Sept/Oct 2007 | The Olympian

September/ October 2007

A LETTER FROM WILLIE BANKS

U.S.OlympiansPresident

When I was in law school many years ago, I took a Saturday afternoon off from studying to watch a classic movie. It was a trilogy of movies starring Toshiro Mifune and written by Eiji Yoshikawa that followed the life and times of Miyamoto Musashi , the most famou s samurai in Japan. This five-hour film quickly changed my outlook on life and made me a better athlete. I called to Japan and had my friend send a translation of Musashi's life. The book is nine hundred and seventy pages long, and I could not put it down until I had finished reading every page. It was terrific! I learned later that Musashi had written a book called "The Book of Five Rings , " you might have heard of this book because after a famous Wall Street tycoon said that he read the book , hundreds of stock brokers made it their bible during the heyday of the stock market in the nineties. In the book Musashi writes about knowing your opponent. He wrote, "When you have mastered your own craft, you must then master the crafts of your opponent." This is true in martial arts, law, business and Olympic sports.

Now, you might ask, what is the relevance to the Olympic Alumni? Well, a little while ago I met with two very eager administrators of the Chula Vi sta Olympic Training Center and Cathy Marino Bradford, the President of the Southern California Olympian s In our conversation we talked about a mentor program for future Olympians. The plan was to use Olympians to help mentor those athletes training for the Olympic Games. At first I was skeptical. How could young athletes find potential assistance from a bunch of old Olympians? But then I thought of Musashi and his words in "The Book of Five Rings." Perhaps those of us with unique experiences in our sport can help those who are presently training. We could teach them many things that might help our future Olympians to "know their opponents."

To that end, I s tarted to think of things that I might share with young triple jumpers that might be pertinent even now. For example, I could share my experience with the psychology of co mpetition I found that many things can frustrate an athlete during competition. Even unintentional things can cause an athlete to lose concentration I remember in the first World Champion s hip of Athletics held in Helsinki in 1983 , I had an opportunity to win the competition on my last jump. Before I could s tep to my mark on the runway , one of my competitors "accidentally kicked" my marker, and I did not know the exact location for my start. I had no time to re-measure, so I guessed the appro x imate location , ran down , and jumped a huge jump to what I felt was a championship winning mark. Unfortunately, when I turned to see the judge he had the red flag up. I fouled by less than an inch and had to settle for a silver medal. The message to my "mentored triple jumper s ": never rely on a moveable mark; make sure you scuff the grass or ground so that you will know where the mark is regardle ss of what your competitors do.

Perhap s a goo d example of how the mentoring can work may have been provided by one of my mentors , Milan Tiff. Milan gave sage advice to anyone who would listen. One day he was giving me advice on the triple jump. He asked me why I was carrying around a tape measure I thought he was joking. He explained to me that at anytime I could forget my tape or it could be lost or stolen while traveling in Europe. What would I do then? All the tape s in Europe are metric. Hi s solution, which I u se d for the rest of my career, was to mea s ure my step using my feet! It lightened my load and I rarely fouled from that point on.

Yes, Olympians can provide a huge service to our young athletes. We are a family and we owe it to each other to pass on the knowledge. We must divulge any secrets that our competition might use to frustrate our athletes. In San Diego we will soon begin a program of mentoring athletes. I suggest each Chapter begin a program to mentor athletes in your community. I know that Miyamoto Musashi would be proud of those of us who take up this challenge and so will our young athletes.

Willie Banks

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

DANIELLE SCOTT-ARRUDA

Three Time Olympian in Volleyball Danielle Scott-Arruda has her sights set on Beijing

Danielle Scott-Arruda (volleyball, 1996, '00, '04) has just returned from the 2007 Pan American Games and is a three-time Olympian and four-time Pan American Games U.S. Volleyball Team Member. Scott-Arruda was selected as the flag bearer for Team USA in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Opening Ceremony took place on Friday, July 13 at Maracana Stadium. Danielle has been a member of the resident program in Colorado Springs since 1999.

Tell me how it felt to be selected to lead the delegation into the stadium for the 2007 Pan American Games?

It was such an honor to be nominated to carry our flag into Opening Ceremonies. It never even crossed my mind that I would be selected to be the flag-bearer , but it really meant a lot, especially since I was nominated by the other athletes. It was pretty incredible.

You must be proud of your bronze medal performance in Brazil. What did the team learn from that experience?

First I want to say it is not easy to medal in any competition. Our team had only trained together

I think competition is essential for growth. This summer is one of the busiest in terms of the number of tournaments in which we have competed and have yet to compete. Taking those hours of training and putting it to work in competition is so important. The previous tournaments have helped prepare us for the NORCECA Championships because we have faced some of the same opponents who will be competing in Winnipeg giving us a better idea of areas that we need to improve and confidence in other aspects of our game.

What have the international athletes in your improved upon since Athens?

