April 2024 | The Olympian & Paralympian

Dear USOPA members,

A MESSAGE FROM THE USOPA PRESIDENT

Caryn Davies

Rowing, 2004, ‘08, ‘12

Approximately three years ago, when I was elected President, not many people voted for me.

So how was I elected President? Well, not many people voted in the election. Only 545 of our members voted in the 2021 USOPA officers election, which is 10.96% of our membership.

Mind you, this isn’t unusual! When it comes to alumni groups, a 10% participation rate is normal. I didn’t know that at the time I was elected, but in the last three years, I’ve learned a lot about alumni associations.

Of course, we’re not your usual alumni association. USOPA members are the best of the best. We can do better!

The Executive Committee has been hard at work the last eighteen months figuring out what we need to do to engage our members and increase participation rates. In 2022, we started working with alumni relations consultant Chris Marshall. With Chris’ help, and with the support of the USOPC, we have made some significant changes.

Perhaps the biggest change that has happened recently is with our staff.

Cindy Stinger retired last July after 35 years of service at the USOPC, serving primarily as the Alumni Relations Manager. Cindy continues in her volunteer role as Executive Director of the Olympians and Paralympians Relief Fund (OPRF). Please join me in thanking Cindy for her tireless (and continued!) dedication to the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

With Cindy’s retirement, Lisa Milne was hired as Director of Alumni Relations, while Morgan Palmer has stepped in as our new Manager. Christine Taylor continues in her role as USOPA Coordinator.

Lisa and Morgan bring lots of relevant experience to the team. Lisa was previously Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations at Ohio University, and Morgan was Director of Communications at USA Softball.

Lisa, Morgan, and Christine are in the process of evaluating where we are and putting together a plan for how to get where we want to go.

You won’t see all the effects of these changes right away, but I hope you’re starting to notice some small differences. For example, we now have a “Weekly Scoop” email that goes out to all members every Friday with noteworthy updates and information from various areas within the Olympic & Paralympic movements. If you are not receiving it, please update your contact information here.

Stay tuned for more exciting changes coming this year, and even more in the four years leading up to LA28.

In the meantime, if you’d like to get involved, I encourage you to put your name forward for election to the Executive Committee this year. If you prefer to serve in a different capacity (such as with your local chapter, or on a subcommittee), reach out to our staff at usopa.mailbox@usopc.org to find out more.

In Olympic & Paralympic Spirit, Caryn Davies

MEET THE ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF

2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for USOPA. With the steps previously outlined in Caryn’s message, your Alumni Relations team is working diligently to expand and grow this important and impressive USOPA community If you have not familiarized yourself with the new USOPA Strategic Plan, it’s a great place to start to better understand the journey we are all embarking on together.

This year our focus is on building an infrastructure within this USOPA organization that allows our Alumni to understand what we do, why we do it, and how we do it. Consistent and predictable engagement opportunities build a foundation for community growth and volunteer leadership. We are hopeful that you are beginning to see some of those tenets starting to take shape in the work we’ve done and will continue to do.

In the first three months of 2024, we have begun to develop a more effective and efficient communication strategy with special attention to website updates, weekly communication initiatives, and this newly imagined virtual USOPA Newsletter.

In early March, we were able to speak to the USOPA community about our vision for the future at the first-ever virtual USOPA Town Hall. The virtual gathering also included remarks from CEO, Sarah Hirshland, and chief of sport & athlete services, Rocky Harris, on their excitement for what’s to come.

Finally, we are working to bring the Movements to our broader community by providing thoughtful strategies, support, and resources to our Chapters.

The next 18-24 months will be filled with change. We are quickly ramping into Paris and will then turn our focus to Milan Cortina and LA28. To do that right, we need to build a clearer path for USOPA. We are hopeful that the changes you see will bring our beloved Olympians and Paralympians back into the fold to build a lasting, impactful, and better USOPA.

Forever in your service, Lisa, Morgan, & Christine

Morgan Palmer Manager, Alumni Relations

Lisa Milne Director, Alumni Relations

WHAT’S NEW?

