March/April 2007 | The Olympian

March/ April 2007

A LETTER FROM WILLIE BANKS

U.S. Olympians President

One fine day two crabs came out from their home to take a s troll on the sand. "Child ," sa id the mother, "you are walking very ungracefully You should accustom yourself, to walking straig ht forward without twisting from side to side."

"Pray, mother," said the young one, "do but set the example yourself, and I will follow you." The moral of this Aesop Fable is - Example is the best precept.

Thi s fable always reminds me of the obligation that I have as an Olympian - to lead by example. Since all of us are honored and ble sse d to be Olympians we need to set an example for our future Olympians.

In February, along with scores more Olympians around the country, I participated in the Sportsmanship 2007 event. Many of you shared in the fun and pleasure of speaking w ith young people about the benefits of good sportsmanship. Using the tools that were provided by the U.S. Ol y mpic Committee we all made a pretty professional pitch to encourage kids to be good spo rt s as we ll as good citizens. I personally had a life changing ex perience at Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside, California. I had to give the same speec h 8 times over 2 days in order to reach all the kids in the school. Somewhere along the line it hit me that one speech to this school that I had graduated from 37 years ago was not enough.

I thou g ht about the program s that we , the U.S. Olympians, have been working on and decided to adopt this middle school as my sc hool to promote spo rt s for life The principal of the school immedia tely assigned me a group of young men who needed a strong male figure in their life. He reserved a room for me and let me start working with this group of young men It is an "Olympic" challenge for me. However, I am having a fantastic experience working with these kids.

There a re many projects that we are developing for you. There are many project s going on that I want you to get involved in now Many of the projects don 't take up a lot of time, they are ju s t ways that you can s tay connected to what I think is an ex tremely rewarding and satisfying organization.

One s uch program is with the National J ewe lry Institute (NJI) at The Forbes Galleries in New York City. In conjunction with the United State s Olympic Committee, NJI is proposing a special opportunity in the 4th Qu arter 2007 for the public, sponsors and donors to view Olympic memorabilia, connect with the U.S. Olympic Movement and honor the achievement s of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. In order to participate, you will be asked to lo a n your medal , and if possible , any other metallic artifact that ha s special meaning to you as an athlete.

Another proj e ct that will soon be announced is the Speakers Referral System that we hav e been working on with the assistance of the USOC staff to provide a one-stop shop for organizations seeking to find an Olympian who can speak to their organization. Once you have signed up, your information will be placed in a database for any organization to easily choose from a list of factor s to identify you as their speaker, all done in a way to protect your privacy Thi s is an objective tool that will help promote Olympian s as speakers to a wide range of organizations.

Similarly , the U.S. Olympians have bee n working on a reunion sometime in 2008. Plans are in the making and we hope you will look for more information in the months to come These types of get togethers a re very important for our chapter s. All of us know how great it is for Olympians to get together and talk about the experiences that we had in our "moment of glory". I hear it from every Olympian I meet how Jnuch they enjoy the times they have with other Ol y mpian s. Ours is an experience that can not be duplicated in a ny other facet of life To that end, the U.S. Olympians are pushing for more opportunities where we can get together to do goo d deeds and share our sto ries Opportunities that have be e n di scussed include a cruise; regional events; welcome dinners for returning Olympians; golf tournaments; hospital visits and many other communal functions.

I am looking forward to our initiative s and pray that you will help se t an example to the re s t of the world.

Willie Bank s

Olympians and Paralympians took the message "Real Athletes Are Good Sports" to schoolchildren across the United States in January, demonstrating that U.S. athletes have big hearts. As a part of the USOC's 2007 education initiative on the Olympic Value of Sportsmanship, the athletes spoke to elementary, middle, and high school students about what it means to be a good sport.

Jennifer Chandler, a diving gold medalist from 1976, spoke at Clay-Chalkville Middle School in Trussville, Ala., and shared her personal Olympic journey as well. The students' reaction to her presentation prompted her to respond, "I definitely would like to present this to other schools in the state." Chris Coleman, an Olympian with the fourman bobsled in 1992 and 1994, spoke to students at Smiley Middle School in

Denver, Colo. He said, "It was rewarding and fulfilling to share my experiences and the incredible story of an Olympic legend like Jesse Owens. The stw were very attentive and asked probing questions anerwards."