USA Volleyball has been noted for our fighting spirit. Technically, we are known for our strong blocking and hitting. I think we have maintained that. We have improved in our serving. And we are working really hard daily on passing, defense and transition attack.

one week before the start of the tournament, so I Playing in Beijing would be your fourth trip to the think that winning the bronze was quite an accom- Olympic Games. Does being a four-time Olympian plishment. We beat the teams that we should beat in your sport put added responsibility on you ? consistently and we were competitive against Brazil I welcome any added responsibility that may be and Cuba. (This squad was a combination of young expected of me I want to help the team in anyway athletes who still have collegiate eligibility and that I can, from my on the court performance, to National Team players .) We were able to see Brazil sharing my experience from previous Olympic and Cuba battle for five sets. I would say seeing Games that level of intensity, fight, and how important each persons role is during that final match was the

What is your biggest goal as you prepare for biggest experience gained. Beijing?

You've played three tournaments in five countries on four continents this summer. How has this prepared you for the upcoming NORCECA Continental Championships scheduled in Winnipeg, Canada? September/October2007

Our biggest goal is to qualify for Beijing! Right now we are really concentrating on being consistent in our execution. We have had spectacular moments of play But we need to sustain it throughout the match and long tournaments, minimizing our errors.

The first-ever U.S. Olympic Ambassador P am was conducted in Washington D.C. September 7-8. Athletes from 12 of the 28 sports that will be contested on the 2008 Olympic Games program took part in the first of a series of Olympic Ambassador Programs in advance of the Beijing Games.

The intent of the mandatory program for Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, and potential training partners, is to expose the athletes to the expectations , roles and responsibilities of representing the United States at the Beijing Games. In short , deliver a program that directly addresses what it means to be an ambassador for the U.S. Olympic Movement and America. Future sessions include: Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 1617, '07; San Francisco, Calif., Jan. 25-26, ' 08; and Chicago, Ill., May 9-10, '08. The USOC will all costs of attendance for the required program . A specific program will also be developed for Paralympic athletes in 2008.

Olympic Ambassadors serving as the lead facilitators include: Brandi Chastain (Soccer); Tara Cunningham (Weightlifting); Vonetta Flowers (Bobsled); Rulon Gardner (Wrestling); Courtney Johnson (Water Polo); John Naber (Swimming); Derek Parra (Speedskating); Jimmy Pedro (Judo); Andrew Valmon (Athletics); and Peter Vidmar (Gymnastics). More Olympic Ambassadors will be added to future programs.

"It's no question, the program accomplished its mission in spades," said Heather Blitz, a 2008 U.S. Olympic hopeful from the sport of

Equestrian. "I think all the athletes who attended were inspired and felt they learned valuable things. The selection of presenters was excellent and I am honored to be a part of it all and to be associated with such a great group. What a special opportunity for me and all the other 2008 Olympic hopefuls!"

U.S. Olympic Ambassador Program session topics include:

- Athletes as Ambassadors for the United States

- Olympic Ideals and Why They Matter to You

- What It Means to be an Olympian

-A Look Inside China: Learning About the Host Country for the 2008 Olympic & Paralympic Games

- Responsibility of Olympians

The Media and You Before, During, and After the Games (USOC Media Training)

- Accountability/Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

- Supporting Team USA

During lunch on the final day, an overview of the USOC's Beijing operations was delivered, in addition to the "Amazing Awaits" brand platform and a presentation from Chicago 2016.

USO(ANDNJIANNOUNCE"OLYMPICGOLD" EXHIBITIONATTHEHISTORICFORBESGALLERIES

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the National Jewelry Institute (NJI) are just weeks away from unveiling "Olympic Gold," a first of its kind U.S. Olympic medal exhibit. The USOC and NJI are amassing the largest collection ever assembled of medals won by U.S. Olympic and Paralympic competitors for display at the pre stigious Forbes Galleries from September 25December 31, 2007.

The Forbes Galleries, located on Fifth Avenue, will offer an unprecedented opportunity for the American public and an international audience to 1 view medals and other collectibles from some of the world's most accomplished Olympians. The exhibit will trace the history of American athleticism and offer spectators a special view of the unique journey athletes take while representing their country at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This exhibit will place a national spotlight on the Olympic Movement's history through the medals won and the stories told by some of America's greatest Olympians and Para l ympians," said ( USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "The students in the New York area as well as the many patrons who are expected to visit the exhibit will have the opportunity to get a rare glimpse of decades of excellence in international sport. As we count down to the 2008 Games in Beijing, what a great way to spotlight the Olympic spirit through what will certainly be an artful display."

"Nadia and I are delighted to have our medals as a part of this unprecedented collection," said U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Champion Bart Conner (1976, '80, '84) speaking in reference to himself and his wife, Romanian Olympic Gymnastics Champion Nadia Comaneci (1976 , '80). "These medal s represent everything good about the Olympic Games and our continued commitment to strive to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. We hope our medals will inspire others to find their talents and challenge themselves to be the best that they can be."

How the "Olympic Gold" exhibition will be showcased will be determined by curators from the National Jewelry Institute. In some cases medals may be displayed by teams , events, or by Olympic generations. All told, the Forbes Gallery will display the Olympic medals and metallic artifacts of approximately 50 Olympians and Paralympians.

"It is an honor to provide the general public an opportunity to view my medals alongside my father's medals ," said U.S. Olympic Swim Champion Gary Hall, Jr. (1996 , '00 , and '04).

