IN ACTION A CHAPTERS
Southern California USOPA Chapter offered a private screening of Disney feature film
On Sunday, May 5, the Southern California USOPA Chapter (SCOPA) was treated to a private screening of “Young Woman and the Sea,” a Disney movie about the life of 1924 Olympic medalist and first woman to swim across the English Channel, Gertrude Ederle.
Steven Munatones, one of the Nations’ leading open water historians commented, “ … Disney [brought] their dramatic storytelling skills to the screen, while also maintaining as much of the authentic background and history as possible. They did a wonderful job of showing how difficult and solitary an Ocean swim can be.” 97 to tears at least three times.”
Over thirty 30 Olympians, Paralympians and locally based Open Water swimmers (and guests) were hosted at the Walt Disney Studio’s Frank Wells Theater and were provided with complimentary parking, soft drinks, popcorn and snacks. As a gesture of appreciation, SCOPA president, John Moffet (Swimming, 1980, ’84), presented Hector Platas (Disney Marketing & Special Events) with an Olympic flag signed by all the participating USOPA members.
Minnesota USOPA Chapter hosts athlete celebration
Shout out to our Minnesota USOPA Chapter for its recent event held on April 7 at Braemar Golf Club in Edina, Minnesota where roughly 60 people attended and celebrated athletes in the Olympic movement.
The event was highlighted by presentations from five Minnesota Olympians, an Olympic men's hockey coach, and a total of nine athletes from the Braemar Golf Club. Each speaker thoughtfully included teachers, coaches, and teammates who were instrumental in their athletic journey and how sports positively influenced their life and helped them develop life skills and lifelong friendships with the Olympics being a highlight of their athletic career.
Oregon USOPA Chapter recognizes 2024 Award of Excellence Recipients
Recognized by our Oregon USOPA Chapter, Sean O’Neill and Jen Armbruster were recently awarded the 2024 Award of Excellence.
The Award of Excellence seeks athletic alumni who utilize the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship and the Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration, and courage. The values and disciplines enshrined in Olympic and Paralympic competition extend far beyond athletic venues. These values develop tools for success in life and the foundation for a better world through sport. This award demonstrates the benefits of participation in sport both for individuals and for the community.
Sean O’Neill
Table Tennis
Sean O'Neill embodies each and every value previously mentioned. Following an illustrious athletic career that includes the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, 5 World Championships, 4 Pan Am Games and a bucket full of national and international competitions, as well
as being named USATT Male Athlete of the Year - five times, Sean began giving back to the sport and communities that he valued and frankly loved.
Known for bringing people together, establishing relationships, and encouraging others in all sports, Sean is part of the leadership of the Oregon Chapter of the U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association, as well as Oregon Sports Action; in both cases, he is dedicated to those that have unique sport experiences, while sharing his knowledge and lessons learned with people of all ages.
Jen Armbuster
Goalball
Jen Armbruster has touched the lives of so many. As goalball player for 21 years, a member of seven US Paralympic teams Jen, has lived the full spectrum of athlete challenges and experiences including being a gold
gold, silver and bronze medal winner. Jen had the high honor of teammates selecting her to carry the U.S. flag in the opening ceremony in the Beijing Games.
An ongoing leader in the field of inclusive and adaptive recreation, Jens career overflows with noteworthy contributions. As Executive Director of Adaptive Sports NW in Portland, she advocates for Sport for All. Recognized for her dedication and passion for the sport industry, Jen is making a difference for people in many communities, a feat that landed her in the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame – the first Paralympian to be inducted.
Houston USOPA Chapter hosts dinner for Olympians & Paralympians
The Houston USOPA Chapter hosted a kick-off dinner in May in celebration of the upcoming Paris Games. Olympians & Paralympians gathered at Maggiano’s Little Italy for the complimentary dinner where they reminisced on their shared Olympic and Paralympic experiences and rallied together in excitement for the upcoming Paris Games!
Celebrating
OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC DAY
On June 23, our USOPC alumni relations team celebrated Olympic & Paralympic Day by gathering with alumni and children of all ages in St. Louis and Houston as they took part in the IOC Olympic & Paralympic Day initiative, Let’s Move!
