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Olympians 2
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Page 1
 Michael
Johnson – Track & Field
After his stunning
double-gold performance in the 1996 Olympics, Johnson, the man with
the golden shoes became first man ever to defend an Olympic title
in the 400-meters, completing the feat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
He picked up another gold, anchoring the 4x400-meter relay. The greatest
combination sprinter (100-200-400) in history, Johnson has worked
with coach Clyde Hart since leaving high school. He wrote the autobiographical
book, "Slaying the Dragon," in 1996. He says he did not
envision his stunning 19.32 world record in the Olympics. Johnson
pulled up injured in the much-hyped 1997 match race with Donovan Bailey
over 150m. He says he plans to compete through the 2001 Goodwill Games
 Marion
Jones – Track & Field
When David Letterman asked Marion Jones how she has
won so many races, she answered in her usual straight, no-bull style:
"Run fast," she said. She could have added a few superlatives,
such as "very fast" or, even more appropriately, "faster
than anybody else." While modesty isn't a common aspect of her
character, Jones is content to understate her methodology for success.
Her meteoric rise
has been remarkable. "How good is Marion Jones?" Sports
Illustrated asks, "Here is an answer straight and simple as the
100 itself: she is the greatest sprint talent ever." At the 1997
Nationals, she beat Olympic champion Gail Devers in the 100m, and
Jackie Joyner-Kersee in the long jump. Later that year, Jones claimed
the title of "World's Fastest Woman" by winning the 100-meter
final at the World Championship in Athens, Greece. In 1998 she was
nearly undefeated, winning 35 of 36 competitions in four different
events. At the 1999 World Meet, she won the 100m and earned the bronze
medal in the long jump. Her season ended painfully in the 200m semi's
when she crumpled to the track, suffering from back spasms. By that
point, she was already ranked No.1 in the world in the 100 and the
200, and third in the long jump. Her first Olympic appearance in Sydney,
capped off a world-class effort, when she captured a record five medals,
three gold and two bronze medals.
 Jackie
Joyner-Kersee – Track & Field
One of ESPN’s 50
Greatest Athletes of the Century, Sports Illustrated Female Athlete
of the Century, Jackie Joyner-Kersee dominated the sort of track and
field for more than 20 years: setting world and American records that
still exist today. Born in East St. Louis, Illinois and lacking in
material possession, her family never failed to provide her with an
abundance of love and support. Jackie was also blessed with talent
and an unshakable belief in herself. Ask Jackie what her limits are,
and she’ll say she has none. As she often tells audience during her
motivational speeches, "The only person who can stop you from
reaching your goals is you!" The new century has Jackie continuing
on the successful path she has traveled: busy making even more strides,
and opening more doors of opportunity for the next generation.
 Karch
Kiraly – Volleyball
Karch Kiraly
has one of the biggest names in the sport of volleyball and has the
trophies and prizes to support it. Three Olympic gold medals and almost
$3 million in career prize money just begins to cover his success
on both the hardwood floor of the indoor game as well as the outdoor
sand court. The sport has chose him as "Best Player in the World"
on two occasions. In 1984, he helped lead the Americans to at the
Los Angeles Olympic Games and, as captain, Karch and his teammates
found gold again at the 1998 Seoul Olympics, where he was voted the
Tournament MVP. Devoting his time to the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
full-time in 1900, he was voted the league MVP six times and is the
all-time money winner in the sport. In 1996, he and partner Kent Steffes
captured the first gold medal for the sport of beach volleyball at
the Atlanta Olympic Games.
 Lenny
Krayzelburg – Swimming
Currently the World Record
holder in two backstroke events, Lenny Krayzelburg now has more honors
to add to his collection - three Olympic gold medals. Lenny swam an
Olympic-record time in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2000 Olympic
Games in Sydney to win the gold and picked up golds in the 200-meter
backstroke and the 4 x 100 medley relay. In August of 1999, where
Krayzelburg broke an unprecedented three world records in the 50,
100 and 200 meter backstroke events on his way to winning three gold
medals at the Pan Pacific Championships held in Sydney. Lenny was
the first man in swimming history to accomplish this feat. With his
well-documented rise from Ukrainian immigrant to gold medal and world
record holder, Krayzelburg has captured the hearts of America. With
a winning smile and an endearing personality it is easy to see why
he was named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People."
