Carissa Gump, 2008 Olympian

My adopted Gold Medal Mama

2009-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sherry points her finger at weightlifter Carissa Gump to remind her that she has the tender love and care - as well as the authority - of a mother.

Gold-medal mom

by Stuart Lieberman / June 30, 2009

A group of new resident women wrestlers received a warmer welcome than expected last Thursday at the United States Olympic Training Center here in Colorado Springs.

Immediately they learned they weren't far from home.

"I'm Sherry," said Sherry Von Riesen. "Most of you know me. I'm Mom. If you need a mom here, I'll be here to help you and take care of you."

Stepping into Sherry's office, one gets a whiff of nostalgia of the 12 years she has lived at the Training Center, tending to each athlete's needs. There's very little white space on her walls. Her office is covered with pictures of her embracing elite athletes, those who fell just short of victory, and of course, her family members.

From all of the tokens of appreciation in her office, and the messages left by athletes on her whiteboard, it's clear she is unconditionally admired by all.

The roots of this admiration began about 20 years ago, when Sherry traveled around the country with her sons to their NCAA gymnastics competitions. She created a "Mom's club" for those who traveled with their sons to meets. The moms added flavor to their gymnastics road trips, baking cookies for all of the competitors.

Of course, it was Sherry who headed the group.

After selling her home in Denver to her children, Sherry moved to the Training Center and brought her love and kindness with her.

Her motherly expertise here includes everything from community programming and medical assistance, to planning cultural events and even the occasional girl talk.

She works with Boys and Girls Clubs and helps athletes market themselves. Since these athletes live, train and work here, it's easy to get cabin fever. So it's Sherry who plans off-complex trips, including meals and shopping.

But most importantly, she takes care of their "boo-boos," bringing the athletes in for surgery when needed. In addition to getting hurt physically, emotional "boo-boos" can take a toll on athletes. This is where Sherry does some of her best work.

Weightlifter Carissa Gump goes to Sherry for just about anything.

"She's a little spitfire,'' Gump said. "I tell her stuff like I tell my mom."

Modern pentathlete Will Brady likes to joke around with the dorm mom. For one of Sherry's birthdays, Brady and his buddies stuffed a bunch of balloons in Sherry's room, so when she opened the door they all flew out at her.

"It's all about you, Sherry," Brady said. "It's all about you."

But Sherry's presence does not end at the Training Center gates.

Gymnast David Durante called Sherry one night asking her to pick him up at the airport. Sherry immediately agreed, not knowing he meant the Denver airport. Once he told her which airport he was at, she still couldn't say no.

"You can't say no to athletes," Sherry said. "I'm a warm fuzzy. They're all my babies."

These days, she makes time to go around the country to visit former resident-athletes.

Although Sherry was unable to attend the Olympic Games last summer in Beijing, she stayed back in Colorado Springs to comfort those who didn't quite make it.

Her presence even extends into the virtual world, as she has numerous athletes requesting her friendship on Facebook daily, and recently began tweeting.

For many athletes, Sherry is the first one they call after winning a medal.

But no matter how many medals athletes have won or how many planes they've taken to get to World Championship competitions, they'll always need a mom.

"I open my door and I have 150 kids," Sherry said. "Am I insane? Yes."

Full article can be found at :http://teamusa.org/blog/post/925

Jason and Carissa Gump share a strong bond

2009-06-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jason and Carissa Gump share a strong bond

Marty Gitlin - USOC June 04, 2009

Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Jason Gump of the USA lifts weights in the Snatch during the Men's Weightlifting Competition, 94kg group, at the XIV Pan American Games.

Jason and Carissa Gump are not only husband and wife, but also they are two of the premier weightlifters in the United States.

They traveled very different roads to lift themselves the top of their sport, but this week they will be together --- Jason as a competitor and Carissa as his coach --- for the Pan-American and U.S. National Weightlifting Championships. The event, set for this week, will be held at the UIC Forum at the University of Illinois-Chicago. This meet also serves as the first-round qualifier for the 2011 Pan-Am Games.

How this couple got to this point is a story in and of itself.

Carissa, who grew up in Vermont, had the psychological disadvantage of being a female in a sport more accepted by males.

She felt a desire to lift competitively just before her teenage years, but feared she would be ostracized for it. When she stopped concerning herself with how others might react, she embraced the sport. Once that happened, she became a champion.

"I actually started weightlifting when I was 12 or 13 years old," Carissa said. "The physical education teacher was also the weightlifting coach and he had an after-school program. I took it in sixth grade, but I didn't like it because I was the only girl.