2 0 2 4 & B E Y O N D

STRATEGIC PLAN

A clear path has been set for USOPA with the completion of the updated Strategic Plan, which will guide the organization for the next four years. Get ready for new beginnings, elevated engagement, and opportunities!

OPERATING GUIDELINES

The USOPA Council voted and adopted a new set of Operating Guidelines in lieu of the USOPA Constitution and Bylaws.

USOPA AT-A-GLANCE

Help spread the word of USOPA and the newly-forged path we are exploring together! Download this PDF and share it with your fellow Olympians & Paralympians.

From building your career to networking with established alumni and beyond - We are here for you! Update your contact information and stay in the know of all things USOPA.

Once an Olympian or Paralympian, Always an Olympian or Paralympian. Never Former, Never Past.

CELEBRATING

Black History Month | February

Jesse Owens

Track & Field Olympian

Owens was already a track and field star going into the 1936 Olympics, having set three world records and tied another in 45 minutes at the Big Ten Championships the year before. But the son of an Alabama sharecropper and grandson of slaves put his superior skill and talent on display for all the world in Berlin when he won four track and field gold medals, setting two world records in the process

Bonnie St. John

Alpine Skiing Paralympian

Before anyone else, there was Bonnie St. John. St. John had her right leg amputated below the knee at the age of 5 and went on to represent the U.S. at the 1984 Paralympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. There she became the first Black American to medal in either the Olympic or the Paralympic Winter Games when she won bronze in the slalom. St. John added another bronze in giant slalom and a silver in overall performance and her success wasn’t limited to the slopes. St. John’s credits also include graduating from Harvard University, becoming a Rhodes Scholar, working in the White House as an economic official and then starting her own business.

Alice Coachman

Track & Field Olympian

Coachman was a high jump star as a high schooler in the 1930s and ’40s, despite her ability to train and compete being deeply hampered by Jim Crow laws in her home state, Georgia. She didn’t make her Olympic debut until 1948 because of World War II, but there she became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport and set an Olympic record in the high jump at the age of 25.

Alice Coachman (pictured above)

Jesse Owens (pictured above)

Bonnie St John (pictured above)

USOPA WOMEN IN THE NEWS

Celebrating Women’s History Month | March

Anita DeFrantz wins 2024 NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award

Legendary rower and Olympic icon, Anita DeFrantz was recently presented with the 2024 NCAA President's Gerald R. Ford award in recognition of her significant leadership as an advocate for intercollegiate athletics. Click here to read the full story.

Gracie Gold releases vulnerable memoir

2014 Olympian Gracie Gold’s memoir “Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up, and Figuring It Out” was released on Feb. 6. In this tell-all memoir, Gold – a two-time U.S. champion –reveals to readers her battle with mental illness, eating disorders and the pressures she has dealt with in the world of figure skating. Click here to read the full story.

World Rowing Names Caryn Davies 2023 Thomas Keller Medal Recipient

Davies becomes the first American to win the award, which debuted in 1990 and is considered the highest honor in the sport of rowing. Click here to read the full story.

Photo courtesy ©Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos

Photo courtesy Will Swanagin/U S Figure Skating

Photo courtesy U S Rowing

Help us spotlight USOPA members from across the country by sharing career milestones, personal accomplishments, or fun photos showing what you’ve been up to lately. Share with us by completing this form.

Aging Well: Retired swim coach has spent his life as a waterman

HONOLULU (Island News) -- If you like water sports and grew up in Hawaii, there's a chance you met Richard "Sonny" Tanabe. The former coach and teacher spent most of his life involved in aquatics, which he credits for helping him in Aging Well. Tanabe is 89-years-old and still swims every day!

In February, Duke's Waikiki honored him with its Hoʻokahiko Award for people who dedicated their lives to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Click here to read the full story.

Columbus Fury Sign Bartsch-Hackley, Perović

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Fury have added experience and star power with the signing of U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, and 16-year pro Nikoleta Perović out of Montenegro.

