cameron.

Nike Brand has signed on as the official sponsor and licensee of the 2006 and 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. This means that for the first time ever, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be wearing Nike's athletic footwear and apparel on the victory podium. In addition, Nike will outfit athletes with athletic wear and performance apparel for approximately half the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) including the eight that they currently outfit. Nike will also work with the USOC and U.S athletes to design more innovative products and deliver inspirational marketing campaigns. The partnership with Nike will officially begin in January 2005.

Pete Sampras (tennis, 1992) No. 1 player in the world from 1993-'98 and winner of 14 major titles, including seven at Wimbledon, officially announced his retirement on the first day of the 2003 U.S. Open. Although Sampras isn't playing anymore, he's still working in the world of tennis. Sampras , 32, has become an investor, partner and consultant at Tennis

Top row (/eh to right): Gordy Sheer instructs participant slide r, Chris Witty and Sara DeCosta

Magazine. He will be involved in marketing the magazine and will also write for the publication_

Gordy Sheer (luge , 1992, '94, '98), 1998 si lver medalist in doubles luge coached this season's first Luge Fantasy Camp, a program in its third year, in Lake Placid, New York. The threeday event, which began October 31, 2003 all owed "campers" to live the life of an Olympic luge athlete, enabling them to experience the sport firsthand. Participants of different ages were able to experience everything, right down to living at the United States Olympic Training Center for the duration of the camp. During training, participants were taught proper start techniques and the basic s of sled control and safety before they reached speeds in excess of 50 miles-per-hour down the 1,360meter course. Other USA Luge Fantasy Camps were held February 6-9, 2004 in Park City, Utah and March 12-15 , 2004 in Lake Placid.

Dawn Staley (basketball, 1996, '00) of the WNBA and head coach at Temple University recently launched the first ever "Dawn Staley and Friends" calendar. The calendar was designed to promote successful black women in professional sports and provide children and young adults with positive role models. "I want them [youth] to look at this calendar, see these successfu l black female athletes, who also are giving back to their communities, and know that they too can be successful and effective in their communities," said Sta ley. Among black female athletes pictured in a calendar are Lisa Leslie (basketball, 1996 , '00) , Dominique Dawes (gymnastics, 1992, '96 , '00 ), Marion Jones (athletics, 2000) , and Jackie JoynerKersee (athletics, 1984 , '88, '92 , '96) . All proceeds from the 2004 calendar are helping fund youth-based programs.

Chris Witty (speedskating, 1994, '98, '02; cycling, 2000) has announced that after 13 years of rotating between speedskating and cycling that she will step off her bike and take a break from cycling as pa1i of a decision to focus her efforts entirely on her speedskating career. Witty placed fifth in the 500 -meter time trials at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and was considered by many to be a serious medal contender in the sprint events at the upcoming 2004 Olympic Games. She also medaled at the Pan American Games and two U.S. National Championships in 2003 Witty, howeve r, made the decision to return to the ice full-time with the goal of defending her Olympic gold medal in the 1000-meter speedskating event she claimed at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City This type of commitment, according to Witty, requires both a true pas s ion and 100% of her attention as she looks forward to the 2006 Olympic Games . The lack of that passion and commitment as it relates to cycling ultimately helped her make her decision . "My heart is simply not in the sp01i of cycling at the moment and to make the kind of commitment and sacrifice it takes to be a successfu l athlete in an Olympic year, yo u ha ve to love what you're doing. I appreciate the support and opportunity to ride for the U.S. National Team and T-Mobile , but I' ve decided to turn my attention to my hue passion "

Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968) and Rhonda Ahem were married on December 12, 2003 in Miami , Florida. The two New Yorkers were high school sweethearts w ho lost touch after graduation. Their relationship was rekindled a year and a half ago when both returned to New York for an event. Although

Top row : (Left to right) Tom Pappas, Deena Drossin and Bob Beamon

Bottom row: Mary Decker Slaney

hey did not see each other during the visit, Bob left his number with a friend to give to Rhonda. Now, 36 years later, the two are happily married. "It's like we never left each other," said Rhonda. They plan on taking a honeymoon once their schedules slow down.

Chris Coleman (bobsled, 1992, '94) and Cassandra Shepard were married on New Year's Eve. The two exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony that took place in the comfort of their newly built home located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Coleman competed on the 1992 and 1994 U.S. Bobsled Teams in Albertville, France and Lillehammer, Norway. He currently works for the United States Olympic Committee as an Account Director in the marketing division

Mia Hamm (soccer, 1996, '00) and Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (baseball , 1992) were married in November 2003 in a private ceremony on the West Coast. A few hundred guests attended the wedding in the coastal California community. "It was a really nice wedding, on a hill with an ocean view," said Garciaparra's aunt, Lulu Garciaparra of Fontana, California, "it was a very beautiful day." The wedding came a year after Garciaparra, a two-time American League batting champion, proposed to Hamm, the top scorer in the history of the U.S. women's national team The two met at a charity ~ve nt in 1998.

Rebecca Lobo (basketball, 1996) , Connecticut Suns star, was married on April 12 , 2003 to Sports Illustrated columnist Steve Rushin. The two met in New York when Lobo approached Rushin to ask if he was the SI journalist who once mocked women's professional basketball. Being so , Lobo invited him to his first WNBA game. Shortly after, the two started dating

But Rushin says, "It was, for me anyway, love at first sight." The two got married on a court at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield , Massachusetts. Rebecca wore low heels and an extra-long ivory gown. "She's definitely 'the one ,' I don't know how else to put it ," said Rushin.

