A LETTER FROM SARAH HIRSHLAND
USOPC Chief Executive Officer
U
S Olympians & Paralympians Association Members,
What an exciting summer it has been! The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris were extraordinary, and I believe I speak for all of us when I say how immensely proud we are of Team USA. Your teammates on Team USA showcased their incredible incredible talent, resilience and determination, inspiring us all and highlighting the unifying power of sport.
Let me start with my gratitude to you – thank you for your unwavering dedication to the Olympic and Paralympic movements. A special thank you to those who joined us in Paris to cheer on your teammates. And to those who were supporting from back home, thank you for igniting the Olympic and Paralympic spirit across your communities.
With 381 medalists and 231 medals earned, Team USA left an incredible mark on the podium, creating memories that will forever resonate with us. We are grateful to the city of Paris for its warm hospitality and vibrant spirit, reminding us of the strength found in global togetherness.
The Games demonstrated that sport is more than competition; it’s a powerful force for hope and change. As we look ahead, I am filled with immense excitement for Milano-Cortina 2026, LA 2028, and Salt Lake City 2034. Together, we can continue to create a legacy that inspires not just our nation, but the world. Every cheer, every effort and every dream contributes to something greater than ourselves.
We are united in celebrating Team USA’s achievements, and we are all better for having shared these moments. Your support and commitment make these successes possible. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for your dedication to Team USA athletes and alumni. As we move forward into this exciting decade, let’s focus on engaging more athletes, enhancing support, and inspiring even more Americans through Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Together, we will keep the spirit of excellence, camaraderie and mutual support alive. Thank you for everything you do.
In Olympic & Paralympic Spirit, Sarah
Hirshland
HOUSTON USOPA CHAPTER CELEBRATES PARIS 2024 GAMES
The Houston USOPA Chapter extended a warm ‘welcome home’ to our Paris 2024 Olympians!
NY/NJ/CT USOPA CHAPTER HOSTS
ANNUAL SUMMER SOCIAL
Held on July 12, this year’s Summer Social brought everyone together in a social setting with the theme of “Faster, Higher, StrongerTogether.”
Voiced as a significant addition to the motto, “Together” honors the great coaches and people who have helped Olympians and Paralympians become world-class athletes.
The social gathering was a great opportunity for alumni to connect and celebrate the thenupcoming Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Paris 2024 Highjumper Shelby McEwen and Houston USOPA Chapter President Jackie Washington
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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!
Billy Mills
Track & Field, 1964
Wings of an Eagle: The gold medal dreams of Billy Mills
Sixty years after Billy Mills flew into sports history as the only American to ever win Olympic gold in the 10,000-meter event, Wings of an Eagle, a collaboration with Texas author Donna Janell Bowman and illustrator S.D. Nelson, recounts Mills’ dramatic journey from the impoverished Pine Ridge Reservation to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
READ MORE
Brooke Forde Swimming, 2020
A look inside ‘life in the peace corps’ - a feature highlighting U.S. Olympian Brooke Forde
Rory Cooper
Para Track & Field, 1988
Following her retirement from U.S. Swimming in 2022, Brooke stepped into a health volunteer position at the Peace Corps in rural Peru where she has played a major role in promoting healthy recreational activities for teens, including teaching a swim clinic for local children.
READ MORE
“Bumps in the Road” documentary showcases work of U.S. Paralympian Rory Cooper on assistive technology for wheelchair users
The new documentary reveals how Cooper's life experience transformed revolutionary assistive technology.
READ MORE
Elliott Denman
Track & Field, 1956
Elliott Denman marked his 90th birthday on January 23 and celebrated the milestone with his friends and Shore Athletic Club teammates at the annual Elliott Denman New Jersey International Track & Field Meet, staged June 2 at the Joe Compagni Track at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Eight hundred and thirty athletes, competing in all age divisions, took part, and an array of competitors posted USA Olympic Trials qualifying performances. Looking ahead, Denman and Shore Athletic Club teammates, will salute many of "the legends of New Jersey Track & Field" at a gala gathering November 24 at McLoone's Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ.