Bartsch-Hackley spent seven seasons with the U.S. Women's National Team and was a member of the historic 2020 Olympic team that brought home the first gold in women's indoor volleyball for the United States. She was named the Best Outside Hitter of the tournament alongside teammate, Jordan Larson. She also won a gold medal in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in 2021 with the U.S. where she was named tournament MVP and Best Outside Hitter.

"Everybody knows what Michelle brings to the table," stated coach Pérez. "She is an Olympic gold medalist, has played in the best leagues in the world with the best clubs in the world, she was a champion in the Champions League in Europe, and a member of the US National team for the last 5-6 years. She is a proven winner, understands the game of volleyball like few people do, and will bring a lot of experience to a young group. She will help with the development of Reagan, Jenaisya, Sam and all of our young middles. She is a great addition to our group, adds depth to a position thatweneeded,andweexpectgreatthings."

Clickheretoreadthefullstory.

Michelle Bartsch-Hackley with Robin Burrow, Fury Owner

Photo courtesy Diane Ako, Island News

Fury team after their win on Sunday night (3/24) against Atlanta (3-1).

U.S. OLYMPIANS & PARALYMPIANS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2021-2024)

Caryn Davies | President

Rowing, 2004, 2008, 2012

Bob Balk | Vice President

Para Skiing, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006

Para Athletics 1996 2000

Lydia R. Murphy-Stephans | Vice President Long Track Speedskating, 1984

Dick Fosbury | Immediate Past President (Posthumously)

Track & Field 1968

GET INVOLVED!

This year, USOPA will elect eight (8) Members-At-Large to the USOPA Executive Committee. Four (4) candidates will be elected to serve a two-year term (2025-2027) while an additional four (4) candidates will be elected to serve a four-year term (2025-2029).

As a member of the USOPA Executive Committee, your commitment would be:

Per the operating guidelines, there shall be three virtual and one in-person meetings per year. The president sets the meeting agendas and has the authority to call additional virtual meetings should the need arise.

Oversee at least one internal USOPA committee (engagement and service focused) where additional meetings may be needed.

Attend the annual meeting in-person (paid for by the USOPC). Attend, promote, and provide support to local initiatives in your area as a representative of USOPA as schedules permit.

To qualify for one of the eight (8) Member-At-Large positions, you must satisfy the following: Be in good standing with the USOPC, adhering to any applicable policies and codes of conduct (SafeSport, completed background check)

Have been named as an athlete member of an official U.S. delegation at any Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Full completion of the nomination form.

The timeline for this process will be as follows:

Nomination close date: April 30, 2024

Election open date: May 20, 2024

Election close date: June 14, 2024

Target announcement date: June 28, 2024

COMING SOON: Exploring Health Outcomes of Retired Team USA Athletes

The Sports Medicine Research Team and Data and Innovation Team within the Department of Sports Medicine at the USOPC are devoted to identifying ways in which we can optimize the health, wellness, and performance of Team USA athletes. Specifically, our emphasis is centered on developing data-informed strategies to reduce injuries and illnesses across the lifespan of a Team USA athlete (i.e., from our developmental athletes through retirement from elite sport).

An area that our teams wish to explore is to look at health outcomes in Team USA athletes throughout their athletic career and determine that factors associated with the occurrence of those respective outcomes.

By exploring health outcomes in our retired Team USA athletes, we are then able to: 1) understand the health of elite athletes after retirement, 2) consider ways to optimize training and success for current and future athletes during and after their careers, and 3) minimize the potential for any adverse health outcomes that may be associated with sport participation.

To move forward with this large initiative, there is a need to capture these data from our retired Team USA athletes. Over the coming months, we will be working to design a longitudinal project aimed at determining the health of retired elite athletes that will serve as the foundation for our efforts in improving Team USA health and wellness. Once

we have our project finalized, we will distribute the details to our Team USA alumni in hopes of getting a cohort of retired athletes to participate in this project. Most importantly, in addition to using these data to improve the health, wellness, and performance of current and future Team USA athletes, these data will be shared with you!

If there are any initial questions, please feel free to reach out to the below contacts.