Norman Alvis (cycling, 1988) and wife, Michelle, are happy to announce the birth of their son , Christian, who was born on February 21, 2004. Christian weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 20 and fi inches. He appears to be on the fast side, as his doctor couldn't arrive quick enough to make the delivery. The birth was without complication. Michelle even exclaimed, "That was so easy!" only moments after Christian was born.

Derek Brown (team handball, 1996) and wife, Natalie, received their second blessing on November 14 , 2003. Daughter, Nalani Jeane Brown, weighed in at 8 pounds, 2.6 ounces and spanned 20 inches in length. Nalani is Hawaiian for 'heav en 's calm.' Her older sister, Nadi a has already claimed Nalani as "her baby." Mother and daughter are recuperating nicely

Mara Keggi Ford (rowing, 1988) and her husband, Don , recently h ad another baby. Eliza Hannah Ford was born a week early on November 21, 2003. She weighed 9 pounds , 14 and fi ounces and was 21 inches long. This was a big change from her twin brothers who weighed a combined 9 pounds , 4 ounces when the y were born two months early in February of

Top row (left to right ) : Chris Coleman, Mia Hamm, Nadia and Nalani Brown

Bottom row (left to right ) : Rebecca Lobo, Eliza Ford

2001. The twins just turned three and they're glad to have a new baby sister.

James Gruenwald (wrestling, 2000) and wife , Rachel , were recently blessed by the birth of their second child , Arwyn Lee. She was born on December 19 , 2003. Arwyn weighed in at 5 pounds , 12 ounces and was 18 and fi inches long.

Bob Holme (skii n g, 1992 , '94) and wife, Joni , recently gave bi1th to a healthy baby boy on Febrnary 10, 2004. Jaxson Nalu Holme weighed in at 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long . His middle name, Nalu , is Hawaiian for 'ocean wave.'

Bob Kaehler (rowing, 1992 , '96, '00) and his wife, Kim, gave birth to their second child, Jackson "Jack" Robert Kaehler, on June 27, 2003 Kim's delivery went well and Bob says her effort made racing look easy. Jack weighed in at 9 pounds , 11 ounces and was 22 inches long. His big sister, Kira, turned four on December 6, 2003.

Benita Mosley (athletics , 1980 , '84) and husband, Ron, recently gave birth to their second child, Maya Lynette Mosley. Maya was born four weeks early on November 19, 2003. She was 6 pounds , 3 ounces and was 18 / inches in length. Despite the early delivery, Maya and mother are in good health . Isaiah , their son, is now five and cannot be more excited to have a new baby sister.

Eric Names nik (swimming, 1992, '96) and wife, Kirsten , recently gave birth to their second child, Madison Tatiana. She was born on July 25, 2003 at the University of Michigan Hospital. Madison weighed in at 8.5 pounds and was 20 fi inches in length . Her older brother, Austin , is two years old.

Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating, 1992) and her husband, Bn Redican (ice hockey, 1992), who is now a Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, recently had their first child. Keara Kiyomi Redican was born on October 1, 2003 in Raleigh , North Carolina. Keara weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long . "It was a great experience. It definitely puts a smile on y our face," Redican said. "I've experienced a lot of great thin gs in my li fe but nothing compares with what I just went through with m y wife. It's a great high to be on."

OLYMPIC ALUMNI NEWS

I have some news to share with or announce to my fellow Olympian Alumni: Please email or fax your latest achievement, promot ion, significant life event, marriage , birth , etc. , to the U.S. Olympians Association

c/ o Cynthia E. Stinger, Manager, fax: 719-866-4917 or email:cindy.stinger@usoc.org

Top row (left to right ) : Adin and Arwyn Gruenwald, Bob and Joni Holme and son Jaxson, Maya Mosley Bottom row (left to right ) : Kira and Jack Kaehler, Madison Namesnik

For training tips , career info , and expert advice any time- day or night, log on to TeamUSAnet. ..

The Virtual Athlete Services Center for Olympians and Olympic hopefuls .

Produced by the USOC's Athlete Programs Division and powered by Monster, TeamUSAnet provides exclusive access to USOC programs and services that have been designed just for you ..including everything from athlete development programs, to insurance and funding

services , to tips on building a resume and applying for a job You can also connect with an Olympic Mentor through our Mentor Network and get advice via email fast. Find the info you need to know when you need to know it.

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UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 2001-2004

ACTING USOC PRESIDENT

William C. Martin

USOC VICE PRESIDENT

Herman R. Frazier

USOC VICE PRESIDENT

Paul E. George

USOC VICE PRESIDENT

William (Bill) J. Stapleton

USOC VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER

Frank Marshall

CHIEF OF SPORT PERFORMANCE

Jim Scherr

U.S. OLYMPIANS OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

John Naber (swimming, 1976)

VICE PRESIDENTS

Jeff Blatnick (wrestling , 1980 , '84)

Cathy Ferguson (swimming, 1964)

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

Anne Warner Cribbs (swimming, 1960)

C01mie Paraskevin-Young (speedskating , 1980, '84 / cycling , 1988 , '92 , '96)

Theresa Andrews (swimming , 1984)

HONORARY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dorothy Franey Langkop (speedskating , 1932)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Bill Toomey (athletics , 1968)

EDITORIAL STAFF

SENIOR EDITOR

Cynthia E. Stinger (team handball , 1984 , '88, '92)

MANAGING EDITOR

Linda J. Nevarez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Denise O'Shea - O'Sh e a Design

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sarah McCalvy

51045 U.S OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATIO N UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 1 OLYMPI C PLAZA

C OLORADO SPRINGS , COLORADO 80909-57 6 0

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

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