More than 30 Olympians and Paralympians representing 17 Olympic and Paralympic sports gave school presentations in 27 cities during the first week of the Sportsmanship launch. Speaking engagements will continue throughout the year as the USOC and its partners spread the message "Real Athletes Are Good Sports."

USOC partners have embraced the education initiative, offering assistance ranging from identifying venues for presentations to arranging athlete appearances. USOC partners for "Real Athletes Are Good Sports" include the U.S. Olympians Association, the Athletes Advisory Council, Community Partner cities, Community Olympic Development Program cities, Multi-Sport Organizations,

and the Nationa l Governing Bodies of Olympic Sport. A ~ ma! individual offers to partner wi th the Sports manship program have been exte nd ed since the program was launched.

The USOC's promotional p lans for Sportsman ship will contin ue later thi s spring with the introduction of Olympic We ek in America , a comprehensive cunicu lar unit fo r grades K- 5 on Olympism that emphasizes the va lue of Sportsm ansh i p.

Organizations or individuals seeki ng information or materials for Sportsman shi p promotion or presentations may contact Dave Somers, Manager of Educati on Programs, 719-866 -4 549 or da ~ mer s@ usoc.org.

OLYMP IC FENCER GREG MASSIALAS (I 980, 1984, 1988) SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS FOR HIS NEW-FOUND FANS AT V ISITACION VA LLEY MI DDLE SCH OOL IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA

By : FredMitchell,ChicagoTribune

They came from all directions-California, New Jersey, Minnesota and Mississippi.

With her infectious smile and contagious spirit, Willye White always could attract a crowd.

Friends , family and fellow Olymp ians congregated at the South Shore Cultural (enter on Saturday, February l 0, 2007 for an emotional rnlebration of the pioneering life of White, who died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 67 .

Raised by her grandparents , White was born in Money, Miss . At the age of 16 she competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and became the first American woman to earn a medal in the long jump with a silver.

In all , she competed for five Olympic track and field teams, the first American to do so. She won another silver medal in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo in the 4 x400-meter relay

But most of her friends who spoke at the podium or off to the side focused on White 's remarkable sense of community and her relentless courage to overcome life's odds and obstacles.

"Willye really didn't prepare us for this , because she really didn't think she would die ," said Olympic gold medalist Donna de Varona , who became the youngest member of a U.S. Olympic swim team as a 13year-old in 1960 .

"The first time I met Willye was during the ['60] Olympics, and her first words to me were: "What is this little skinny white girl doing up here on my [Olympic village] floor? " She was intimidating . That red hair and that look she just brought light to the world ."

White , who picked cotton and endured blatant racial discrimination as a child in Mississippi , became a member of more than 30 internatianal track and field teams She won

A Gatherin Honors the Late Will e White ,

Who Made An Impact In Athletics And Beyond

a dozen Amateur Athletic Union long jump titles , according to USA Track & Field 1 which inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 1981 White had a careerbest jump of 21 feet 6 inches. In 1999 , Sports Illustrated for Women named her one of the l 00 greatest women athlete s in the 20th Century The celebration included an official proclamation of remembrance from Mayor Richard Daley's office , as well as a proclamation by the USA Track and Field Association that declared February l 0, 2007 "Will ye White Day." White lived in Chicago for 46 years befor e moving back to Mississippi last year.

WMAQ-Ch 5 news anchor Warner Saunders , who moderated the remembrance ceremony1 spoke of White's feistiness and spunky nature

"When cancer invaded my body a few years ago , I was down and out," Saunders said "But I always used to kid Willye that I could still outrun her in the 100-yard dash. When Willye called me up and I told her that, she shot back , ' I'll smoke you like an El Producto cigar!' I will never forget that."

Among the dozens of Olympians and former track stars in attendance were John Carlos ('68 Olympics 200 meters bronze medalist), Willie May ('60 silver high hurdles medalist) , Mamie Rollins (set a women's world record of 8.7 seconds in the 70-yard high hurdles in 1960) , Lacey O'Neal (1964 and '72 Olympic hurdler), Edith McGuire (won gold in 200 meters and two silvers in '64 Olympics) , Joann Terry-Grissom (pentathlon champion), Bob Pickens and Diane Simpson.

Simpson, a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, competed in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul as a rhythmic gymnast.

"I met Willye when I was starting as an Olympic hopeful ," said Simpson, an alumna of Evanston High School and Northwestern "Willye definitely inspired all of us, not only in athletics but in life . I spoke with Willye

about l Odays ago She was upbeat1 as always.