Frederick Newhouse
Track & Field, 1976
Reminiscing on the glory days!
Dana Jaster
Para Track & Field, 1992
As a member of the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Track & Field team, it was an honor for me to represent our country. I competed in three events (Long Jump F46, High Jump F46, and 4 x 100m Relay) and earned a bronze medal (High Jump) and silver medal (4 x 100m Relay.) There is no greater athletic achievement for me than participating at the Games.
Currently, I coach able-bodied high school
school athletes and it gives me great pleasure sharing my experience with them and promoting them to watch and cheer for our athletes in Paris and they are very excited to do so. We are also setting our sites on LA28 so we can root for them in person.
GO TEAM USA!
Matt Ghaffari Wrestling, 1992, ‘96
Greco-Roam Olympic wrestling team held their first training, camp at USOTC June 16th to June 26th in Colorado Springs. Coach Ghaffari was happy to be back on the mat and yelling. I wanted to help prepare our 2024 Olympians for Paris Olympics
It was another wonderful great training camp at Olympic Training Center !
Tom Lough & Craig Gilbert
Modern Pentathlon, 1968 & Team Handball, 1984
Tom Lough and Craig Gilbert joined the WPAOG Podcast for an inspiring conversation about their journeys of athletic and military excellence.
Ken Chertow Wrestling, 1988
Exciting and evolving times in my life.
I competed in the Olympics decades ago, and now one of my lifelong students, Zain Retherford, is on our 2024 Team USA Olympic Team. Zain grew up learning and training in my youth club and attended my club and summer camp annually for a decade. He is a featured coach at our wrestling camp now. I’m a proud coach.
Zain won 16U world championship over a decade ago and was 2023 World Champion. He was a 3x undefeated NCAA Champion at my alma mater, Penn State
We have embraced Olympic Freestyle wrestling and worked to build women’s wrestling for a long time.
Women’s wrestling is now an emerging NCAA sport, and I am starting a women’s wrestling program at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania.
Tom Lough Modern Pentathlon, 1968
When I discovered that a teenage girl in London had trained for the 1912 Olympic Games in modern pentathlon, I was fascinated When I learned that she was prevented from entering because of her gender, I realized that her story must be told.
I studied screenwriting and won a fellowship from the Writers Guild Foundation to develop a script for a feature film entitled, "Go for the Five," inspired by this early Olympian wannabe
The script recently won a competition for a SAG AFTRA table read, and is now available for production development. The story and background information can be found at
at www.goforthefive.com along with the means to request a password to view the table read video file. I'm very excited about this project!
Carl Borack Fencing, 1972
A bout with cancer that began in 2011, Carl says, put new urgency and inspiration into his longheld desire to pay homage to his sport through two documentary films, 2016's “A Path to Excellence” and 2017's “What is it about Fencing?”
“It was the first professional thing I wanted to do once I recovered No more waiting, time is too precious,” he said.
LIFE UPDATES CAREER MILESTONES
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
FEATURE STORIES
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SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR SPOTLIGHT!
HISTORY-MAKING
OLYMPIC
SILVER MEDALIST HONORED
WITH
PICKERINGTON’S KEY TO THE CITY
Olympic silver medalist and Pickerington North High School graduate Annette Echikunwoke was honored on Labor Day with a key to the city She sat atop a Team U.S.A.-themed float during the Lions Club parade, and Mayor Lee Gray awarded her a key to the city.
Echikunwoke earned a silver medal in the women's hammer throw in Paris, becoming the first U S woman to medal in the event.
KATRINA ADAMS NAMED GLOBAL WINNER OF THE 2023 IOC GENDER EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CHAMPIONS AWARD
Adams has been at the forefront of exceptional developments in all areas of the sport, particularly for girls and women.
“Sport has the power to go above and beyond the sporting arena It needs individuals such as Katrina to make this happen,” said IOC President Bach on Adams’ commitment to advancing gender equality.