"My father , Gary Hall, Sr. (swimming 1968 , '72, and '76) competed in three Olympic Games as a swimmer and won three Olympic medals. Combined with my 10 medals that makes for an impressive display. We are delighted to loan our medals to the prestigious Forbes Galleries for this exhibit."

USOC COMMUNITY PARTNERS HOST REGIONAL F.L.A.M.E. PROGRAMS

On June 23, 2007, nearly 250 minority student athletes from eight cities across the country were invited to attend regional F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) programs , sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee.

Celebrating its 14th year in August 2007, the F.L.A .M.E. program, originally targeted to college students, was developed to help educate, encourage and demonstrate to minority youth that any goal is attainable through adhering to the Olympic Ideals of Vision, Discipline, Commitment, Persistence and Focus. This year, the program was expanded to reach high sr ~ I students during one-day F.L.A.M.E. progra,11s conducted on June 23, also celebrated as Olympic Day throughout the world. During the one - day programs, students interacted with and received motivational messages from Olympians , Paralympians and O l ympic hopefuls, engaged in interactive sport demonstrations and attended networking seminars sponsored by Adecco, a USOC sponsor and leader in networking and career development.

Committee, San Francisco, Calif. These organization s h ave partnered with the USOC to promote a variety of Olympic- and Paralympicrelated education and outreach programs and initiatives in their respective communities throughout the year such as the Junior Olympic Skills Competition, Olympians i n Life, Red Ribbon Week and Olympic Week in America.

Olympic Training Center resident athlete and Olympic hopeful Josh Moreau (weight li fting) spoke to near l y 75 students in Denver about the importance of Sportmanship and his efforts to represent the U.S Olympic Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. "It was a great privilege to speak to such a large group of motivated students who have an interest in improving themselves and their world," said Josh. "They were interested in hearing abo ut the Olympic Ideals and what it takes to train as an elite athlete."

The eight community partner organizations that hosted regional F.L.A.M.E. programs included the Lakeshore Foundation, Birmingham, Ala; World Business Chicago, Chicago, Ill.; Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Colorado Springs, Co lo. ; Metro Denver Sports Commission , Denver, Colo.; Center for High Altitude Training, Flagstaff, Ariz.; Harris County Houston Sports Authority, Houston, Texas; Philadelphia Sports Congress , Philadelphia, Pa. ; and the Bay Area Sports Organizing

Other Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls who participated in the regional programs included David Diaz (boxing, 1996), Fred Newhouse (athletics, 1976), Robert "Bob" Pickens (wrestli ng , 1964), Meg Sanders (team handball , 1988) and many more . F.L.A.M.E. participants in Philadelphia even received a special visit by members of the Chinese national women's softball team during the program.

While e i ght of the ten USOC Community Partner cities hosted regional F.L.A.M.E programs on June 23, the USOC will look to expand the regional program to the remaining Community Partner cities a nd other community organizations in 2008.

USOCANNOUNCESNATIONALEDUCATION PROGRAM"OLYMPIANSINLIFE"

The United States Olympic Committee announced "Olympians in Life," a new education initiative free to teachers through the USOC Web site www .usolympicteam.com The educational lesson plans for grades kindergarten through 12 promote Olympic Ideals and Values to each of the four major educational strands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 in the lead up to the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing.

"Olympians in Life" lessons for grades K -5 are interdisciplinary, and middle and high school students receive instruction according to the core subjects of language arts, social studies, math, science , and physical education "Olympians in Life" also includes support of Paralympic programming for kids with physical disabilities. While the first lessons in the program have been posted on the USOC website, lessons will continue to be posted monthly throughout the 2007-08 academic year. The program will extend through late spring 2008

Many of the lessons highlight the historical impact of the Olympic Movement, and they also encourage active participation. For example, in a social studies lesson for high school students, the students become members of an international

oversight group that is tasked with examining how the current roster of Olympic Sports aligns with Olympic Ideals and Values. In addition. sons in the "Olympians in Life" program will include profiles of U.S. athletes promoting the Olympic Ideals and Values on their journey to Beijing.

The "Olympians in Life" program is also being promoted by the National Education Association (NEA) under "Information for Teachers" at www.nea.ora . The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) has notified its membership of more than 10,000 teachers , and the Chief Council of State School Officers (CCSSO) hassent out information to more than 500 state school superintendents.

The "Olympians in Life" program follows the development of Olympic Week in America , a comprehensive education program for grades K-5, which took place April 30 - May 4, 2007, in schools nationwide.

All materials for "Olympians in Life" are being distributed free to educators through www.usojympicteam.com . Educators may access the materials by clicking on the Olympic Academy icon located on the USOC's homepage .

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR OLYMPIANS AND

Program Goals

The Management Development Program for Olympians and Paralympians is intended for the recruitment and retention of retired Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have demonstrated an exceptionally high potential for future management positions with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs). We are committed to the inclusion of women and minorities in the program.