Shout out to our St. L
Shout out to our Houston USOPA Chapter!
St. Louis
M I N G
C H A P T E R E V E N T S
NY/NJ/CT USOPA Chapter Annual Summer Social JULY 12
Who: Fellow team members from Pennsylvania and Ohio
What: Informal networking opportunity showcasing the theme “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together”
Where: Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada 2-6 p.m.
JULY 27
Southern California USOPA Chapter Beach Event
Who: All SoCal Olympians, Paralympians, & aquatic athlete community
What: Paris Watch Party + Beach BBQ - We’ll be getting out on the water too!
Where: Newport Aquatic Center | Newport Beach, CA 12-3 p.m. Guests are welcome!
JULY
TBD
Houston USOPA Chapter Back to School Drive
More information will be included in a future Weekly Scoop.
Houston USOPA Chapter Olympic Watch Party AUG
TBD
More information will be included in a future Weekly Scoop
Shout out to Sharrieffa Barksdale, Olympian and Senior Manager of Alumni Relations at USA Track & Field, for hosting incredible RunJumpThrow events across the U.S. with more than 100 kids participating in various locations!
Toledo, OH Northridge, CA
THE PODIUM
Welcome to The Podium, a quarterly spotlight of life updates, career or personal milestones, and more from USOPA members across the country. This is our opportunity to stay connected with fellow alumni who choose to take The Podium and give us an inside look at their lives!
John Kusku Goalball, 2016, ‘20
Blind teacher and Paralympic athlete shows students anything is possible
MEA member John Kusku has faced extra challenges throughout his 39 years, but he learned a key philosophy from his mother who told him as a little boy: Goals might be harder for you to achieve, but you can still do anything you want “That’s been kind of the mentality of my life,” Kusku says.
The belief has served him well. Legally blind, Kusku is a two-time Paralympian for Team USA in addition to teaching math and physics at the Oakland County Technical Campus Southwest, where his example shows students anything is possible with commitment and hard work
Two
U.S. Olympians
featured in community art project leading up to Paris 2024 Olympics
Two American rowers were selected to be artists-in-residence for the Paris Games, working to combine art with sport in a way thatengagedParis-localcommunitygroupsaroundtheGames.
Kelly Salchow MacArthur Rowing, 2000, ‘04
Kelly Salchow MacArthur led a workshop series creating mixed media collages with children from two community centers in Paris, France Her workshop project, from Oct 23-28, 2023, was the first community project in the Olympian Artists program leading up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Tom Lough
Modern Pentathlon, 1968 his life Tom was looking at his skills in his mind’s full length mirror and going “Hmmm…I wonder if I could do this with that?”
U.S. Olympian turns 81 and begins ‘Victory Lap’ of what he calls ‘The Good Race of Life’
Tom Lough, 81, never turns his back on opportunity. He calls it “using my leverage”, which means that throughout
Leverage is how Lough (Lo) became in his late 70s a screenwriter. It’s how he became in his 40s a teacher and communications expert for the computer programming language Logo, which is used in Lego robotics. It’s how he took modest athletic skill in his 20s and became a member of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team in the Modern Pentathlon before goingofftoVietnam
FULL STORY: GEEZERJOCKNEWS.COM
Merit Academy boasts Woodland Park's first shooting sports program L. Michael Theimer Shooting, 1976
Merit Academy broke new ground in early September with the first practice session of Woodland Park’s first shooting sportsprogram.
Grace Latz Rowing, 2016
Grace Latz worked with the elderly
work that will remain
for senior
Michael Theimer, a 1976 Olympian and previous USA Shooting Youth Programs/Coach Academy Director has assisted with the startup, fundraising, student safety training andtrainingofparent/coaches.
The Merit Academy Shooting Sports Club gives all students the opportunity to participate at any level they choose, ranging from learning basic skills or exploring the Olympic Path.
FULL STORY: GAZETTE.COM
Christine Scheels
Long Track Speed Skating, 1994
Congratulations to the happy couple – 1994 Olympic Long Track Speed Skater shared the news of her recent marriage to her nowhusband, Al Krause!
Caryn Davies
Rowing, 2004, ‘08, ‘12
2023 was an exciting year in the Harwood/Davies household!