OLYMPIAN OPENS RENOVATED TRACK & FIELD IN ROANE CO.
Sharrieffa Barksdale was inspired to provide an opportunity for future generations of young athletes in Roane County The Olympic semifinalist pursued this dream by getting a new running surface at the track that was renamed after her in 1984.
She had a ribbon-cutting ceremony for her new track on Saturday, Sept. 21, honoring those in the community who helped make the dream a reality.
IN THE NEWS
TEAM USA LEGEND ALLYSON FELIX ELECTED TO IOC ATHLETES’ COMMISSION
LASHINDA DEMUS AND ERIK KYNARD RECEIVE THEIR GOLD MEDALS IN PARIS
The International Olympic Committee announced that five-time U.S. Olympian Allyson Felix – who made Olympic history by winning 11 medals – was elected by her peers to the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
Felix will serve an eight-year term and be confirmed as member of the IOC at the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Aug. 11.
In a special and emotional medal reallocation ceremony at Champions Park in Paris, Team USA Olympians Lashinda Demus (hurdles) and Erik Kynard (high jump) received their gold medals from the Olympic Games London 2012 to the sound of the star spangled banner and a couple thousand cheering fans.
U.S. FIGURE SKATERS RECEIVE MEDALS FROM 2022 WINTER GAMES
The team received its medals during an Aug. 7 ceremony in Champions Park during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Those U.S. figure skaters are Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, Karen Chen, Alexa Knierim, Brandon Frazier, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue.
TEAM USA POSTS REMARKABLE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 WITH RECORD-SETTING PERFORMANCES
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 concluded on Sunday, August 11 following 17 days of competition between 10,500 athletes representing more than 200 National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee Refugee Olympic Team. Team USA topped the overall medal chart with 126 total medals (40 golds, 44 silvers, 42 bronzes) for the eighth consecutive Games.
"On behalf of the USOPC, our national governing bodies, friends, family, and fans, I want to express our immense pride in Team USA for their years of dedication and the outstanding sportsmanship and excellence they displayed throughout these remarkable Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “We are deeply grateful to the people of Paris, who welcomed the Games with open arms and turned every competition into a celebration A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Paris 2024 for hosting such a beautiful and memorable event for athletes and fans alike. We are incredibly excited about the next decade of sport and are honored to carry forward the legacy of the Paris Games as we prepare to welcome the world to Los Angeles in 2028.”
The U.S. led all nations with 254 medalists, and the total medal count of 126 is the most ever for a U.S. team in a non-boycotted Games outside the U.S., topping the previous high of 121 from Rio in 2016. The only Games where the U.S. exceeded this total were at home Games in 1984 (Los Angeles with 174 medals) and 1904 (St. Louis with 239).
"Team USA once again confirmed that when the biggest moments arrive, they will be ready to compete, and I am so proud of the way the Team USA athletes supported each other as they prepared, performed and celebrated,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC Chief of Sport Performance and Team USA’s Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “The collective effort of the athletes, with the support of the national governing bodies and the team of USOPC staff, was wonderful to experience and further testament to the strength and diversity of Team USA. From the legends to the newcomers, the performance of this team will go down as one of the very best.”
Of the 254 American athletes who graced the podium, 65 percent are first-time medalists. Overall, 44 athletes won multiple medals, including 13 who won multiple golds. U.S. athletes competed in 47 out of 48 sport disciplines at these Games, which is the most other than host country France Team USA medaled in 34 of those disciplines Team USA’s time in Paris was also highlighted by six world records.
In a Games that made history by achieving numerical gender parity on the field of play, the women of Team USA continued their tradition of medal success, besting their previous total with 67 total medals – a record that would place them third among all countries in the medal table for the fourth straight Games.