"She always called me ' darling .' She said : ' Well 1 darling , things could be better The doctors haven't given me the best news . But you know how I am about this ."

Pickens , another Evanston alumnus who was an offensive lineman with

MISS ISSIPPI OLYMPIANS WIL lY EWHI TE, GEORGE WILSON AN DMILDRETTE NETTER GRAVES ATTHE STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI'S OPENING CEREMONIES IN MERIDIAN, MS

the Bears in 1967-69, first met White at the 1964 Olympics when he was a member of the Greco -Roman wrestling team and placed sixth.

"Willye was an athletic beacon , a driving force ," said Pickens , now vice president of the board of commissioners for the Chicago Park District. "She was a protector of the disadvantaged and the disenfranchised ."

Friend Eva J. Brown summed up the feelings of the day in a written message to White : "There are no more races to run . Rest in the master suite."

In lieu of flowers , the family is requesting donations be sent to the Willye White Foundation , 55 E. Superior, Chicago , 60611 , and the foundation will make a donation in her name to PANCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) . The foundation was formed in 1991 to help children develop self-esteem and become productive citizens

Olympians One on One

As a regular featurem The Olympian newsletter through the 2008 Olympic Games, we will conduct interviews with Olympians who are hopefuls for 2008 , coaching or supporting athletes.

CHERYL HAWORTH

A conversation with U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete and two-time Olympian Cheryl Haworth (weightlifting, 2000/bronze , '04)

How are your preparations going on your quest to return to your third Olympic Games in Beijing?

I have adjusted very nice l y to my new home here on the campus of the United States Ol ympic Training Complex and plan on staying right up until the Games arrive. Being here allows me to concentrate 100% to the task at hand and that is very important for me to become the best lifter possible. Being in this faci l ity alleviates outside stresses that find a way of creeping in and affecting my complete focus. I have b e en working with my coach, Bob Morris and we have developed a new training strategy and you know, I think it's work i ng. In fact, I know it's working. So look out world! I r eally want to thank the dedicated staff here that plays a role in helping athletes achieve sustained competitive excellence. It is a wonderful environment to be in.

What specifically have you been exposed to that in your mind will take your performance to the next level?

The Sports Science and Technology team have been very helpful. Dr. Sands in particular, but the entire team of scientists are working diligently to find ways to help me perform with little or no wasted energy . As you know, Olympic style lifting is quick and explosive. These guys have the technology to perform very precise measurements that wouldn't be possible in my hometown gym. This technology will help maximize my efforts on a scientific level. Things like force plates that can indicate if I'm placing more emphasis on one leg over the other as well as high speed cameras that can ti')

my movement from the start of a lift to the fin- to me. Winning is nice but if you don't do it ish. It's amazing. My coach is with me through with class and respect it means nothing . 1e entire process so we can work on the minute details in the gym together to maximize How important is it to you personally to effort. This kind of attention to detail gives secure more spots in Beijing? you the confidence to perform at the highest level. We all know that you need a certain level of confidence to have the faith to take it to the next level.

What lifters are you keeping your eye on?

Our performance at the 2006 World Weightlifting Championships has put us in a good position in regards to team qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games. How we perform overall at both the 2006 and 2007 World Weightlifting Championships is key in getting Right now the two best athletes in my weight the most athletes qualified and entered in class are from Korea and China. My goal is to Beijing. One of my goals in 2007 will be to do close the gap on their totals and continue to my best to try and secure as many spots as improve. If I can do that , I will be satisfied. possible to get the most athletes qualified . It is You have to stay within yourself in this sport. very important for me to perform well and Compete with integrity and honesty. when I walk up to the platform I know that my eventually, my hard work and perseverance will pay off. Sportsmanship is very important

success means that someone else will be getting a chance at realizing their Olympic dream. l That is what it's all about

Olympians Reaching Out

Many Olympians are actively involved in helping in the community, the nation, and the world. In this section of our Newsletter, we will be highlighting some of the ways our colleagues are continuing the Olympic path of excell ence .