 Tommy
Lasorda – Baseball
'My heart bleeds Dodger
blue.' That is the message that Tommy Lasorda has been delivering
for the past 51 years. But now, as manager of Team USA, it is red,
white and blue. Lasorda knows about representing his country. He was
a soldier for the U.S. Army in 1945 and 1946, and he has stood firm
on his beliefs about the American Flag. Lasorda holds loyalty -- toward
country and team -- close to his heart. In his 20 seasons as manager
of the Dodgers, he won two World Series titles and four National League
Pennants. A 1996 heart attack brought America's most popular motivator
from the clubhouse to the Dodger front office, but Hall of Famer Tommy
Lasorda is a true winner whose 40 years with the same organization
have made him a model for teamwork and dedication. Now, his trophy
case is incomplete with an Olympic gold medal captured after a stunning
defeat of the Cubans.
  Pablo
Morales – Swimming
Pablo Morales
has been described as an exceptionally talented athlete driven by
an incredible work ethic. He held the world record in the 100 meter
butterfly from 1986 to 1995. At the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, Morales
won three medals, a gold and two silvers. The winningest swimmer in
collegiate history, he captured a record 11 individual NCAA championships,
one short of the maximum possible in a four-year career. In addition
to his outstanding achievements in the pool, Morales was named to
the Academic All-America First Team and won Stanford University’s
Al Masters Award, the school’s highest honor for athletic performance,
leadership and academic achievement. After failing to make the 1988
Olympic swim team, he enrolled in Cornell Law School. He was given
permission to postpone his final year in order to pursue his dream
of returning to the Olympics. Following a grueling six-month comeback
training regimen, Morales not only won the 100 meter butterfly at
the 1992 Olympic Trials, but went on to capture two gold medals in
Barcelona; the 100 meter butterfly and the 4 x 100 meter medley relay.
This became one of the classic stories of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
 Ann
Meyers Drysdale – Basketball
Ann Meyers was born to
a large Catholic family of 11 children and she quickly learned how
compete against the boys. She excelled in sports and broke new ground
for all women athletes. The word "first" dominates her resume.
She was UCLA’s first female full scholarship athlete and the first
four-year All-American college basketball player, male or female.
In 1978, she received the Broderick Cup (the Heisman Trophy for women’s
sports). At the 1976 Olympics, in the first women’s basketball medal
competition, Annie led the U.S. Women’s Team to the silver medal.
In 1978, she was the Women’s Basketball League’s (WBL) first draft
pick and was voted League MVP. When the Indiana Pacers signed her,
she became the first woman to sign an NBA contract. In addition, she
was the first team athlete inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of
Fame, the first woman inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame and, in
1993 she was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
 John
Naber – Swimming
John Naber captured four
gold medals at the Olympics in Montreal, becoming America’s most decorated
athletes at those games. During Naber’s climb to the top of the sports
world and his subsequent role as commentator and host on ABC’s Wide
World of sports and ESPN, John has become an observer or excellence
and outstanding motivational speaker. John has conceptualized an effective
method by which we call can see our dreams come true.
His recently-published
book Awaken the Olympian Within…Stories from America’s Greatest
Olympic Motivators is a collection of inspiration essays, written
by the Olympians themselves, which includes personal anecdotes of
struggle and triumph which can motivate the reader to achieve their
own dreams in almost any endeavor. They speak on diverse topics that
are both entertaining and inspirational and, more than great athletes,
they are outstanding communicators, personalities and leaders in the
Olympic movement. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that the leadership
of America’s corporations frequently call upon John and the Olympians
in the book to inspire and motivate their employees to attempt excellence.