William Adams, PhD, ATC, FACSM Associate Director of Sports Medicine Research

William.adams@usopc.org Lex Gidley, PhD Data Scientist

TEAM USA HOUSE

Alumni Access for Olympics and/or Paralympics

As a valued stakeholder, each alumnus who travels to Paris will receive the following VIP passes: (1) pass per day during the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games for personal use and (2) one-day passes total per alumni during the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games to be distributed as they choose. Alumni can refer to the general Olympics Team USA House FAQ and the general Paralympics Team USA House FAQ for more details.

TEAM USA HOUSE FIRST LOOK

Courtesy Team USA Athletes’ Commission

Additional Olympics Standalone Tickets for First or Second Floor

In early-February, the USOPC reached out to key stakeholders, including alumni, to offer a second window to purchase additional standalone tickets for the VIP/second floor space and/or first floor/general public space. While the March 29 deadline has passed, the USOPC will continue to consider requests. But we would encourage all key stakeholders to submit any requests ASAP. Alumni can utilize this link to submit requests for additional standalone tickets. Once orders are received, the USOPC will review requests based on daily capacity, then contact the individual requesting tickets to confirm which requests are approved. The USOPC will then connect the individual with On Location to purchase all approved tickets.

Additional

Paralympics

Standalone Tickets for First Floor Only

In mid-March, the USOPC reached out to key stakeholders, including alumni, with information regarding the Paralympics Team USA House on the first floor of the Palais Brongniart. Alumni can utilize this link to submit orders for standalone tickets.

Paralympics Private Event Space on Second Floor

Paralympics private event space on the second floor can be reserved by select stakeholder groups for seated meals or receptions in the evening at an additional cost. Please refer to this Paralympics second-floor private event space FAQ for additional details on the space and this process. We asked that individuals complete this private event space request form for each event they would like to host by Friday, April 12. The USOPC will review all requests and inform stakeholders of the status of their requests by the end of April. Once informed, stakeholders will work with a USOPC representative to finalize food and beverage orders.

MAKING TEAM USA

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties (USOPP), in association with the nation’s largest Internet provider and official Team USA Partner, Xfinity, and media rights holder NBCUniversal, recently announced the launch of Making Team USA presented by Xfinity, a first-of-its-kind marketing and sponsorship platform created to spotlight athletes and invite fans to connect with Team USA on the journey to qualifying for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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, behindthe-scenes content, gamification and other firstof-its-kind digital experiences on the newly launched TeamUSA.com to learn more about each athlete.

LA28 OLYMPIAN/PARALYMPIAN FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

Summer 2024

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. Click here to read more.

About the Fellowship

The LA28 Olympian/Paralympian Fellowship Program is a year-long program with two six-month rotations through LA28’s operational teams. Successful candidates will perform two rotations on separate teams. The first will be July through December 2024 and the second will be January through June 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 oneyear commitment.

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

March 1 - Applications open

April 29- Applications close

April-May - Application review and interviews

May 30 – Offers extended

July 1, 2024 - 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.

Wednesday April 3 @ 12:00 PM PST | Register Here

Wednesday April 10 @ 5:00 PM PST | Register Here

AMERICA’S ATHLETES. YOUR MUSEUM.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum is more than just a repository of history it's a celebration of your remarkable journeys. You've broken barriers, conquered challenges, and inspired generations. Now, it's time to relive those moments and share your legacy with the world.

As esteemed U.S. Olympic and Paralympic alumni, you hold the key to unlock a lifetime of complimentary access to the Museum, along with exclusive benefits through our Athlete Membership program. From unlimited year-round admission to discounts at the Museum Shop and special rates for your loved ones, your membership offers a host of privileges.

Would you like to further enrich our collection with your own piece of history? Consider loaning or donating an artifact by reaching out to curator@usopm.org. To plan your visit and activate your membership, simply drop us a line at athletes@usopm.org.

We can't wait to welcome you to your museum and embark on this extraordinary journey together.