Thirty young swimmers from the Greenwich Young Women's Christian Association Dolphins swim team were treated to instructions from an Olympic gold medalist when Diana Munz (swimming, 2000, '04) gave a clinic in their pool in Connecticut. In 2000 in Sydney, Australia, Munz won the gold medal in the 800 meter freestyle and the silver in the 400 meter freestyle. During the pre-clinic lecture, Munz had inspired the swimmers with her personal work ethic; as

a teenager she set her alarm and got herself up before dawn to work on her technique. "I was always driven by the other people in the pool.. .I loved to beat the boys ... I would try to make it a little bit better, and I always wanted to do something to improve." Her strength in overcoming challenges is a great example for young competitors: before the 2000 trials, Munz broke her back in a car accident and was in a body cast until just two months prior to qualifying.

Olympian s are involved in the 18th Annual ServiceLearning Conference:

Beyond Borders, Beyond Boundaries to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in March. The expected 3,000 participants will be able to attend more than 200 workshops and will hear speakers includ-

ing Jane Goodall, Jackie Joyner-Kersee (athletics, 1984, '88, '92, '96) founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and Kerri Strug (gymnastics , 1992, '96) Special Advisor to the Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The goal of the conference is to spread the engagement of citizens of all ages and backgrounds in a community-based service to address human, educational, environmental, public safety, health, housing and other needs.

AA( Outreach - by:

Erica Hutchinson

On Friday, April 20, twenty Olympians from Project Rebound as a kick-off to their first throughout the nation will spearhead a unique 2007 quarterly AAC meeting in New Orleans. project designed to assist New Orleans elemen- In addition to the AAC members who are suptary and middle schools most affected by porting Project Rebound , two local Olympians Hurricane Katrina. The Olympians, all mem- will also participate in the program. "Project bers of the Athlete Advisory Council (AAC), Rebound is an excellent way for Olympians to will visit nine affected schools to promote the help a community that is still experiencing the spirit of Olympism, share the USOC's 2007 aftermath of one of the nation's worst natural theme on Sportsmanship and provide much disasters. We are very excited to visit elemenneeded sports equipment to the schools' physi- tary and middle schools in New Orleans and cal e ducation programs share a message of hope with such deserving young people," said Olympian and AAC memOlympians were invited to participate m ber, Courtney Johnson (water polo, 200 \

DIA NAMUNZ

JACK IEJOY NER -KERSEE

HONORS

Frank Budd (athletics, 1960) was honored at the J oing Brook Country Club in Neptune , NJ on l .y, February 23, 2007. The event was staged by the "J<riends of Frank Budd" and proceeds of the event were used to finance scholarships for worthy young people and to purchase a black granite stone monument to be installed a the entrance to Asbury Park , NJ High School Stadium , where the track is now named in Frank's honor.

Frank Budd, now a Mount Laurel, NJ resident, graduated from Asbury Park High School and Villanova University, went from stardom at APHS to collegiate glory at Vill anova and won a place on the 1960 U.S. Olympic team , renow n as the first man ever to run the 100-yard dash in 9.2 seconds, and had a pro fo otball career in the National and Canadian Football leagues.

The inaugural Reisman Humanitarian Award was awarded on December 11, 2006 to gold and silver medalist Joey Cheek (speedskating, 2002 , '06). After winning gold in the 500m and a silver in the 1000m in l ong track speedskating at the Torino Olympic Games in February 2006, Cheek donated his $40,000 in performance earnings to Right To Play, earmarked for Darfurian refugees. Right to Play is a non-governmental humanitarian organization that uses sport and play to •d in the development of children in disadvantaged of the world Along with the award , the Reisman Trophy Trust contributed $25,000 in Cheek's name to - Right to Play for Darfur relief

Cheek's generosity inspired others to contribute thousands of dollars to the organization. As a result of his humani t arianism and exemplary behavior, he was elected by his peers to carry the American flag during the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. His actions and challenge to corporations around the globe to provide ass i stance has generated more than $500,000 for Darfur. Cheek has gone on to form his own non-profit organization, "Where Will We Be?" whose mission is to assist those in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Alumni News

Gail Devers (athletics, 1988, '92, '96, '00,'04) was named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the women's 60-meter hurdles at the 100th Millrose Games in New York City on February 2, 2007.

Already the meet and American record holder, 40-yearold Olymp i an Devers won the women's 60-meter hurdles in a strong start-to-finish effort in 7.86 secondsthe fastest time in the world this year and nearly a full second faster th a n the listed world record for masters over- 40 athletes (8. 71). It was also her fourth Millrose v1c , ory m the hurdles. Runner-up in the race was Joanna Hayes, the 2004 Olympic Champion.