Swimmers Torri Huske and Regan Smith were the most decorated athletes for Team USA with five medals apiece. Joining Huske in winning three gold medals at Paris 2024 were gymnast Simone Biles - whose career total golds now stands at seven – and sprinter Gabby Thomas Click here to read more about the record-setting performances
TEAM USA CELEBRATES HISTORIC PARIS 2024
PARALYMPIC GAMES
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games concluded on Sunday, September 8 after 12 days of competition featuring over 4,400 athletes from more than 170 National Paralympic Committees, including the International Paralympic Committee Refugee Paralympic Team. Team USA finished third overall in the medal standings, earning a total of 105 medals (36 gold, 42 silver, and 27 bronze).
“We are so proud of Team USA and their incredible performances at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “Their determination and grit invigorated and inspired a proud nation and fans around the world, uniting us all through the transformative power of sport. We send our sincere appreciation to Paris 2024 and the city of Paris for bringing the world together and hosting a wonderful and historic Gamesand to the fans from around the world who celebrated the amazing athletes."
A total of 127 U.S. medalists graced the podium, including 53 first-time Paralympic medalists, and 29 athletes securing multiple medals in Paris Team USA competed in 20 sports, earning podium finishes in 16. In team sports, the U.S. shined on the global stage, winning Team USA’s third straight titles in men’s wheelchair basketball and women’s sitting volleyball.
"Team USA showed the world its strength and passion at the highest level of competition, bringing their best each day and coming together in support and celebration of one another,” said Julie Dussliere, Team USA Chef de Mission. “Thank you to our support staff, National Governing Bodies and communities supporting Team USA from near and far. This is certainly an experience of a lifetime and a Paralympic Games to remember ”
Team USA Closing Ceremony flag bearer Ellie Marks and first-time Paralympian teammate Christie Raleigh Crossley are leaving Paris as Team USA’s most decorated athletes with five medals each. Team USA legends also furthered their legacies, as Tatyana McFadden earned her 21st medal in Paralympic track and field to become the most decorated U S athlete in the sport. Meanwhile, athletes shined in their Paralympic debuts, including Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon who made history as the first U.S. athletes to medal in the sport of badminton at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games.
“The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have exceeded any and all expectations I had, and I want to thank the Organizing Committee, the fans and the entire city of Paris for hosting the most incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said seven-time Paralympian Oksana Masters, who added two medals in Paris to reach 19 total medals overall across summer and winter Games. “As we wrap up the Paris 2024 Games and turn our eyes to Milan-Cortina 2026 in the close future, Team USA is ready to then welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United States.”
Click here to read more about the Team USA Paris 2024 Paralympic Games highlights
OLYMPIC REFLECTIONS FROM PARIS
Garrott Kuzy | Cross Country Skiing, 2010
It's been 14 years since I became an Olympian, competing as a cross country skier in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
Since then, it hasn't been easy to get to the Olympics as a spectator. The Winter Games have been in Sochi, Pyeongchang and Beijing, while the summer games have been in Rio and Tokyo, with an interruption by the COVID pandemic. The Paris Games were finally an opportunity for me to attend my first Olympics as a spectator. My wife Catherine speaks fluent french and has spent lots of time in Paris,so she planned out an incredible long weekend for us, striking the perfect balance between Olympic events, Parts attractions and local flavors.
Some countries with large Olympic teams even have “houses” in Paris. The houses are more like embassies. The “Team USA House” was in the Palais Brongniart, an impressive building originally built in 1826 as home to one of the world’s first stock exchanges. The Team USA House is a gathering point for athletes, their families, sponsors and even US Olympians from previous Games. At the Vancouver Olympics, the cross country skiers stayed in Whistler, so I never visited the Team USA House. One of my highlights in Paris was visiting the Team USA House and the opportunity to connect with other Olympians and share the experience with my wife Catherine and best man, Dan. Dan and I ski raced both in high school and college together. Dan is in Paris for the Olympics in his role working for Airbnb.