Carol Brown
Rowing, 1976, ‘80, ‘84
The 1984 U S Rowing Olympians gathered in Seattle during Opening Day Racing to celebrate their 40th anniversary Shout out to our ‘84 Rowers!
Caryn was honored with the
World Rowing Thomas
Keller Medal, while also welcoming her first baby boy, Davys Sumner Harwood.
Mark Crear
Track & Field, 1996, ‘00
Mark is having the joy of coaching his daughter who is a freshman in High School. She is ranked No. 4 in the state of California and runs the 100 & 200. Although she doesn’t run the hurdles like her dad, the opportunity to train and help her succeed is reward enough.
Jeff Pagels
Nordic Skiing, 1992, ‘94
Age is nothing but a number for Jeff who found himself back on the slopes this past January at the age of 75 A poor decision in shooting a steep icy downhill resulted in a cleanly broken ulnar in his left arm, but he is all healed up now and gearing up for next snow season Go Jeff!
Carissa Gordon Gump Weightlifting, 2008
Cathy Boswell
Women’s Basketball, 1984
Reminiscing on the Glory Days!
Tom Lough
Modern Pentathlon, 1968
Carissa Gordon-Gump was recently appointed to serve on the Olympians and
Paralympians Relief Fund Board of Directors for a 3-year term. Read more about Carissa’s OPRF role on page 32.
Gail Marquis
Women’s Basketball, 1976
Congratulations to the 1976 Women’s Basketball Team for its enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame this past August (2023). Gail and her teammates had the amazing opportunity to reunite for the special recognition last year.
Tom designed a march called ‘A Day in the Life’ as a tribute to the American Soldier, taking the listener through a day in a soldier’s life by a series of bugle calls interspersed with marching music. The march was played as part of the cadet parade at West Point.
Step up to The Podium
Step up to The Podium and share your life updates, career milestones, and more with our USOPA community. Submissions will be featured on the Team USA alumni website and in the USOPA quarterly newsletter. Share with us by completing this form.
CELEBRATING TEAM USA
April: Diversity Month
DuringthemonthofApril,theUSOPCcelebratedDiversityMonth!TeamUSAisproudly the most diverse team of athletes in the world. Take a moment to recognize and honor thediversitywithinourU.S.Olympic&Paralympiccommunity.
Athlete Voices: First Gen Team USA
USWNT star Naomi Girma is making Ethiopia and USA proud on the road to Paris 2024.
Woman to Woman: Leanne Wong
Elite gymnast, student-athlete and CEO of bows Leanne Wong sits down with Ari Chambers to discuss her business, role models and journey to Paris 2024.
Woman to Woman: Brittni Mason
3x Paralympic medalist in track and field Brittni Mason opens up about her biggest inspiration, femininity, and representing something greater than herself.
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
The USOPC was highlighted in Forbes magazine for its latest work to ensure that Team USA athletes have a surplus of mental health resources. The article features USOPC senior director of psychological services - Dr. Jessica Bartley, PsyD, LCSW, CMPC, as she outlines what is currently in place and what is coming down the pipeline for Paris 2024 in the mental health space for Team USA athletes. Click here to read the full article.
May: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the Asia Society Southern California hosted the 2024 Asia Society Southern California Annual Gala on Sunday, May 19 with a special tribute to the dedication and efforts of our Olympic and Paralympic AAPI athletes Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu spoke of the important work of Olympic and Paralympic AAPI athletes, the representation, symbolism, and progressive impact these athletes are contributing by taking up space Gu also expressed appreciation to Gene Sykes, Chair of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, for the work he does to support AAPI athletes in the US Click here to read the full event recap
June: Pride Month
June marked the celebration of Pride Month, and the USOPM celebrated by taking a deep dive into stories of Team USA’s LGBTQ+ athletes who embody the values of excellence, respect and equality on and off the field. Featured athletes include gender equality advocate Billie Jean King, two-sport athlete Allison Jones, and the first openly gay Olympian, Robert Dover. Click here to read more.
10 YEARS OF THE JIMMY FALLON SHOW
Take a look at USOPA Legends
spotted on the Jimmy Fallon Show over the years!
nbcolympics
Team USA Olympic champions visited @fallontonight over the years. ��
Congrats to Jimmy on 10 years!