No r in i~s sixt? year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program 1s designed to recognize outstanding performers lat all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF weli>site. Selections are based on top performances and res11lts from the previous week.

Three U.S. Olympians Honored at the 15th Annual Trumpet Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Trumpet Awards were created to herald the accomplishments of Black Americans who have succeeded against immense odds. The Trumpet Awards is one of the nation's mos t respected award shows. Saluting the achievements of African-Americans , and those who havie shown consistent support toward the enhancement of f frican-American achievement, the Trumpet Awards pa y homage to honorees in many diverse fields including 1 law, politics, medicine, business, sports and entertainment. The three Olympians honored were Michael Jordan (basketball, 1984, '92), Tommie Smith (athletics , 1968) and John Carlos (athletics, 1968).

Michelle Kwan (figure skating, 1998, '02) is America's firs l: "Public Diplomacy Envoy," a position created to try to improve the U S image abroad. "I have represented the United States for 12 years in many competitions, and I feel that I can do the same thing as a diplomat. It has sort of prepared me for the job," Kwan said of her new position. And her first performance in her new role was nearly flawless.

(L 10 R): JOEY CHEEK , GAIL DEVERS , JOANNA HAYES AND MICHELLE KWAN

Alumni News

On January 18 , Kw an visited schools in Beijing, China, minglin g with students a nd li stening to choir pr ese ntations. Her first stop at Dandelion School proved the Olympi an and world champion i s as unflappable off the ice as she is when performing . The schoo l is hou se d in an abandoned cinderblock factory with an ancient furnace and concrete floors. Student s crowded around her two and three deep , a nd she waded right in, greeting the middle schoolers and giving high fives. She got tearyeyed when a girl's choir sang the sc hool's anthem.

At her seco nd stop, she was greeted like a world star. At a high sc hool affiliated with Renmin University, one of China' s top schools, the students asked questions in fluent English - some with American accents.

Kwan also visited the so uthern city of Guangzhou and Hong Kong before returning home.

And when she was asked if she's ready to retire , s he replied, " I haven't ruled anything out yet. If I had made up my mind, I would have told everybody ."

The daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong and southern China, the 26-year-old Kwan was born in California.

She speaks Cantone se - a dialect used in southern China but not in the north , wh e re Mandarin is spoken. She mostly used English to communicate, but her diplomacy was loudly applauded when she told the students, ''I'm studying Mandarin , so you can help me "

During her visit, Kwan was asked, "How do you handle li fe when it is difficult?"

"Life and skating is full of a l ot of falls, but you have to get up and keep going. And you have to work hard. Sometimes , I do fall and make mistake s, but you can learn from your mistakes," Kwan replied.

Zheng Hong , principal of Dandelion School , summed up Kwan 's impact on the students. "She skates , she's Chinese, she's Disney and she's magic."

The National Track & Field Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2006 on Saturday, December 2, 2006 in Indianapolis The inductees included Dan O'Brien , Lynn Jennings, Kevin Young, Rex Cawly, Ben Eastman, Matt McGrath and Bill Neider.

Young had a quiet, yet storied track and field career highlighted by his performance at the 1992 Barcelona

Olympics in which he became the first and only man in history to shatter the 4 7-second barrier by win the 1992 Olympic men 's 400m hurdles go ld medal in 46.78 seconds. Using his unusual technique of switchin g between 12 and 13-stride intervals b e tween hurdles, he broke the world record despite slamming the final hurdle and raising his arms in triumph prior to reaching the finish. Hi s record sti ll s tands.

Kristen Thorsness (rowing, 1984, '88) from Anchorage , Alaska was in the 1984 Women 's 8+ who won go ld at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. She is in the inau g ural class of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame - along with three other pivotal Alaskan athletes The induction ceremony was held February 23, 2007.

Eight athletes were inducL~J into The University of North Caro lina track and field Hall of Honor as the Class of 2007. The inductees were an international Who's Who of Olympic a thletics:

LaTasha Colander (athletics , 2000 , '04) was a gold medalist in the 4 x400-meter re la y at the 2000 Games in Sydney, and collected more All-America honors than any student/athlete in Carolina

Alumni

history (eight total, with three in the 55-meter hurdles).

~inic Demeritte competed in the Olympics for his r Bahamas and holds the current Bahamian record in me 200m. He won a world championship in 2004 in the 200m and became an All-American in 1997 when he was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team.