Participants will be provided the necessary business management tools and skills for potential placement in appropriate positions when available. The intent is not to displace current employees or to create new jobs at the conclusion of the program, rather to have qualified individuals available for employment opportunities if available , at t USOC or NGBs.

h ogram Guidelines

The program is intended to run for a 12-month period beginning in January; however , employment is not guaranteed for any specific length of time. Two participants will be selected each year and they will rotate among select USOC divisions. The trainees will perform meaningful assignments within each

assigned division for a period of three to four months under the direction and training of the Managing Director or his/her designee At the conclusion of each rotation , the trainees will receive a written evaluation of his or her performance

Trainees are considered employees of the USOC receiving compensation of $40K annually plus eligibility for USOC employee benefits programs. Reasonable relocation reimbursement to Colorado Springs will be provided. Housing is the responsibility of the trainee.

The Managing Director or his/her designee in assigned divisions acts as a mentor to the trainee providing an understanding of the USOC's mission, vision and strategic plan as well as building the trainees management skills. Whenever possible or appropriate, trainees will be included in employee educational classes or programs.

Program Procedures

Notification of the program is made through the U.S. Olympians Association to its members by email and/or publications USOC Sport Partnerships will distribute program information to NGBs for distribution to their membership. A program description will also be posted on the USOC website.

Candidates must possess the following minimum qualifications:

- Retired Olympic or Paralympic athlete

- Undergraduate degree

- Excellent oral and written communications skills

- Demonstrated leadership qualities in sport or community activities

- Ability to travel

- Ability to relocate to Colorado Springs for a period of up to one year

A committee of three members of the USOC staff (associate director or above) and the Management Development Program manager will review applications and select the top three-to-five candidates for a personal interview at the USOC in Colorado Springs.

The U SOC will fund travel for the interview process and will provide overnight lodging, if necessary.

Application Instructions

Applications may be requested by contacting Jan Schnittger , Human Resources Manager, by telephone at (719) 866-4575, or email at jan. schni ttger@usoc.org

All applications must be received in the USOC Human Resources Division by October 1, 2007 to be considered for the program to begin January 3, 2008. Candidates must clear a criminal and vehicular background check before the offer of a Management Trainee position is final.

ATTENTION OLYMPIANS

PLANNING TO ATTEND THE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES IN BEIJING, CHINA?

We are compiling a list of Olympians planning on attending the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Please let us know your arrival and departure dates, as well as where you will be staying if you are planning on joining the Olympic festivities in Beijing.

Please contact Christine Taylor at 800-717-7555 or Email christine.taylor@usoc org

THE U.S. SENATE AND HOUSE RECOGNIZE JUNE 23 AS OLYMPIC DAY

In a generous acknowledgement of and support for the United States Olympic Movement, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of

Representatives passed Resolutions 185 and 395 resp e ctively to recognize June 23 as the founding of the Modern Olympic Movement. The resolutions acknowledge the contributions of the worldwide Olympic Movement and, specifically, the support that the United States Olympic Committee provides to athletes and sports programs throughout the U nited States.

Olympic Day is traditionally celebrated worldwide as the commemoration of Baron Pierre de Courbertin's June 23, 1894 founding of the first International Olympic Committee meeting at the Sorbonne in Paris, and the founding of the Modern Olympic Games. National Olympic Committees throughout th e world typically

June 23 as Olympic Day in Chicago and special guests in attendance for the activities includ e d -~ Olympians Bob Pickens (wrestling, 1964) and John Vande Velde (cycling, 1968, •~ "

The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista hosted a Junior Olympic Skills Regional Competition where 200 children, ages 8 to 13 years, tested their skills in basketball, tennis , track & field and soccer. Junior Olympic Skills is a national program of the USOC sponsored by Kellogg ' s, Band-Aid , the U. S Tennis Association and Embassy Suites.

In addition to the dedication of the Bob Mathias Conference Center on June 22, the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs hosted nearly 3,000 of its local citizens for a celebration that included athlete demonstrations and autograph signings , live bands, an auto show, sport and community organization

booths and free Tyson products from the "Oroweat Ultimate Grill "the world' s la grill. Olympians and Paralympians on hand for the festivities included Dick Fosbury (athletics, 1968), Mari Holden (cycling, each send Olympic Day greetings to other participating nations as a part of the celebratory activities

JIMSCHERRTALKSABOUTBOBMATHIASWHOSERVEDASTHE FIRSTDIRECTOROfTHEOLYMPICTRAININGCENTERFROM1977 TO1983ANDHELPEDESTABLISHTHEOLYMPICMOVEMENTIN COLORADOSPRINGS

Olympic Day was celebrated in several cities in the U.S. including Chicago, Chula Vista, Colorado Springs and Lake Placid, with each city recognizing the historical day in its own unique fashion. Chicago 2016 , the U.S. designee to become the Applicant City for the 2016 Games, and World Business Chicago, a Community Partner of the USOC, hosted a regional one-day F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) leadership program for 50 public high school students . Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaimed

Theryoung (goalball, 2004).

2000, '04), Cheryl Haworth (weightlifting, 2000, '04) and Robin

The U . S . Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, with assistance from the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), invited local guests for a hands-on try at the sports of bobsled, biathlon and trampoline. Guests were also treated to demonstrations in ski jumping, freestyle aerials and luge

This year's Olympic Day celebrations were the largest ever and have set a precedent for even more exciting celebrations in 2008.