USOPA
IN THE NEWS
Katie Ledecky, Jim Thorpe among 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients by Joe Biden
U.S. Olympian, Andrea Theis, awarded 2024 WOA Grant
Thirty projects from 25 countries have been awarded the 2024 WOA Service to Olympians and Service to Society Grants, including Expanding Physical Education Opportunities Through Rowing in Rural Area, a project facilitated by U.S. Olympian Andrea Theiss (Rowing, 1996). Click here to read the full article and complete list of recipients.
U.S. Olympian, Jenny Thompson, among Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Unquestionably one of the greatest competitive swimmers of all time, Thompson was among five individuals enshrined into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. In her decorated international career, Thompson won more Olympic gold medals than any other female swimmer in history, representing the United States of America on the podium for eight gold medals, three silver medals, and a bronze medal from 1992 to 2004. Click here to view the Class of 2024 or to read Jenny’s Hall of Fame bio.
Team USA's most decorated female swimmer Katie Ledecky and Jim Thorpe, two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for Team USA were among those awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the country's highest civilian honor) by President Biden.
Ledecky and Thorpe are the latest athletes to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation's highest civilian honor. The White House said it is given to American citizens "who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."
President Biden gave the same award to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and U.S. women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe in 2022, while former president Donald Trump gave it to more than a dozen athletes or people associated with sports, including golfer Tiger Woods, baseball icon Babe Ruth, and legendary NBA player and executive Jerry West. Click here to read the full story.
IOC & Netflix launch three Olympian-led documentary series for Paris 2024
The International Olympic Committee announced three new Netflix series to build excitement for Paris 2024, including "Simone Biles: Rising," a four-part series on the gymnast's return. Other series include "Sprint" season two, featuring athletes like Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, and "Olympic Men’s Basketball," showcasing teams' journeys to qualify and compete. These series aim to provide inspiring insights into Olympic athletes' lives and generate excitement for the upcoming Games Click here to read the full article
NBCUniversal names Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games commentators for select sports
The roster of announcers for the upcoming Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games are beginning to be revealed to the public, and it is safe to say our USOPA community will be well-represented on set Shout out to a few of our Olympic and Paralympic alumni who have announced their selection to a Paris Olympic or Paralympic announce team!
Lacey Henderson, PLY (2016) announced her role as a host for the Paralympics!
Sam Peszek, OLY (2008) announced her role as an analyst for the Olympics!
Click here to read the full article. Click here to read the full article.
The NBC broadcast network and streaming service Peacock will be the company’s primary platforms for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled for July 26-Aug. 11. Click here for more linear programming information and here for more about the Olympic experience on Peacock. NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26, beginning at noon ET.
As announced last year, more than 140 hours of Paris Paralympic television coverage across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC will be presented, including daily live coverage of every competition day on USA Network and CNBC and nine hours of coverage on NBC, with six of those hours in primetime.
NBCU’s Paralympic coverage will also include the most live Peacock streaming hours ever for a Paralympic event, with approximately 1,500 hours of live coverage across all 22 Paralympic sports set to be presented throughout the duration of the 12-day event. Peacock will be the most comprehensive Paralympic destination in U.S. media history.
MAKING TEAM USA
Making Team USA presented by Xfinity aims to tell the untold qualification journey story, inclusive of all sports and athletes, and consisting of live events and competitions, including notable NBCU Trials coverage, athlete-led storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, gamification and other first-of-its-kind digital experiences on the newly launched TeamUSA.com to learn more about each athlete. Click here to follow the athlete journey to Paris 2024!
PARIS 2024
MEDIA SUMMIT
For the first time in person since 2017, Team USA hosted 450+ media in New York City to celebrate 100 days until the Paris 2024 Games and make a groundswell of coverage for Team USA.
Ranging from athlete profiles and qualifiers/roster announcements to hot topics relevant to Paris, such as mental health, security and more, the media summit generated thousands of stories in just one week.
Additional coverage spanned various proactive USOPC announcements, including single-day ticket sales at Team USA House, a never-before-seen partnership with Guild to build careers for retiring athletes and a brand-new brand platformOne For All.