Nadine Faustin (athletics, 2000, '04 representing Haiti) holds Haiti's national record in the 100-meter hurdles and is a multiple medal winner in the Central American and Caribbean Championships.

Nicole Gamble (athletics, 2000) won the NCAA Championship in 1999 in the indoor triple jump. While at Carolina, she collected 13 All-America honors and won eight ACC Championships.

Marion Jones (athletics, 2000, '04) is not only a threetime world champion and a 13-time U.S. outdoor champion , she has also won six All-America honors and is one of North Carolina's greatest athletes ever. The whole world watched as she won five medals (three gold and two bronze) at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Eddie Neufville (athletics, 1996, '00 representing Liberia) had an All-America performance on the 4xl00 team in 1999 and holds a top-five time in the 60-meters at North Carolina.

lrnm Belk (lifetime support of Olympic and UNC sports) helped realize the vision of a first-rate international-style track, which bears his name, on the University of North Carolina campus. Belk has also been instrumental in bringing many improvements to the USOTC in Colorado Springs.

While training for the 1996 Olympic Games, John Register (athletics, 1996, '00) missed the landing after clearing a hurdle and severed a major artery in his left leg; the injury resulted in amputation. Since then, Register has been a strong disability rights advocate who believes that participation in sports can enrich the lives of people with physical disabilities and change public attitude towards the disabled community.

Veteran of the Gulf War, silver medalist at the 2000 Paralympic Games, now Associate Director of Outreach & Development for the USOC's Paralympic division, Register has been named the recipient of the 2007 Paul G. Herne/American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Leadership Award for emerging leaders with disabilities. "I really feel honored and humbled to be selected for this award .it speaks to how we as a team at U.S. Paralympics have a vision on how sports can change lives for people wit disabilities in a positive way." Register was instrumental in the launch of the Paralympic Academy in 2003, a grassroots program that exposes youth with physical disabilities to Paralympic sports, and also contributed to the USOC Paralympic Military Program, which shows military personnel who've sustained physical injuries the powerful role that sports can play in rehabilitation.

IN THE NEWS

Five-time Olympic medalist short track speedskater Apolo Ohno (speedskating, 2002, '06) has been named one of 11 contestants to compete on the fourth season of the popular show Dancing with the Stars. Beginning March 19 at 8 p.m. ET, Ohno will trade his skates for dance shoes as he looks to impress judges and win votes from millions of American viewers.

Ohno is not the only Olympian and athlete among the group of contestants. The two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist is one of three athletes who will compete on the show -a first for the series. He is joined by 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball "Dream Team" member, Clyde Drexler (Houston, Texas) and by Laila Ali (Miami Beach, Fla.). Drexler has been named by the NBA as "One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History" and is a member of the 1995 Houston Rockets NBA Championship Team. Ali is an undefeated world champion female boxer and the youngest daughter of boxing legend and Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali (Louisville, Ky).

At 24 years old, Ohno is the youngest contestant to compete on the show. He is paired with 18-year-old

11 God 1s greatest gift to man is life. Man's greatest gift to God is what he does with his life. 11

- Grant Hill (basketball, 1996)

(L to R) : NICOLE GAMBLE , MARION JONES , AND APOLO OHNO

Alumni News

professional dancer Julianne Hough, who is also one of the youngest professional dance partners to ever appear on the show.

While Ohno is used to the pressure of competing on the world's biggest stage - the Olympic Games, it never involved doing the cha cha, foxtrot, tango or the waltz. 'Tm extremely excited about this opportunity to be on the show," said Ohn0: "My partner, Juliann, is amazing. At our first meeting I gave her a pair of ice skates as a token of appreciation for all the enthusiasm and talent she brings to our dance team. I think we're going to bring a fresh, new kind of energy and flavor to the table."

Unlike some of the other contestants on the show who have a history with or professional training in dance, theater and/or stage performance, Ohno is coming off the Olympic circuit having competed in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy last February and training for the 2007 World Championships next month in Italy. Aside from some break dancing moves he's showcased on MTV and other talk shows, Ohno is stepping out of his element - the ice -and is embracing the opportunity to demonstrate that America's

Olympic athletes are of interest and relevancy to young audiences - even during nonOlympic Games years.

MILESTONES

Casey Fitz Randolph (speedskating, 1998, '02, '06) and his wife Jennifer welcomed their son Sawyer J Fitz Randolph at 5:57 pm on January 10, 2007 (three days overdue). Sawyer weighed six pounds ten ounces and was 19 inches long. Congratulations!