A couple of the highlights in the Team USA House were catching up with 5x Bobsled Olympic medalist and 2022 USA flag bearer Elana Meyers Taylor, her husband and Olympian Nic Taylor and Olympian Lauren Gibbs. Elana won her first medal at the 2010 Games (I was at the awards ceremony!) and is still competing, currently training for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. Wow!! I’m looking forward to cheering on Elana, Nic and Lauren when they compete at the Bobsled World Cup in Innsbruck this winter. Another highlight was meeting LaShawn Merritt, 3 x Gold Medalist in the 400m Sprint and 4x400m Relay. We connected on the focus and intention it takes to achieve big goals and the power of sleep. LaShawn currently runs Nike Speed Clinics for high school athletes and runs the LaShawn Merritt Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of youth in underserved communities.
ATHLETE RESOURCE CENTER
As we reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, one standout element of the experience for Team USA athletes was the Athlete Resource Center (fondly known as the ARC). Designed as a space for relaxation and connection in the village, the ARC became a hub where athletes could celebrate their journeys, share stories, and foster camaraderie.
The ARC provided an array of resources tailored to support athlete’s personal and performance needs. The performance pantry was a particular favorite, offering a diverse selection of snacks and foods that allowed athletes to supplement the dining options in the village. Many turned to familiar American candy, which for some became a precompetition ritual a taste of home to fuel their spints and their spirits!
An information board helped athletes navigate the complexities of the village, from accessing tickets to transportation details. The mindfulness room, equipped with puzzles and resources, became a sanctuary for those seeking a moment of calm amidst the competitive hustle. The presence of mental health officers, athlete ombuds team members, and dieticians underscored the importance of holistic well-being during this intense period.
As athletes navigated the space, they were supported by the dedicated Athlete Services team members, membe
who played a crucial role in ensuring everything ran smoothly. As the primary staff, they created a welcoming atmosphere and provided essential resources, helping athletes feel at home in the ARC. Alongside them were Athlete Services Coordinators (ASCs) - retired Team USA athletes there as volunteers to offer valuable insights and encouragement. Kelsey Card and Trudy Mickel, the ASCs for the Olympics and Paralympics respectively, embodied the spirit of Team USA, engaging with athletes and fostering a sense of camaraderie and support that enhanced the overall experience.
Favorite moments in the ARC from the Olympic games included a bit of friendly video-game competition, a crowded room as everyone gathered to cheer on athletes in the Men’s 100m final, and a wall full of polaroids and goofy selfies representing the diversity of Team USA.
During the Paralympic Games, the energy continued to thrive. Athletes stayed late into the night to watch the Men’s T64 Long Jump, continuing the spirit of a united Team USA An innovative "ARC Mailbox" allowed them to connect with loved ones back home through personalized postcards adorned with custom stamps featuring their faces. The mindfulness/puzzle area was also a hit, with an impressive 1,000-piece puzzle completed in under two days by our multi-talented athletes.
Overall, the ARC was more than just a resource space; it was the heart of the Team USA experience in Paris. It created lasting memories, forged friendships, and fostered an environment where every athlete could thrive.
CELEBRATING THE 2024 GAMES AT THE U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM
This summer, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum brought the excitement of the Paris 2024 Games to life with a variety of engaging activities as part of the Paris Summer Fest Celebration. Fans experienced the Games firsthand through daily athlete meet & greets, artifact demonstrations, and live Games coverage on our massive 40-foot LED wall. Other highlights included live Olympic and Paralympic-themed paintings by a local artist, free outdoor watch party, and Paralympic Day celebration. From sports demonstrations to aerial performances, the energy and spirit of the Games filled the air in Colorado Springs, uniting fans, athletes, and the community through the power of sport.
AMERICA’S ATHLETES. YOUR MUSEUM.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum isn’t just a place to remember history it’s a living celebration of your incredible journey. Your achievements have inspired millions, and the Museum is here to ensure your legacy continues to shine for generations to come.
As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic alumni, you are always a part of this story. We invite you to stay connected with the Museum through exclusive opportunities whether by participating in meet & greets, sharing your personal journey with our guests, or attending special events. The Paris Summer Fest Celebration was just one example of how we bring the Games to life, with alumni at the heart of the experience through athlete appearances, live coverage, and artifacts that tell the story of Team USA.