ATHLETES APPEARED ALL OVER NEW YORK
From the Empire State Building and MET to the New Jersey Devils game and broadway, dozens of athletes appeared all across the city. Marquee stories appeared in two takeovers of the TODAY Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show, Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, ABC News, the Nasdaq Closing Bell and dozens of NBC news properties across the country.
USOPA MEMBERS SPOTTED AT MEDIA SUMMIT
HEADLINES
2024 Olympics are only 100 days away: Here’s how Team USA is shaping up for Paris.
With 100 days before the Paris Olympics, Team USA hopefuls meet the press
US eyes ‘most important decade’ for sports
Team USA Highlights Athletes In ‘One For All’ Brand Platform Ahead Of Paris 2024
Here’s How You Can Hang Out Inside the Team USA House at the Paris Olympics
US Olympic committee strikes sponsorship deal to help athletes get degrees after they retire
Stronger Para Representation Than Ever Before 40%+ of coverage features Paralympics
Sanders
EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF PARIS 2024 AT THE
UNITED STATES OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM
Team USA fans can immerse themselves in the excitement of the 2024 Paris Games at the U S Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Olympic City USA The excitement runs from July 28 through September 8, coinciding with the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Guests will have the chance to meet Team USA athletes and watch the Games live on a 40-foot LED wall. You can learn more about Paris Summer Fest at the U S Olympic & Paralympic Museum at usopm.org/summerfest.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum houses 12 galleries over 60,000 square feet, with updated exhibits. With the Paris Games happening this summer, here are two new exhibits:
Return to Paris: 1924 | 2024
Opening June 28, this exhibit explores the Paris 1924 Games, which introduced many elements such as the Athlete Village and Closing Ceremony that are standard today. "Return to Paris: 1924 | 2024" also shares insightful stories of some challenging journeys, including one that led to Team USA gold. Guests will enjoy comparing the 1924 and 2024 medals and pictographs.
Game Changers | Paris 2024 Games
Opening July 19, "Game Changers" focuses on Team USA athletes who have something to prove in Paris. While some athletes will cement their legacies by making history, others will become the Games’ newest stars. Get to know these athletes and what to watch for as you cheer on Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Kara Winger returns to USOPM for her lucky javelin
After retiring in 2022, American record holder Kara Winger decided to aim for one more Olympic Games. To do so, she needed to retrieve her lucky javelin, which she had donated to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. The four-time Olympian is now striving to make her fifth Olympic appearance.
LA28OLYMPIC&PARALYMPICGAMES
CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games recently announced Reynold Hoover as Chief Executive Officer, leading the Organizing Committee’s staff through the planning and execution of the Games. Hoover comes to LA28 following leadership positions in the U.S. Military, along with senior civilian roles in the federal government, and brings significant experience in planning, operations and logistics to help deliver the world’s largest peacetime gathering – the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With little more than four years until the 2028 Opening Ceremony, Hoover’s appointment underscores LA28’s heightened focus on operations and delivery, which is typical for Organizing Committees at this stage, given the complexity and scope of staging the Games. Click here to read the full article.
LA28 PROPOSES PARA CLIMBING FOR THE 2028 PARALYMPIC SPORT PROGRAM
Announced on June 12, 2024, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to add Para Climbing to the 2028 Paralympic Sport Program. With this proposal, LA28 becomes the first organizing committee in Games history to propose additional sports for both the Olympic and Paralympic Sport Programs.
“LA28 is proud to propose adding Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Program, and to be the first organizing committee in history to propose a new sport for the Paralympic Games,” said LA28 Chief Athlete Officer Janet Evans. “We would like to thank the International Paralympic Committee for giving us the opportunity to add this exciting sport in 2028. We see this as a unique chance to give more athletes the ability to compete on the world’s biggest stage, while creating an expansive and elite adaptive sport program that exemplifies LA28’s commitment to elevating the Paralympic Movement.” Click here to read the full article.
LA28 UPDATES VENUE PLAN TO STAGE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC SPORTS IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST STADIUMS AND ARENAS
Announced on June 21, 2024, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed the first series of updates to its venue plan that will stage some of the most popular Olympic and Paralympic sports in world-class arenas and stadiums, creating the ideal experience for athletes and fans, and achieving more than $150 million in combined new revenue and cost savings.