IN MEMORIAM

Johnny Gibson (athletics, 1928) a former world-record holder in the 400-meter hurdles and a highly successful track coach at Seton Hall University for 26 years, died December 29, 2006 in a nursing home in Newton, New Jersey. He was 101. Gibson set a world-record of 52.6 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles in the national championships in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 2, 1927. After high school, he attended Fordham University at night and worked as a messenger on Wall Street during the day, running from building to building. He trained by himself at odd hours, using park benches as hurdles. He ran his first race at 13 and his last at 32

Olympic gold medalist and

tennis supporter Charles "Charlie" Grimes (rowing, 1956) husband of USTA President Jane Brown Grimes, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2007 in New York City after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.

A resident of Chadds Ford, Pa., Mr. Grimes had been hospitalized with an abdominal obstruction.

Mr. Grimes was a 1957 graduate of Yale University, and a member of the 1956 Yale varsity crew that won a gold medal in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The victory was the last college crew to win a gold medal in the Olympics, and was featured as one of the "100 Greatest Moments in Olympic History" by Olympic chronicler Bud Greenspan. Mr. Grimes was a graduate of Oxford University in 19~ and Harvard Law School 111 1960. After a brief law career, Mr. Grimes pursued a career as an independent financial advisor and investor.

He is survived by his wife, his three step children, two sisters, and six nieces and nephews.

Charitable donations can be made to: National Rowing

lFoundation, 67 Mystic Road, Stonington, CT 06359. Milton Holt (boxing coach, 1956) died January 7, 2,9-QZ at _the age of 92. A member of the Idaho State T ~rs1ty Sports Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor , Run was inducted into the state Hall of Fame in 1999. Born February 5, 1914, Holt made history in 1967 by deciding to build the first domed football stadium on a college campus when he was in his first year as the ISA athletic director. The ASISU Minidome opened in 1970 and was renamed Holt Arena in 1988. His 1937 punt return record (88 yards) is the longest-held school record in ISU history.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder Annette Rogers Kelly (athletics, 1932, '36) died on November 8, 2006 at the age of 92 A graduate of Senn High School of Chicago and Northwestern University, Rogers Kelly won 4/lO0m relay gold medals at the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games. At the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles she placed sixth in the high jump, and in 1936 in Berlin she finished fifth in the 100 meters. Rogers Kelly also was a member of 4/lO0m relay quartets that twice set the world record in that event in 1932. A member of the Chicago Sports Hall of F ame and the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame, Rogers Kelly won the 1933 women's 100m AAU title (12.2 seconds) and in 1936 she was the national outdoor champion in the high jum (1.59m/5 feet 2.50 inches).

D.. .id Vanole (soccer, 1988) the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. soccer team at the 1988 Summer Olympics who later h elped the United States qualify for the World Cup for the first time in four decades , At the age of 43, Vanole collapsed on January 15 while on a family skiing trip in Utah and died later that day in Salt Lake City. A cause of death was not announced . The Redondo Beach native and Manhattan Beach resident played at UCLA on the NCAA soccer championship team in 1985; Vanole then helped the United States qualify for the 1988 Olympics and started in all three of the team's games in Seoul. He played 13 times for the national team and returned to UCLA as a coach once his playing career ended. He was instru-

Alumni News

mental in developing some of the top goalkeepers in the country, and was the goalkeeper coach for the U.S. women's team that won a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Willie B. White (athletics, 1956, '60, '64, '68, '72) See tribute on page 3.

C.K. Yang (athletics , 1960 , '64) the 1960 Olympic decathlon silver medalist for Taiwan who became a UCLA track and field star was laid to rest in Ventura, CA

Yang, a longtime Thousand Oaks resident, died January 27 , 2007 of complications from a stroke. He was 74

Taiwanese dignitaries joined friends and family in remembering Yang during a memorial service at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. He was buried at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park .

Yang (Yang Chuan -kwang) took the silver medal in the Rome Olympics, with Bruins teammate Rafer Johnson (athletics, 1956, '60) winning the gold. Yang's Olympic medal was the first for Taiwan . He also won two go ld medals for his country in the Asian Games in the 1950s. He finished fifth in the decathlon in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Yang set a decathlon world record of 9,121 points in 1963, before the grading formula for the event was changed .