To plan your visit or learn more about upcoming events and programs, reach out to us at athletes@usopm.org. Follow us on social media (@USOPMuseum) and be a part of the ongoing celebration of Team USA. We can’t wait to welcome you to your Museum!
MILANO CORTINA 2026 LAUNCHES VOLUNTEER
RECRUITMENT FOR OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES
Volunteer recruitment for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 is now open, with the Organising Committee aiming to recruit around 18,000 “Team26” volunteers.
Volunteers will play an important role in facilitating Milano Cortina 2026 at competition venues and other official sites, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Villages, the Main Media Centre, railway stations and airports. Specific roles could include guiding fans and accredited participants, aiding sports delegations, accompanying athletes to competition venues and press events, supporting timekeeping activities, helping with the distribution of equipment, and participating in medical support.
The “Team26” volunteer programme is open to all Italian residents and foreign nationals who are willing to cover their own travel, visa and accommodation costs. Applicants must be at least 18 by 1 November 2025, have proficiency in Italian or English, and be able to participate in selection and training events They must also be available for at least nine consecutive days during the Olympic Winter Games, which will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026, or the Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled from 6 to 15 March 2026. Applicants can also offer to volunteer at a series of readiness activities that will take place in the build-up to Milano Cortina 2026, starting with test events in 2025.
LA28 OLYMPIAN/PARALYMPIAN
FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
January 2025
The LA28 Games are strategically integrating athletes into daily business operations through the LA28 Olympian and Paralympian Fellowship – marking the first time an Organizing Committee has provided meaningful career development opportunities and positive change in retired athletes’ lives. Serving as an innovative and replicable model that complements athletes’ expert insights and lived experiences, the Fellowship presents athletes the opportunity to exhibit the unmatched value that they have to offer the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
About the Fellowship
The LA28 Olympian/Paralympian Fellowship Program is a year-long program with two sixmonth rotations through LA28’s operational teams. Successful candidates will perform two rotations on separate teams. The first will be January through June 2025 and the second will be July through December 2025. Assignments will be based on interviews and the applicant pool. Fellows will have opportunities to gain work and networking experiences and will be expected to provide feedback.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows will receive a salary and benefits for their one-year commitment: $67,000.00
Candidate Profile
Must have competed in Olympic or Paralympic Games (summer/winter/any year/USA or any country)
Must hold current US work permit/employment authorization, no sponsorship will be provided Must be retired from elite international competition and able to work full time. Excellent written, verbal skills and analytical ability
Must live or be willing to relocate to LA area (relocation assistance not provided)
Timeline
September 15 - Applications open
October 31 - Applications close September - November - Application review and interviews
November/December – Offers extended January 13, 2025 - Program Starts – Fellows begin first rotation
Information Sessions
If you would like more information or have questions, please register for one of the Virtual sessions below
Tuesday, October 8 @ 12:00 PM PST | Register Here
Wednesday, October 16 @ 5:00 PM PST | Register Here
PARIS – Salt Lake City-Utah was named the host of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2034 following a vote today at the 142nd International Olympic Committee Session in Paris.
Following a decade-long process of preparation, evaluation and partnership, the Games will return to Utah 32 years after the remarkable 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will be hosted for the fifth time in America.
“This is a great day for winter sport in the United States and around the world,” said Gene Sykes, USOPC Chair. “The Games vision brought forth by the Salt Lake team – inclusive of state and city leaders, the remarkable bid team and the community that showed support for this effort throughout – has been collaborative and forward-looking from the very start. We are thankful to the IOC and to Karl Stoss who led the Future Host Commission, and we look forward to the process of organizing what we know will be a terrific Games in 2034.”
Salt Lake City-Utah’s bid showcased the legacy of the 2002 Games, highlighting venues that continue to serve Team USA and international athletes in elite competition and a sustainable plan that includes no new permanent venue construction.