Southern California’s abundance of high-quality athletic venues is the strongest possible foundation for hosting a spectacular and fiscally responsible Games. With these changes, LA28 assigns more sports to existing stadiums and uses fewer temporary venues, which provides significant financial and operational benefits. Click here to read the full article.
U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC FOUNDATION
Established in 2013, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Team USA athletes reach their potential, both on and off the field of play.
WHAT DO WE FUND?
The foundation funds athlete resources such as mental health and sports psychology support, career and education grants, athlete stipends, data and technology projects that give Team USA athletes like you a competitive advantage, and much more.
HOW ARE WE CONNECTED?
The USOPF is the philanthropic arm of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) We also serve as the strategic philanthropic partner for LA28, the organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
The Foundation provides a variety of earning opportunities for currently competing & retired athletes to get involved in areas such as: Events and speaking engagements
Name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities Digital communications, email, social media and more Mentorship and networking
HOW CAN YOU HELP US?
Athletes like you help us raise funds for more than 1,200 currently competing athletes! You can join the effort by: Sharing the message that Team USA is fan-funded Telling your family and friends about us
Sharing your story!
For more information on the Foundation and opportunities to get involved, click here
100% of gifts to the USOPF go directly to athletes and the highperformance programming that supports them.
USOPC ATHLETE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
This past April, the USOPC launched the Athlete Fellowship Program, a year long initiative designed to provide meaningful career opportunities for retired Team USA athletes. Funded by generous donors, this program offers athletes two six-month rotations within select USOPC departments, allowing them to explore various facets of a global sports organization. The goal? Equipping athletes with the skills and experiences they need to pursue long-term employment within the Movement and beyond.
For the 5 former Team USA athletes participating
ar, the benefits extend far beyond the workplace Athlete Fellows receive comprehensive support, in reer coaching, monthly professional development workshops, and the opportunity to engage in up to two external professional development experiences with travel and registration covered.
"The Athlete Fellowship program has been one of the best experiences I have had, and I am so grateful for the invaluable experiences it has given me. Through this program I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from my desired career field, as well as in fields I never would have considered. "
-Aspen Shelton
“The consistent and nonjudgmental support from my direct leaders, teammates, and everyone I've met at the USOPC, coupled with the safe space for learning, is already beginning to build a new self-confidence I've never felt before. I do believe the Athlete Fellowship Program is guiding me towards making significant strides in both my professional growth and personal development.”
-Garrett Bender
This transformative experience is not only enriching for the athletes involved but also vital for the continued growth and success of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement By harnessing the talents and passions of former Team USA athletes, the USOPCensuresthatthelegacyofsportextendsfarbeyondthepodiumandcreatesopportunitiesfortheorganizationtolearn fromtheFellowswhoprovideimportantperspectives.
The USOPC remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering athletes' growth on the field of play and beyond, and we look forwardtothefutureofthisprogram!
If you are a retired Team USA athlete and are interested in the USOPC Fellowship Program, keep an eye on your email Applicationswillopeninearly2025!
Adam Elzoghby Team Handball
Andrew Durutalo Olympian Rugby
Aspen Shelton Para Swimming
Donothan Bailey Gymnastics
Garrett Bender Olympian Rugby
OPRF Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund
Created by the USOPA board in 1999, the Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund is dedicated to providing charitable assistancetoOlympians&Paralympianswhoareexperiencingdifficultyduetoarecentaccident,illness,injuryornatural disaster. The OPRF is funded through tax-deductible contributions from U.S. Olympians & Paralympians and is exclusivelymanagedbyaBoardofOlympians&Paralympians TolearnmoreabouttheOPRF,visitwwwoprfund
The OPRF is a helping hand to Olympians & Paralympians in need.
Please consider giving to the Fund as we continue our efforts of looking out for the welfare of America's Olympic & Paralympic Heroes!
Highlighted by ten (10) fellow USOPA members, the OPRF Board has the responsibility of reviewing all OPRF grant applicationsaswellasdeterminingandenforcingthepoliciesgoverningtheorganization.