LTORDAVESOMERS,BAARONPITTENGER,JOHNCOLBRUNN, JIMSCHERR,GWENMATHIASANDDICKfOSBURYATTENDTHE DEDICATIONCEREMONY

CHICAGO 2016

STIR THE SOUL'

CHICAGO 2016 UPDATE

Two-time Paralympian Linda Mastandrea (1992, 1996 wheelchair track) has been named Vice President of Sport and Accessibility for Chicago 2016. Mastandrea has been involved in disability and Paralympic sports I for 25 years as an athlete, a board ml mber and as a volunteer. She began her career in wh elchair basketball but rose to prominence as a wheelchair track athlete, winning 15 gold and five silver medals in international competition. She has served on the boards of the USOC and the National Disability Sports Alliance, and is currently on the legal committee of the International Paralympic Committee

Mastandrea got involved with Chicago 2016 about a year ago, when she was invited to attend the news conference to announce the selection of Washington Park as tl,..---.,_i te for the Olympic Stadium She has continued to pi _ .iote Chicago 2016 ever since. She was key to the selection of Chicago as the USOC applicant city to host the 2016 Games after her presentations to both the E valuation Commission in March and to the USOC voters in Washington, D.C., on April 14.

Mastandrea joined Chicago 2016 to coordinate their efforts on sport for both the Olympic and Paralympic games, as well as to oversee their accessibility efforts. This was a logical transition for her, since in her other life, Mastandrea is a Chicago-based attorney with a practice that concentrates on disability law and advocacy , and she is the author of Sports and the Physically Challenged.

In her role with Chicago 2016, Mastandrea will help recruit and develop athlete support, create an athlete ; relations strategy, and help promote Chicago throughout the nation and around the world.

She will be joined by Olympian Diane Simpson-Bundy (gymnastics, 1988) , who will continue in her role to ensure athlete participation and to keep the lines of communications going among the athletes, the NGBs, t SOs and Chicago 2016.

Simpson-Bundy competed in more

than 30 international ~NS &. p meets, won two ~\r' • golds, two silvers ~_Jj and a bronze (J laJ ;.o medal in the Pan vi

American Games ';::) !:!.T ~ v, and is the third O!§)

rhythmic gymnast I (l1JDwi.-Si inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. She has served on committees for USA Gymnastics and the USOC and is an active national judge. A sports and news reporter, Simpson has commentated for Turner Sports and worked as a member of the media at three Olympic Games. Last year, she helped reignite the Midwest Alumni along with Immediate Past President Bob Pickens (wrestling, 1964) and others in honor of longtime chapter leader and five-time Olympian Willye White. She is now the president of the newly formed Midwest Chapter of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians with its secretary, Mastandrea, as the first Paralympian in an American alumni chapter.

Athletes have offered consultation to Chicago 2016 staff for venues and logistics and have been actively involved in community outreach through support roles, demonstrations, speeches and other volunteer efforts. Many more opportunities for athletes are anticipated between now and Oct. 2, 2009, when the International Olympic Committee will make its selection for the host site of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Mastandrea, Simpson and others such as Chicago 2016 Board Members Bob Berland (judo 1984, 1988) and Bill Scherr (wrestling, 1988) - who is also Chicago 2016 Athlete's Committee Chair and World Sport Chicago Chair - look forward to meeting and speaking with any of you who may want to learn more about the bid and how to get involved. An athlete-update newsletter is planned, which will be distributed primarily via email. Please let us know if you prefer an alternate format such as snail mail. To sign up to receive the newsletter, email Linda at lmastandrea@chicago20l6.org or call her at 773-875-4674.

Other officers of the Midwest Chapter of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians: Vice President Steven Gregg (Swimming, 1976) Vice President Kevin Bracken (Wrestling, 2000) Treasurer Bill Mulliken (Swimming, 1960)

'Tm trying to do the best I can. I'm not concerned about tomorrow, but with what goes on today."

- Mark Spitz (swimming, 1968, '72)

Alumni News

HONORS

Bob Ctvrtlik (volleyball, 1988, '92 , '96) has been selected for induction into The Volleyball Hall of Fame Class of 2007 on October 11, 2007 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Ctvrtlik is a three-time Olympian for the U.S Men's Indoor National Team. He was instrumental in propelling the Americans past the Soviet team to capture the gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. He later captained the 1992 U .S. team that took the bronze medal in Barcelona.

new Colorado Runners Hall of Fame on May 20, 2007. The Hall of Fame was set up by the Colfax Marathon Partnership, Inc., Board of Directors la fall in order to recognize Colorado residents who _ achieved national and international recognition on the long-distance running stage.

Joe Fitzgerald (team handball, 1996) was ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest on June 9, 2007 in Long Island, New York. The 35-year-old from North Babylon never will deny what a rush it was to walk into an arena at the 1996 Summer Games, hearing people chant "U-S-A" and then hearing them chant his name when he scored a goal against Swea "Those were incredible times," he said as he

OLYMPIANSANDPARALYMPIANSJOINEDCOEUSINTERNATIONALSCHOOL(WASHINGTON,DC)DIRECTOR,NATHANIELMILLSIN ROBUSTDIALOGABOUTTHEROLEANDRESPONSIBILITYOfTHEINDIVIDUALTOEFFECTPERSONALANDSOCIALPEACETHROUGH THEOLYMPICMOVEMENT.THEYARELTOR:CINDYSTINGER,DICKFOSBURY,LINDAMILLER,JOHNNABER,GARYHALL,SR., NATHANIELMILLS,DEREKBROWN,JAIRLYNCH,CONNIEPARASKEVIN,EllWOLFF,JOHNMCCULLOUGHANDJOEYCHEEK

awaited his ordination at the St. Agnes Cathedral

United States Olympians Colleen De Ruck (athletics, 2004); Pat Porter (athletics, 1984, '88) and Frank Shorter (athletics , 1972, '76) were inducted into the in Rockville Centre. To be sure, there are ties between his athletic career and his vocation As he points out, "catholic" means "universal," and sports are universal.