 Dan
O’Brien – Decathalon
The Decathlon
Champion is one athlete that captivates the world’s imagination. As
the embodiment of diversity, perseverance and commitment, the decathlete
is not only a symbol of his sport but also humanity. As a three-time
World Champion, Dan's determination soared to even greater heights
as he prepared for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He dominated
the competition and earned the sixth highest decathlon point total
in history. Through his perseverance, he emerged valiantly, won the
gold medal and earned the title of "World's Greatest Athlete."
After his decisive
Olympic victory in Atlanta, Dan was forced to take time off due to
injury. His first major competition after the 1996 Olympic Games would
be the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York. After two years away from
competition, Dan triumphed over injury and doubt. In victory, Dan
nearly broke his own world record and proved that he will remain as
one of the best decathlon champions in history. Dan O’Brien is creating
his own legacy in the sport of Track and Field and the Olympic Games.
 Summer
Sanders – Swimming
The success of
Summer Sanders has grown exponentially in her young career. At only
26 years of age, this vivacious California native is realizing that
nearly everything she touches turns to gold. Sanders stormed on to
the international scene at the 1990 Goodwill Games. She captured two
gold medals and ended Janet Evans’ three-year unbeaten streaks at
major meets and four-year undefeated string in the 400-meter individual
medley. She emerged from Barcelona s the most decorated U.S. swimmer,
winning two golds, a silver and a bronze medal.
Summer retired
from swimming in December of 1993 to pursue a career in television.
She has worked on a variety of network and cable shows including the
1996 Summer Olympics for NBC and Lifetime’s coverage of the WNBA.
Summer was also the hostess for MTV’s sports show "Sandblast"
during it’s first season. Summer can now be seen as the host of Nickelodeon’s
extremely popular game show for children, "Figure it Out"
and as a co-host on the NBA’s "Inside Stuff." She also contributes
valuable time to Unicef in her role as a Special Representative.
 Sinjin
Smith – Beach Volleyball
Christopher St. John
"Sinjin" Smith was a dominating force on the Pro Beach Volleyball
Tour and has earned the title of "King of the Beach." Opting
to play on the beach and grow the sport professionally, rather than
play indoors, he went on to win 12 World Championship titles. He has
served his sport as president of the Association of Volleyball Professionals
(AVP), as the player’s commissioner for the Federation of International
Volleyball (FIVB) and president of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World
Council. He was instrumental in getting beach volleyball accepted
as a medal sport in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. In Atlanta,
he realized a life-long dream of being an Olympian. It was a remarkable
accomplishment for a 39-year-old. His All-American good looks have
led him to opportunities in modeling, television and feature film
roles and he was featured in People Magazine’s Fifty Most Beautiful
people issue.
 Picabo
Street – Alpine Skiing
Alpine skier Picabo
Street was one of the most successful downhill skiers of the 1990s,
noted for her natural talent and easygoing charm, she became one of
the most popular figures of the sport, both in the United States and
abroad. She earned a silver medal in the downhill at the 1994 Olympic
Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. During an extraordinary 1994-95
season, Street captured six downhill victories in nine races on the
World Cup circuit to become the first non-European ever to win the
downhill title. She repeated as the World Cup downhill champion in
1995-96, adding three more circuit victories as well as first- (downhill)
and third-place (supergiant slalom) finishes at the world Alpine ski
championships. In December 1996, however, Street suffered a serious
knee injury that required surgery and put her out of competition for
the remainder of the 1996-97 season. She returned to the slopes for
the 1997-98 season and surprised many when she won the supergiant
slalom at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Her gold-medal victory
was by the slimmest margin (0.01 sec) in the history of Olympic Alpine
competition.