Meet the OPRF Board
John Naber | President/Chair Swimming, 1976
James Rogers | Vice President Team Handball, 1972, ‘76
Cindy Stinger | Executive Director Team Handball, 1984, ‘88, ‘92
Elexa Orrange-Allen | Secretary Track & Field, 1996
Erin Aldrich-Shean | Treasurer Track & Field, 2000
Candace Cable
Para Track & Field, 1980, ‘88, ‘92, ‘96
Alpine Skiing, 1992
Nordic Skiing, 1994, ‘98, ‘02, ‘06
Bonnie Blair Cruikshank Speedskating, 1984, ‘88, ‘92, ‘94
Carissa Gordon Gump Weightlifting, 2008
Cathy Marino Canoe/Kayak, 1988, ‘92
Rudy Garcia-Tolson Para Swimming, 2004, ‘08, ‘12, ‘16, ‘20
Recently appointed to the OPRF Board, Rudy is a swimmer, runner, and triathlete who has become an ambassador for Paralympic sport since his first Paralympic Games in 2004 at the age of 16. Born with multiple birth defects, including Pterygium Syndrome, a club foot, webbed fingers and a cleft lip and palate, Rudy endured 15 surgeries by the age of five before telling his parents he’d rather have a double leg amputation.
He is now a 5x Paralympian, 5x Paralympic medalist, and the first double-above knee amputee to complete an IRONMAN, among many other accomplishments. He and the Challenged Athletes Foundation have been in proud partnership since Rudy was just 8 years old. Some of Rudy’s accomplishments include being 5x Paralympic medalist (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), 6 World Championship performances, winner of ESPN’s ARETE Courage in Sports Award, Nike’s Casey Martin Award, and Rudy was also nominated for an ESPY
As featured in The Podium, Carissa Gordon-Gump (2008 Olympian, Weightlifting) was also recently appointed to serve on the Olympians and Paralympians Relief Fund Board of Directors for a 3-year term GordonGump has served as the Executive Director of the NSCA Foundation since 2016 and has previously worked for the U S Olympic and Paralympic Committee and USA Weightlifting, serving as their Associate Executive Director for Business & Development, as well as the USA Weightlifting Foundation Executive Director
“Once an Olympian or Paralympian, Always an Olympian or Paralympian.
Never Former, Never Past.”
Remembering fellow USOPA members
OlgaConnolly|Track&Field,1956,‘60,‘64, ‘68,‘72
April12,2024
JackDisney|Cycling,1956,‘64,‘68 April17,2024
Richard“Butch”Johnson|Archery,1992, ‘96,‘00,‘04,‘08
May27,2024
HarryMarcopolos|FieldHockey,1948,‘56 April11,2024
RonaldMorris|Track&Field,1960
June10,2024
RobertSchul|Track&Field,1964
June16,2024
LeslieTipton|Track&Field,1964 May5,2024
YoshihiroUchida|JudoCoach,1964 June27,2024
MarkWells|IceHockey,1980 May17,2024
JerryWest|Basketball,1960 June12,2024
U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Executive Committee (2021-2024)
CarynDavies|President Rowing,2004,2008,2012
BobBalk|VicePresident ParaSkiing,1994,1998,2002,2006 ParaAthletics,1996,2000
BruceM.Furniss|VicePresident Swimming,1976
CraigGilbert|VicePresident TeamHandball,1984
DavidHughes|VicePresident Sailing,2016,2020
SharonA.Jewell|VicePresident Taekwondo,1988
JohnC.Moffet|VicePresident Swimming,1980,1984
LydiaR.Murphy-Stephans|Vice President LongTrackSpeedskating,1984
DickFosbury|ImmediatePastPresident (Posthumously) Track&Field,1968
GaryHallSr.|PastPresident Swimming,1968,1972,1976
WillieBanks|PastPresident Track&Field,1980,1984,1988
JohnNaber|PastPresident Swimming,1976
BillToomey|PastPresident Track&Field,1968
Editorial Staff
Morgan Palmer
Lisa Milne
Christine Taylor
Olympic Games Paris 1924, Opening Ceremony U.S. team enters stadium