"But the coach was persistent with me,'' she added. "He started begging my mom to get me to join. So I tried again in eighth grade and I stuck with it. It became something to do for fun, and by that time there were other girls I was weightlifting with. It was fun to hang out with those other girls and we became friends."

Less than two years after taking up the sport, Carissa won a silver medal at the Junior National Championships. And at the age of 16, she earned the gold in the same event and placed fourth in the American Open. A year later, she was named Vermont Sportswoman of the Year.

Carissa, who competes in the 63-kilogram weight class, was merely warming up. She participated in her first World Weightlifting Championships in 2002, finishing 15th, then snagged the gold in the 2002 and 2003 American Open.

But it was at another event in 2003 that changed her life. As she prepared for the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, another U.S. competitor caught her attention: Jason. The two struck up a conversation, then eventually a relationship.

"I met him in the cafeteria when he was sitting with one of the other guys," Carissa said. "He had a girlfriend at that time, but I sent him an e-mail a couple months later and kept in touch. We started dating after the (world championships) in 2003."

Jason began his weightlifting career several years earlier than his wife. He was 9 when he started, but admits that he didn't take the sport seriously then. He used it as a means of getting out of the house and staying busy.

Then he started competing and winning, and that boosted his self-confidence.

"I was winning every event, so I figured that this is something I'm good at," Jason said. "It was something I could brag about to my friends. It set me off on the right foot. But what I learned about weightlifting is that it's one of the hardest sports. Other sports came easy, but this was a sport I really had to work at. I don't know if I really love the sport or if it's become more of a habit."

Jason began experiencing back problems in 2003 and was forced to sit out much of 2004, which prompted him to undergo surgery in 2005. Another back injury sidelined him in 2007, but he recently returned to take first place in the 94-kilogram weight class at the Arnold Festival in Columbus. That qualified Jason for nationals.

What he is particularly proud of, however, is that he is married to an Olympian. Carissa placed second in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but she had already secured a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics by earning the gold at Nationals. She took 13thin the Olympic Games.

"I don't think it was until 2006 or 2007 when I felt I could make the Olympic team," she said. "I've always struggled with my confidence, but in 2006 and 2007 I had a plan and it worked out perfectly..

"It's still hard for me to believe and I can't say it's even hit me yet. It was such an awesome experience. The whole thing was kind of surreal. Actually, I had made the team after (winning the gold medal in the 2008 Nationals), but I had no idea that I had made it. It was unbelievable. I was in absolute shock."

The Gumps wed in 2006, but one might not know they are two of the premier weightlifters in America by visiting their house.

"We have that in common, but it's not like weightlifting is what we're all about as a couple," Carissa said. "What makes us a couple is that we're best friends, not weightlifting. We have a normal house. We have all our trophies in the spare bedroom, but other than that, you couldn't even tell we were weightlifters. We're just happy that we're both good at it."

http://teamusa.org/news/article/13292

Much Much Much to catch up on !

2009-05-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Last time I posted my husband and I were preparing to leave to go to the Arnold Classic Weightlifting Championships in Columbus, Ohio. My husband competed really well. He did 135kg in the snatch, and 177kg in the Clean and Jerk. He won the best overall male weightlifter of the meet ! I am very proud of him even though I did not get to see him compete ! I ended up getting the flu and brought to the hospital and hanging out there for 9 hours. Jason knew I was sick, but I made our coach promise he wouldn't tell Jason that I was on my way to the hospital via ambulance. (I wanted him to focus on the competition.) He ended up finishing the competition around 11:30pm and coming to see me to tell me the good news that he was going home with a little more money in his pocket from being the best overall lifter ! (Thanks to Big Ben Fuller, Coach Pol, Mrs. Coach Pol, Leo, Dave, Ian and Lauren for taking care of me !)

The weekend was full of old friends and faces from the past. The Arnold Classic is one of my most favorite competitions I have been too. The venue set up is great, there are many, many spectators and they've got one of the best chicken wing places I have ever been too, Roosters :) The photo below is of myself and Muscle Mike Martin. Mike and I were teammates on many Junior World Teams when we were younger and teammates at the Olympic Training Center in 2002. He was always playing big brother with me and pulling typical pranks. He is probably one of the strongest most composted athletes I know but he would never admit to that. We had not seen each other since 2003, so it was great seeing him and catching up ! The next photo below is of myself, my husband Jason, Coach Pol (My first coach), Mrs. Coach Pol and members of Team Vermont including Katie Polakowski who is the owner of some of the fastest legs in New England ! Check her out below....