 Sheryl
Swoopes– Basketball
Sheryl Swoopes
won back-to-back gold medals in women’s basketball leading the U.S.
to victory at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. These medals are just
the icing on the cake for the 6’0’ basketball player from Brownfield,
Texas. Upon graduating from Texas Tech, she was honored as National
Player of the Year by eight different organizations, including USA
Today and Sports Illustrated. This list of awards continued
with the Babe Zaharias Female Amateur Athlete of the Year award, an
ESPY for the Best College Female Basketball Player, and The Team Player
of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation. Sheryl has made history
by her accomplishments as a college player and as an Olympian. She
is the first woman athlete to have a pair of shoes named for her,
"Air Swoopes." She again, re-wrote the history books by
being the first player to sign with the Women’s National Basketball
Association (WNBA). Sheryl’s return to the court was delayed by the
birth of her son, Jordan, although she managed to join the Houston
Comets prior to the playoffs and lead them to the inaugural WNBA Championship
and successful defense of their title the following two years.
 Jenny
Thompson – Swimming
Jenny Thompson entered the 2000 Sydney Games having
won five Olympic gold medals -- all in relays and she left as the
most decorated U.S. female athlete in Olympic history winning a total
of nine medals (7 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze). Going into the games,
her five gold medals tied her with speed skater Bonnie Blair for most
Olympic golds won by an American woman. After the first day of competition
at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre, however, Thompson separated
herself from Blair by winning her sixth gold. Once again, the victory
came in a relay as Thompson and her U.S. teammates took the 4x100-meter
freestyle event in a world record time of 3:36.61. She picked up her
second gold of the Olympics and seventh overall in the 4x200-meter
freestyle capturing an individual gold medal eluded Jenny throughout
her Olympic career.
 Amy
Van Dyken – Swimming
At the age of six, when
a doctor suggested she take up swimming to help relieve her asthma,
the thought of becoming an Olympic champion was far from Amy Van Dyken’s
mind. In fact, she could not even swim the length of the pool until
the age of twelve. However, at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta,
Van Dyken won two individual medals and two team medals to become
the first American woman ever to win four gold medals in a single
Olympics. This feat made her the most decorated athlete, male or female,
of the 1996 Games. At the 2000 Sydney Games, Amy added a fifth gold
medal to her collection in the 4 x 100-meter Freestyle Relay. Her
five gold medals ties her with Bonnie Blair as the second highest
among U.S. female Olympains.
She was named by
Swimming World Magazine as the 1995 American Female Swimmer of the
Year and as the 1996 Athlete of the Year by United States Swimming.
She has also been awarded the title of the Individual Athlete of the
Year from the Women’s Sports Foundation and has been nominated for
the prestigious Sullivan Award for the nation’s best athlete.
 Peter
Vidmar – Gymnastics
Peter Vidmar became the
premier male gymnast for the United States at the 1984 Olympic Games
in Los Angeles. As USA team captain, he led his teammates to their
stunning gold medal victory over the People’s Republic of China. Peter
went on to win the silver medal in the All-Around competition, making
him the only American male ever to do so. With a perfect score of
10.0, he also captured the gold medal on the pommel horse. A member
of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, Peter is the highest-scoring American
male gymnast in Olympic history. Today, he has become well known as
a motivator of America’s top corporations and associations by blending
his thoughts, humor and anecdotes with a live performance on the pommel
horse demonstrating ROV (Risk, Opportunity and Virtuosity). His high-energy
and sense of drama produce standing ovations time and time again.
Perhaps that’s why Successful Meeting magazine has listed him
as one of the top 10 speakers in the country.
 Laura
Wilkinson – Diving
It took 36 years, but
Laura Wilkinson was up to the task when she captured the gold medal
in the 10-meter platform at the Olympic Games in Sydney, an event
the American’s had not won since 1964. Laura came into the final in
fifth place, but that didn’t deter her. Neither did her foot that
was broken in March and have to wait until after the Games to be operated
on. With nothing to lose she put together the best performance of
her life and stopped a dominating Chinese team that had won four straight
Olympic titles. Laura’s victory came by the slimest of margins winning
by just 1.74 points. As Laura realized her dream and defied the odds,
she certainly provided the youth in the country with a reason to follow
their dreams no matter what they are, because she showed the country
that through hard work and perseverance dreams can come true.
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