"Today's decision by the International Olympic Committee is as much about the Olympic and Paralympic movement as it is about Salt Lake CityUtah,” said President and CEO Fraser Bullock. “We are proud to show the world how our living legacy brings value to our communities, enriches the lives of youth, and helps contribute to the world of sport."
The 2034 Games vision is being celebrated for its athlete-centric focus, with world class venues located in close proximity to the Athletes’ Village.
“The community support and access to winter sport opportunities for Team USA athletes across the State of Utah is hugely impactful for American athletes who are competing today and for generations of athletes to come,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO. “We are thrilled for our friends and partners at SLC-Utah and, with them, look forward to welcoming the world in 2034.”
Previous Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games held the United States: Olympic and Paralympic Games Salt Lake City 2002, Olympic Games Lake Placid 1980, Olympic Games Squaw Valley (Palisades-Tahoe) 1960, Olympic Games Lake Placid 1932.
TEAM USA TIME MACHINE
Remembering the 1984 Games
BASEBALL OLYMPIANS
REFLECT
ON
‘84 GAMES
A glance through the history books reveals that 1984 was one of the most significant years in American history.
Steve Jobs introduced the MacIntosh personal computer in the United States, the Space Shuttle Discovery was launched, the World's Fair was held in New Orleans, Ronald Reagan was re-elected President of the United States by a landslide margin and the Games of the XXIII Olympiad were held in Los Angeles.
August 6 marked the 40th anniversary of the start of the medal round of the first Olympic baseball tournament in Los Angeles, which will return to the program program when our national pastime celebrates its return to the games in 2028 in the city of Angels.
"I'm fortunate I got to go to the Olympics as a baseball player," said B J Surhoff, former UNC All-America catcher, reflecting on the 1984 U.S. Olympic baseball team. "As a baseball player, you never really saw that as a path until [it was added as a demonstration sport in 1984]. It was never a realistic thing."
Baseball was included in the Olympic program after a 20-year hiatus in 1984, and for the first time, it had a tournament format.
READ MORE
1984 OLYMPIC WRESTLERS REUNITE IN LA
Exactly 40 years after our Olympic games experience in Los Angeles, the 1984 Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team reunited in Los Angeles. In attendance were Jim Martinez, Bronze medalist, Frank Famiano, team captain Dan Chandler and four-time Olympian Mark Fuller. Joel Feingold, Frank Famianos training partner was also in attendance.
The group stayed at the Redondo Beach Sonesta Hotel. Activities included two watch parties which were highlighted by our women's and men's gymnastics performance. The group also had a pool party and attended a classic car show on Redondo Beach Marina. On the last morning of the reunion a team breakfast was held at Joe's diner in Redondo Beach. The group decided to commit to a 2028 reunion at the Los Angeles Olympic games.
Remembering fellow USOPA members
LawrenceAnastasi|Fencing,1964,‘68 June25,2024
JamesBarrows|Ski&Snowboard,1968 June28,2024
NormanBass,Jr.|ParaTableTennis,2000 August21,2024
Charles“Wade”Bell|Track&Field,1968 July4,2024
OtisDavis|Track&Field,1960 September14,2024
RobertDow|Fencing,1972 August23,2024
W.MichaelElliott|Ski&Snowboard,1964,‘68,‘72 September23,2024
StevenGregg|Swimming,1976 September11,2024
PavelKatsen|Wrestling,1984,‘88(coach) September10,2024
RichardSandoval|Boxing,1980 July21,2024
CarolynSchulerJones|Swimming,1960 July22,2024
JonSvendsen|WaterPolo,1980,‘84 September20,2024
MargoWalters|Ski&Snowboard,1964 July3,2024
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
The Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund is dedicated to providing charitable assistance to Olympians & Paralympians who are experiencing difficulty due to a recent accident, illness, injury or natural disaster. To learn more about the OPRF, visit www.opr.fund.
October 2024 Issue
Editorial Staff
Production Director