Also, these GIRLS you see in the photo won the BEST High School Team in the country ! GO EHS!!!

(The multi-talented Katie Polakowski....she has competed in Soccer, Track and Weightlifting !)

My friend Missy !

2009-03-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Now THAT'S a woman!

Written by Steve Pulcinella

Monday, 30 March 2009 08:06

My wife Jalaine has just gone out to Colorado to visit her friend and olympic lifting teammate Missy Saucedo. They were throwing a baby shower for Missy, she is only three weeks out from her due date. While they were there Missy suggest they go into her garage and get in a workout before the party. Jalaine took these pictures of the Missy’s training session.

THIS is how you get into shape for birthin' babies!

Arnold Classic

2009-03-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend my husband and I will be traveling to Columbus, Ohio for the Arnold Classic Weightlifting Championships. I will not be competing but my husband will ! He has had great training the last couple of weeks. His parents will also be there to cheer him on, its always great to have family around. I will be busy as well volunteering my time to Columbus Weightlifting who is putting on the Olympic Weightlifting Competition, but of course I will be sneaking in a few workouts while I am there. I will be sure to post photos and results of this coming weekends events, we hope to bump into Arnold as well :)

Less than one year out from the Winter Olympics

2009-02-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Only 354 days to go until the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver Canada. I love the fact that there is an Olympic Games every 2 years ! Living at the Olympic Training Center I have had the opportunity to meet many athletes, however most of them are summer games athletes. The only winter Olympic sport we have had at the training center is speed skating. Unfortunately, after the 2006 games in Torino the speed skating program was relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Within the last 2 years the training center has seen another winter Olympic sport, figure skating. I have taken several college business courses with one of the pairs figure skaters, Rockne Brubaker. Rock and his partner Keauna are the 2007 & 2008 National Champions and are the United States top contenders for a medal in Vancouver. Other than Rock being a talented athlete he's also been a good friend helping me with my statistic and finance courses. Maybe someday I will repay him by teaching him how to lift weights....haha I wish him and his partner only the best but I know that they are going to be there in Vancouver on the top of the medal podium. So, come 354 days you know who I will be sitting on the couch cheering for !

Holiday Parade

2008-12-13T19:55:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I participated in the 2008 Colorado Springs Christmas Parade. There were 45 total athletes from the Olympic Training Center that participated as well as many many other floats and groups from Colorado Springs. We were honored enough to have Lopez Lomar who you may remember carrying the American flag at opening ceremonies leading Team USA. Lopez yet again lead our group of athletes by carrying the American Flag in front of the supportive community of Colorado Springs. We had a great time walking, waving and even jumping out of line here and there to high five people in the crowd. I was even able to find my parents in the crowd and ran over to high five them. My mom was going crazy....imagine that :) Walking to the start of the parade, I couldn't get any good pictures because it was so dark out !

Lopez Lomar USA Weightlifting Resident Athletes, Zach Krych, Patrick Judge and I

Make-A-Wish Foundation

2008-12-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

The USOC and Make-A-Wish Foundation held a Holiday Wish Store on December 8 at the Colorado Springs U.S. Olympic Training Center's visitor Center. The weather started to change quickly (it has a tendency to do that here !) and the snow was rolling in over the mountains. We had a good turn out, but I believe there would have had more children if the roads weren't starting freeze and the snow coming down. I did get to help 3 children, Joey, Cameron and Andrew shop for their families. They were all very happy to be there and buy presents for their families, friends and teachers. This was a great opportunity to work with children and give back to the community. This is something I would like to start doing every year on regular basis.

(All photos taken by Scott Cronk)

Photos from Habitat !