Curator Collection

On March 21, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum hosted its March Madness Curator Collection which covered the history of Team USA Basketball and USA Wheelchair Basketball with an up-close look at artifacts like Larry Bird's Barcelona 1992 Dream Team Olympic ring and Kobe Bryant's Beijing 2008 jersey. These items, and other memorabilia signed by some of America's greatest basketball players, have been kindly loaned to the museum from USA Basketball's archives.

TEAM USA TIME MACHINE

On January 25, 2024,

the USOPC celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Chamonix 1924. One hundred years after hosting the world's first Olympic Winter Games, France will host its fifth Olympic Games and second Paralympic Games this summer. Check out the images below pulled from our very own Crawford Family U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Archives located on HQ’s second floor and supporting information from our TBTT archives team about this exciting milestone.

Charles Jewtraw, originally from Lake Placid, NY made history 100 years ago by becoming the first gold medalist at the first Olympic Winter Games. Representing Team USA at the Chamonix Olympic Winter Games held from Jan. 25 – Feb. 5, 1924, Charles competed in three speed skating events. On Saturday, Jan. 26, Charles took the ice for his best event, the 500m, and outsprinted Norway’s Oskar Olsen for a finishing time of 44.00 and an Olympic victory.

Frank Zuna Competes in 1920 and 1924 Olympic Marathons

Marathon trials were a little more than a month ago, but Team USA’s participation in the Olympic marathon goes back much further. One of our earliest marathoners is Frank Zuna, a plumber from Newark, N.J.. Frank was a two-time Olympian who competed in 1920 and 1924. Although his highest finish in the Olympic marathon was 18th, he found more success running in the United States, where he won the 1921 Boston Marathon, racking up three top three finishes in Boston over the course of his running career.