"It's like the understanding of the Olympic Ideal: Anybody can be called r not everybody can make it."

Sammy Lee (diving, 1948, '52) will be honored at the NAACP' s dinner on October 13 , 2007 along with Oprah Winfrey and Rita Moreno as part of the BREAK BARRIERS ceremony. Sammy is the 1st Asian American to win Olympic gold for the U.S.A. and 1st per son of color to win the Jame s E. Sullivan Award.

Johnny Kelley , twice an Olympic marathoner, in 1956 and 1960, and 1959 Pan American Games marathon champion, was back in the spotlight as a grand marshal of the recent Boston Marathon, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his own Bos ton Marathon victory. 'te an honor for thi s Distance ,ning Hall of Farner!

Terry Schroeder (water polo, 1980, '84, '88, '92) , one of the legendary players in Ame1ican water polo hi story , has been named head coach of the USA Water Polo Men's National Team A four -tim e Olympian who captained Team USA to silver medal perfo1mances at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic s,

Schroeder also coached at Pepperdine

Un iversity, where he led his team to its first-ever NCAA Division I championship in 199 7

Dean Smith (basketball coach, 1976) was among 20 members of the 2007 class of the International Basketball

Federation (FIBA) Hall of Fame , FIBA announced. Other American inductees included men's player Bill Russell (basketball , 1956) and women's player Ann Meyers (basketball, 1976)

Amy Van Dyken (swimming, 1996, '00), six-time Olympic gold medali st , was voted into the Colorado Springs

Sports Hall of Fame Van Dyken spent more than s ix years training in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center, where she went from rising star to the pinnacle of swimming success. Van Dyken was also the only American inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame during the 43rd annual Honoree Induction Weekend.

Louis Zamperini (athletics, 1936) was presented with the DAR Medal of Honor by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Daughter s of the American

Revolution. Among those in attendance to honor Loui s were David Kimes (shooting, 1980), John Naber (swimming , 1976) , Tai Collin s (Hollywood screenwriter) and Gay Oakes (Chapter Regent of DAR Chapter, Los Angele sEschscholtzia).

Walter Rudolph Walsh (shooting , 1948) celebrated his 100th birthday in style with family and friends. Walter competed in the 50m free pistol at the Olympic Games in London. Walsh was also a part the official delegation at the 1972 Olympic Game s in Munich.

The National Wres tlin g Hall of Fame inducted three Olympians in Stillwater, Oklahoma, June 1-2, 2007. Barry Davis won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in free style wrestling and competed on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team Greg Gibson won a silver medal at the 19 84 Olympic Game s in Greco-Roman wrestling. Larry Kristoff was a member of the 1964 and 1968 U.S Ol ympic fre es tyle wrestling teams.

IN THE NEWS

Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968) and Carl Lewis (athletic s, 1980, '84 , '88, '92 , '96)

AlumniNews

The Man Who Could Fly and the Fastest Man on Earth - teamed up for a rare public appearance at the Town Center in Boca Raton to announ ce the 2007 Beamon esq ue Awards, presented by the annual Bob B eamon Golf & Te nni s Classic. The 9th annual Bob Beamon Golf & Tennis Classic is scheduled for October 25 and 26.

The tournament benefit s The Bob Beamon Organization for Youth, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the growth and leadership development of scholar athletes. Olympic record-holder Beamon named Lewis, holder of nine go ld medals. As th e 2007 National Beamonesque Award Recipi ent. "We are fortunate to have such a wonderful role model committed to helping South Florida children," Beamon said.

Bryant Johnson (team h andball, 1988) ha s accepted a promotion to become th e new mana ge r of the Citizen Action Center, Hillsborou gh County, Florida

Brya nt co mes to the CAC after making major customer service improv ements in the Solid Was te

JIM THORPE A LEGEND REMEMBERED

MAY 19, 2007

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

ALIFESIZEDBRONZESTATUEOFJIMTHORPEWASUNVEILEDINTHETOWNNAMEDAFTERHIM, JIMTHORPE,PATHEPRESTIGIOUSPROJECTWASCOMMISSIONEDBYEDMUNDESHUMPERT,A SCULPTORFROMEUPORA,MISSISSIPPI

Depa1tments for the past three years.

Jamill Kelly (wresting, 2004) has been hire d as the Manager of the National Coaches Education Program for USA Wrestling, the

national governing body of amateur wrestling in the United States.