At UCLA, he was the Bruins' team captain in 1963 and finished fifth in the high hurdles in the NCAA championship. He still holds the UCLA freshman record of 7,986 points for the decathlon, set in 1960 His UCLA decathlon best of 8,089 point s is third in the Bruins' record books.

He is survived by his widow , Dai sy, and sons Cedri c and C.K.

(L to R) : CHARLES GRIMES , DAVID VANOLE ,, WILLYE WH ITE , AND C.K YANG

U.S. OLYMPIAN CHAPTERS

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

Colorado Olympians

President : Gene Kotlarek (skiing, 1960, I 64) (303) -807-3911

Florida Olympians

President : Jim Millns (figure skating, 1976) (813) 926-5955

Georgia Olympians

President : Mel Pender (athletics, 1964, ' 68) (404) 434-8514

Hawaii Olympians

President : Richard "Sonny " Tanabe (swimming , 1956) {808} 735-1088

Indiana Olympians

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

Midwest Olympians

President : Diane Simpson Bundy (rhythmic gymnas tic s, 1988) (847} 452-7843

National Capital Area Olympians

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

New England Area Olympians

President : John Thomas (athletics , 1960, ' 64) (508) 584 -7474

Northern California Olympians

President : Greg Massialas (fencing, 1980, '84, ' 88) (415) 441-0521

Oregon Olympians

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

Southern California Olympians

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

Southwest Olympians

President : Sammy Walker (weightlifting , 1976) (469) 955-3158

Tri-States Olympians

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

Utah Olympians

President : Debra Stark Clark (gymnastics, 1972) (801) 369 -9918

Washington State Olympians

S read the News About 01 m ic Week in America

President : John Stillings (row ing, 1984) (206} 440-0708

No chapter in your area? Interested in starting a chapter? Contact the US Olympians Association office for details at (800) 717-7555 .

On March 1, the USOC announced that it has identified Apri l 30 - May 4 for the fir s t Olympic Week i n Amer ica. The new week-long initiative co n sists of a com p rehensive, in t erdisci pl inary program on Olympic Ideals and Va lu es for grades kindergarten through five. The activities may be implemented any tim e during the schoo l year, but are being re l eased t o coincide wit h National Physical Fit nes s an d Sports Month, whic h also o ccur s in M ay .

All materials for Olympic Week in America are being distributed free to e du cators through www .usolympicteam.com. Ed u cators may access the m a terials by clicking on the Olympic Education icon located on the USOC's homepage. To facilitate distribution of materials, the USOC h as prepared a le t ter that Oly mp ians and Olympic hop efuls may, send to schools announcing the program Those interested in sending a personal letter to a n e leme n tary school with details about the Olympic Week in America program may r eceive a copy by emai ling Dave Somers, Manager of Educatio n Programs , dave .s omers@usoc.org.

The O l ympic Week i n America program was created for edu cators' u se in expanding s tudent awareness and appreciation of th e Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic Movemen t. I t s l essons an d activities enhance core curric ul a taught in th e c l assroom. Through a foc u s on the Olympic Games, student s wi ll rei n force their skills in language arts, social studies, math , sc ience, and physica l education

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC U .S . OLYMPIANS OFFICERS 2005 -2008

COMM ITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

USO( CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT

Peter Ueberroth

Bob Bowlsby

Bob Ctvrtlik

Erroll Davis

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

VICE PRESIDENTS

Dwight Stones {athletics, 1972, '76, '84)

EDITORIAL STAFF

SENIOR EDITOR

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Leah Chandler Mills

Connie Paraskevin-Young (speedskating, 1980, Christine Taylor

Anita DeFrantz '84/cycling, 1988, '92 , '96)

Jim Easton

John Hendricks

Jair Lynch

Mary McCagg

Mike Plant

Stephanie Streeter

Carol Lewi s(athletics , 1980, '84, '88)

Dick Fosbury (athletics, 1968)

Micki K fng (diving, 1968, '72)

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Deni se O'Shea -O ' Shea Design

Pho tos by: Getty Images & Gary W. Hall Sr (swimming, 1968, '72 , 76) The USO( Library

USO( CHIEF EXECUTIVE HONORARY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OFFICER

Jim Scherr

36USC220506

Dorot hy Franey Langkop (spe edsk ating , 1932)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

John Naber (swimming, 1976)

PAST PRESIDENT

Bill Toomey (athletics, 1968)