Remembering fellow USOPA members

2023

Lynne Allsup | Swimming, 1964

May 16, 2023

Jerry Armstrong | Boxing, 1960

May 7, 2023

Gregory Boester | Ski & Snowboard, 1994

December 29, 2023

Ralph Boston | Track & Field, 1960, '64, '68

April 30, 2023

Michael Botticelli | Figure Skating, 1980

February 28, 2023

Henry Boucha | Ice Hockey, 1972

September 18, 2023

Frentorish "Tori" Bowie | Track & Field, 2016

May 2, 2023

Russell Camilleri | Wrestling, 1960, '64

November 5, 2023

Peter Campbell | Water Polo, 1984, '88

January 11, 2023

John "Big Jake" Carenza | Soccer, 1972

March 16, 2023

Thomas Courtney | Track & Field, 1956

August 22, 2023

James "Butch" Curry | Weightlifting, 1980

September 15, 2023

Calvin Davis | Track & Field, 1996

May 1, 2023

Walter Davis | Basketball, 1976

November 2, 2023

Robert Dean | Team Handball, 1976

April 19, 2023

Terry Dischinger | Basketball, 1960

October 10, 2023

Herbert "Herb" Douglas | Track & Field, 1948

April 22, 2023

Joseph Druar | Figure Skating, 1988

July 27, 2023

Edward Ferry | Rowing, 1964

September 18, 2023

Richard "Dick" Fosbury | Track & Field, 1968

March 12, 2023

Gregory Foster | Track & Field, 1984

February 19, 2023

Kevin Freeman | Equestrian, 1964, '68, '72

March 10, 2023

Amy Fuller Kearney | Rowing, 1992, '96, '00

March 11, 2023

Patrick Gasienica | Swimming, 1964

May 16, 2023

Harvey Glance | Track & Field, 1976, '80, '84

June 12, 2023

Eric Griffin | Boxing, 1992

October 7, 2023

Burdette "Burdie" Haldorson | Basketball, 1956, '60

October 13, 2023

Jeffrey Hamilton | Ski & Snowboard, 1992

January 10, 2023

James "Jim" Hines | Track & Field, 1968

June 3, 2023

Charles "Champ" Hough | Equestrian, 1952

March 27, 2023

Lee James, Jr. | Weightlifting, 1976

February 11, 2023

Jimmy Kim | Taekwondo, 1988

June 23, 2023

Robert "Bobby" Knight | Basketball, Coach 1984

November 1, 2023

Andrew Larkin | Rowing, 1968

August 11, 2023

Carol Lavell | Equestrian, 1992

March 27, 2023

Virgil Luken | Swimming, 1964

June 10, 2023

Richard Lydze | Diving, 1972

November 28, 2023

Tommy Martin | Judo, 1976, '80

February 4, 2023

Patricia "Pat" McCormick Keller | Diving, 1952, '56

March 7, 2023

Nikki McCray | Basketball, 1996, '00

July 7, 2023

Richard "Terry" McDermott | Speedskating, 1960, '64, '68

May 20, 2023

Marilyn Mcreavy Nolen | Volleyball, 1968

April 13, 2023

James Melcher | Fencing, 1972

April 17, 2023

Harry "Buddy" Melges Jr. | Sailing, 1964, '72

May 18, 2023

Remembering fellow USOPA members

Roland Muhlen | Canoe/Kayak, 1972, '76, Coach 1980

February 1, 2023

Harvey Newton | Weightlifting, Coach 1984

March 29, 2023

Jeremy Nobis | Ski & Snowboard, 1994

April 19, 2023

Weldon "Weldy" Olson | Hockey, 1956, '60

May 16, 2023

James Parker | Track & Field, 2004

May 16, 2023

R. Todd Reynolds | Figure Skating, 1994

May 16, 2023

Robert "Bob" Richards | Track & Field, 1948, '52, '56

May 16, 2023

John Sayre | Rowing, 1960

May 16, 2023

Dean Smith | Track & Field, 1952

May 16, 2023

Raymond "Bud" Somerville | Curling, 1988, '92, Coach '02

May 16, 2023

Silas "Eddie" Southern | Track & Field, 1956

May 16, 2023

Constance Stoll | Track & Field, 1952, '56

May 16, 2023

Nancy Storrs | Rowing, 1976, '80

May 16, 2023

Gregory Tafralis | Track & Field, 1988

May 16, 2023

Scott Taylor | Pentathlon, 1972

May 16, 2023

Edwin Teague | Shooting, 1964

May 16, 2023

Guy Troy | Modern Pentathlon, 1952

May 16, 2023

Pedro Velasco Jr. | Volleyball, 1964, '68

May 16, 2023

Mabel Walker | Track & Field, 1948

May 16, 2023

Adolph Weinacker | Track & Field, 1948, '52, '56

May 16, 2023

James "Jimmy" Wofford | Equestrian, 1968, '72, '80, '84

May 16, 2023

Eli Wolff | Para Soccer, 2004

May 16, 2023

Lee Yoder | Track & Field, 1952

May 16, 2023

Thomas Yurkovich | Hockey, 1964

May 16, 2023 2024

David Conklin | Sled Hockey, 1998, '02, '06

January 26, 2024

Albert Contello | Track & Field, 1960

January 17, 2024

Caroline Holmes | Gymnastics, 1968

February 22, 2024

Barton Jahncke | Sailing, 1968

January 7, 2023

Mary Meyers | Speedskating, 1968

March 21, 2024

USOPA community mourns the loss of fellow team member Caroline "Ping" Pingatore Holmes

The USOPA community is deeply saddened to have lost one of its most beloved and engaged leaders with the unexpected passing of Caroline "Ping" Pingatore Holmes during the month of February.

Caroline was the recipient of the 2016 Dorothy Franey Langkop Ambassador Award, and most recently presented the award to the 2023 recipient, Donna de Varona. Caroline’s passion and enthusiasm for the movement was unparalleled and it was shown brightly as she welcomed her friend to a very special group of USOPA members. It is safe to say that her spirit will be missed, but never forgotten.

The Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund (OPRF) is dedicated to providing charitable assistance to United States Olympians & Paralympians who demonstrate a significant need due to hardship as a result from illness, death or other extenuating circumstances. Learn more at www.opr.fund.

THE OLYMPIAN & PARALYMPIAN

April 2024 Issue

Editorial Staff

Production Director

Morgan Palmer

Chief Editors

Lisa Milne

Christine Taylor