Aaron Miller (ice hockey, 2002) was recentl y signed as an unrestricted fre e agent by the Vancouv e r Canucks. Miller had eight assists

LOlALOLYMPIANSATTENDEDTHEUNVEILINGCEREMONYTOHONORJAMESFRANCISTHORPE,ANATIVEAMERICANANO SPORTS'ATHLETEOFTHECENTURY

and 60 penalty minutes in 82 games la st season with the Los Angeles King s. Aaron was on the

si lv er meda l winning ice hockey team at th e 2002 Olympic Games in Salt L ake

Ci ty.

Ryan O'Meara (fi g ure skatin g, 2006) is

n ow serv in g as the Director of Ice Dancing at the Alltel Ic e D en in Scottsdale, Ari z ona He has been

AlumniNews

s tudio in Scottsdale, Arizona . A hom e h e d es i g n e d was just featured in th e May 2007 i ss ue of Phoenix H ome and Gard e n Magazine. VeloPress is pleased to anno unce the public ation of Ol y mpic Cyclist Erin Mirabella's first children 's book, Gracie Goat's Big Bike R ace. The book is now available in the U.S. at VeloGear.com and will be avail able in U.S. bookstores in June 2007.

Inspired by Mirabella's own Olympi c experi ences, Gracie G oat's Big Bike Race addresses teamwork and facin g one's fears with a creative and lightheatted touch th at childre n ages 5 and up will love. Award- winning artist Li sa Horstm an brin gs the story to life with viv id illu strations of all th e adventures and triumph s of Gracie and her friends The book also feat ures a fitness tip

coac hin g since last June and i s e njo y - on hydration that kids can put to u se in in g p ass in g on hi s expertise and expe- play and sport.

ri ence to ska ter s In addition , he h as o p e ned up a home decor and d es ig n In thi s in s pirin g stor y, Gracie Goat

(, .):JAMILL KELLY, AARON MILLER , AND ERIN MIRABELLA

AlumniNews

tells her friends that she will join them in a bike race , but there's a problem: she doesn't know how to ride abike and she's afraid to learn With her grandmother's help, Gracie discovers that everyone is scared of something, ev e n her grandma. Together , they overcome their fears and learn that they have everything to gain by trying Dave Clark (athletics, 1960) and Eddie Southern (athletic s, 1956) were honored to dedicate the U.S Olympic flag to the Metorplex BMX track located in Desoto, TX at the ABA Super Nationals. FuturePro Sports BMX racing team dedicated the flag on behalf of the United States Olympian - Southwest Chapter, in recognition of its dedication to developing some of the best BMX riders in the country. The flag was carried and presented to the track by the son and granddaughters of 1960 track and field Olympian Dave Clark. Dave was responsible for bringing the flag to Metroplex BMX as he wanted the young riders to have a piece of the Olympic dream and have them feel it is possi-

ble for young riders to be a part of He came into the world weighing the Olympics. Eddie Southern dedi- 7 lbs , 11.3 ozs and was 20.75 inchcated the flag on behalf of the United es long. He has long fingers and States Olympian - Southwest toes and strong lungs He is 1:, Chapter to the Mayor of Desoto tiful. Mom Natalie is wonderful Michael Hurtt and Track Director and both are doing great. Anthony Russell.

Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating, 1992) is donating a state-of-the-art, unique play structure for children with disabilities to play alongside able-bodied kids in Fremont, California. Yamaguchi, who grew up in Fremont, said the funds for the structure will be raised by her charity, the Always Dream Foundation. Yamaguchi, 35, founded the Oakland-based non-profit in 1996. Plans call for it to be a unique "fully accessible and integrated" playground for children of all abilities"the only one of its kind in Nmthem California," Fremont Director of Parks and Recreation Annabell Holland said .

MILESTONES

Derek Brown (team handball , 1996) announces that on Tuesday, May 22 , 2007 at 12:45 p.m. , Derek Dwane Brown II was born.

Erika Von Reiland (badminton, 1992, '96) and husband Todd Strader announce the arrival of Kennedy Elizabeth Stradler who mTived on July 21 , 2007 at 12:41 a m. Kennedy was 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inches long.

Samantha Arsenault Livingstone (swimming, 2000) is happy to announce her marriage celebration to Rob Livingstone on June 23 , 2007 in Peabody, Mas s achusetts.

Whitney Metzler Krosse (sv, ming 1996) and her hu sband welcomed their second son on March 16, 2007. Reed Edward was 8 lbs, 10 oz and 21 inches and joins big brother Lane (Nov. 25, 2005).

Robert Kaehler (rowing, 1992, '96, '00) Kim, Kira, Jack , and I are really excited to share the introduction of William "Billy" Rowen

AlumniNews

Kaehler, who was born on June 10, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. three weeks early! Kim and Billy are doing great!

l weighed in at 7 lbs and 10 oz and was 21 inches long.

Hillary Wolf (judo, 1996, '00) and husband Michael Saba announce the anival of Michael Wolf Saba on July 21, 2007 at 12:36 a.m. Michael weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 ¾ inches

IN MEMORIAM

World Cup matches in Cuba.

Janice-Lee Romary (fencing, 1948, '52 , '56, '60, '64, '68) who competed as a fencer in six consecutive Olympics and was the first woman to carry the U.S. flag during opening ceremonies, died on May 31, 2007 from complications related to Alzheimer's disease at her home in Klamath Falls, Ore., her family said. She was 79.

Romary competed in the Olympic foil event from 1948

until 1968, finishing fourth in 1952 and 1956. She and

"Fencing is like a chess game, play and counter-play , "

Romary said in a 1968 interview with The Times, adding, "It's also great for letting out aggressions, better to let them out on an opponent than your husband."

Dick Ault (athletics, 1948) was a member of the 1948 Maria Cerra (1948) share the mark for the highest finish Olympic Team, taking fourth place in the 400-meter hur- by a U.S. female fencer in the Olympics. die event in London during his junior year at the University of Missouri. He passed away on July 16, 2007 at the age of 81. Originally from St. Louis , Ault also made a significant impact on Westminster College, and is in the school's athletic hall of fame having coached track and field and cross country for 29 years

Peter Eberling (speedskating, 1972) passed away on y ·-"°" 24, 2007. He was 55. Peter represented the United States on the U.S. Long Track Team in Sapporo, Japan. Peter was born in Vienna, Austria and was proud to not only represent the U.S. in the Olympic Games, but he also had served in the U.S. Navy.

Joseph Ferreira (soccer, 1948) died on June 10, 2007 at the age of 90 He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts. In his youth he was a member of the Ponta Delgada Soccer Club and was selected as a member of the United States Olympic Team in 1948. He also participated in

Later that year, Romary carried the flag at her final Olympics, the Mexico City Games.

"I felt like the most special person in the world," Romary recalled in a 1988 interview with Newsday. "I have never felt so proud in my whole life."

(L , : DICK AULT, PETER EBERLING, JANICE -LEE ROMARY AND JANICE -LEE

Colorado Olymp ians

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

Idaho Olympians

President: Dick Fosbury (athletics, 1968) (208) 720-2352

Indiana Olympians

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

Michigan Olympians &Paralympian s

President: Bill Smoke (canoe/kayak, 1964) (269) 240-6589

Midwest Olymp ians &Paralymp ians

President: Diane Simpson Bundy (rhythmic gymnastics, 1988) (847} 452-7843

National Capital Area Ol ymp ians

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

New England Area Olympians

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

Northern Californ ia Oly mpians

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

Oregon Olympians

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

Southern California Olymp ians

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

Southwest Olymp ians

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

Tri-States Ol ymp ians

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

Utah Olymp ians

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

Washington State Ol ympians

President: John Stillings (rowing, 1984) (206) 440-0708

Nochapterinyourarea?Interestedinstartinga

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is pleased to announce the creation of the Athlete Speaker's Referral Network (ASRN). The ASRN is an on-line tool that will provide USOC sponsors, Olympic family member s and the general public access to Olympians , Paralympians and hopefuls who wish to offer their services as keynote speakers and event guests.

Through this Web-based program , the USOC is providing America's former and currently training athletes the opportunity to post their public speaking credentials on a dedicated Web site designed to provide an additional revenue resource for interested participants.

Joining the ASRN is easy - simply go to www.teamusanet.com and click on the link to the Athlete Speaker's Referral Network or go to www.usolympicteam.com and click on the U.S. Olympians Association link and then click on the Athlete Speaker's Referral Network. Once on the ASRN landing page, read the instructions and click on the athlete bio template link Complete the bio template and upload your photos (100 kb limit) before clicking on the " submit" button . Your bio will then be sent to the USOC for review before posting i t to a database that will be accessible by the general public.

The general public will access the ASRN through www.usolympicteam.com when the program is launched later this summer. In the meantime , don't delay in posting your bio so it will be available for those interested in having an elite athlete at their event.

We hope that you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! If you have questions, please contact the USOC at 1-800-717-7555.

UNITED STATE SOLYMP IC COMMITT EE BOARD OF DIR ECTO RS

USOC CHAIRMAN

Peter Ueberroth

Bob Bowlsby

Bob Ctvrtlik

Erroll Davis

Anita DeFrantz

Jim Easton

John Hendricks

Jair Lynch

Mary Mc(agg

Mike Plant

Stephanie Streeter

USOC CHI EF EXECU TI VE

OFFIC ER

Jim Scherr

U.S OLYMPIANS OFFICERS 2005 -2008

EDITORIAL STAFF

PRESIDENT

WillieBanks(athletics,1980,'84,'88)

VICEPRESIDENTS

DwightStones(athletics,1972,'76,'84)

ConnieParaskevin(speedskating,1980, '84/cycling,1988,'92,'96)

CarolLewis(athletics,1980,'84,'88)

Dickfosbury(athletics,1968)

MickiKing{diving,1968,'72)

GaryW.HallSr.(swimming,1968,'72,'76)

HONORARYEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

DorothyFraneyLangkop(speedskating,1932)

IMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENT

JohnNaber{swimming, 1976)

PASTPRESIDENT

Bill Toomey (athletics,1968)

SENIOREDITOR

CynthiaEStinger(teamhandball, 1984,'88,'92)

ASSOCIATEEDITORS

ChristineTaylor

PRODUCTIONDIRECTOR

DeniseO'Shea-O'SheaDesign

Photosby:GettyImages& TheUSOCLibrary

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