2008-12-02T21:14:00.001-08:00

Habitat for Humanity Olympic and Paralympic Build Day

2008-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

2008 U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Join Colorado Springs' Habitat for Humanity for Olympic and Paralympic Build Day Nov. 22 11/19/2008 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, as well as Olympic alumni and hopefuls, are joining together to celebrate the spirit of the Olympic Movement on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity in Colorado Springs, Colo. Also as a part of the Team for Tomorrow humanitarian fund, U.S. athletes around the country are working with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, spreading the spirit of Olympism while making a difference in their hometown communities. Beijing Olympians and Paralympians participating in Nov. 22's all-day build in Northeast Colorado Springs include U.S. flag bearer and track & field athlete Lopez Lomong (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and volleyball silver medalist Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif.). Joining them are cyclist Michael Blatchford (Cypress, Calif.), pentathlete Eli Bremer (Monument, Colo.), weightlifter Carissa Gump (Essex, Vt.), Paralympic cyclist and skier Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.), wrestler Brad Vering (Howells, Neb.) and women's volleyball coach Tom Hogan (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Also lending helping hands during the build day are 2004 Olympic fencer Cody Mattern-Nagengast (Tigard, Ore.), Olympic shooting hopeful Amy Sowash (Richmond, Ky.), three-time kayak Olympian and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and three-time handball Olympian and U.S. Paralympics staff member Laura Ryan (Colorado Springs, Colo.). The Colorado Springs family receiving the home after its completion will also work alongside the athletes during the build. Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity is a part of the USOC's Team for Tomorrow fund. Launched prior to the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Team for Tomorrow is the ongoing humanitarian relief effort of America's Olympic and Paralympic Teams that consists of donations, volunteerism and other relief contributions to organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the selected cause of the 2008 teams. Activities like the inaugural Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity allow America's top athletes to gain an even deeper meaning out of representing the United States as an Olympic and Paralympic athlete. Through the fund, athletes also help further the Olympic Ideals of goodwill, understanding, tolerance and harmony. Through the fund, several athletes have already donated service hours to Habitat for Humanity affiliates in communities around the nation, including Olympic race walker Phillip Dunn (San Diego, Calif.), Paralympic swimming gold medalist Aaron Paulson (Portland, Ore.) and Olympic field hockey players Lauren Powley (San Diego, Calif.) and Amy Tran (Norfolk, Va.). Dozens more U.S. athletes are expected to participate this winter and spring. Team for Tomorrow has also extended its reach beyond the United States to people in need around the globe. On behalf of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the USOC donated 1,000 relief tents to survivors of the May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan Province that left approximately 5 million people homeless. The tents, which can sleep 8-10 people each, were transported to Chengdu, Sichuan, China, where they have assisted thousands of victims who lost their homes in the earthquake. The earthquake relief efforts and the inaugural Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity are just two ways America's Olympians and Paralympians are making a difference beyond the playing fields. In the future, in partnership with the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the Team for Tomorrow fund will partner with other causes in the United States and around the world to continue spreading the spirit of the Olympic Movement. Media interested in attending the Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity, as well as obtaining photos or quotes, should contact Lindsay DeWall at lindsay.dewall@usoc.org. As a service to our readers, Around the Rings will provide verbatim texts of selected press releases issued by Olympic-related organizations, federations, businesses and sponsors. These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation. This article can be found at: http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=30979

America For Gold 5k Fun Run

2008-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 weeks ago I volunteered at the first ever America For Gold 5K fun run. There were about 10 athletes that showed up to participate. There were massage several therapists on site as well as two chiropractors for the runners to be treated by upon completing the run. Also there bagels and fruit were donated so everyone could have a bite to eat. And there off.....

The Winner !

I started the clock at the beginning of the face and then when the athletes crossed the finish line took down the times to determine placement.

I had a good time hanging out with Kevin, Emily, Will, Andrea, Eli, Cami and Blatchy !

Today Show Video and Article

2008-10-26T19:54:00.001-07:00

It always seems to be about food.....I guess that's what you get being a weightlifter !

Article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24947322/

Video: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24946805#24946805

See what's in my fridge !

2008-10-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

A really cool interactive Associated Press article I did before Beijing....check out what's in my fridge ! Click on this link: http://hosted.stats.com/interactives/olympics/oly_fridge/index.html#intro Click "See Carissa's fridge" and then drag your mouse over items in my fridge to see what my friend Adam Korzun the US Olympic Training Center's dietitan had to say about my choices.

More Photos from the Air Force Game

2008-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Talking with people at the Fan Fest Tent before the game.

Talking with people at the Fan Fest Tent in the cold ! Aysa Miller, Ali Jones and I on the field waiting to be introduced to a crowd of 25,000 !

"The Bird" doing the Bird dance, we were cracking up....

U.S. Air Force Academy Football Game

2008-10-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

On Thursday this past week myself and 10 other Colorado Olympians were invited to attend an Air Force Academy Football Game. We arrived at 4:00 and sat outside under a tent and signed autographs for about an hour and a half in the cold. I was all bundled up and looked like a marshmallow ! After signing autographs we went to the Blue and Silver Club and had dinner and watched the game inside at the warm box seats ! At half time we walked down to the field where were were recognized and announced to a crowd of 25,000 people. The crowd was very excited that we were there which made it worth it to stand out in the cold that long !

Our end of the table....Mike Blatchford (Track Cycling), Myles Porter (Para-Judo), Myself, Ryan Reser (Judo), Myles friend (Judo), and Taylor Takata (Judo)

"The Bird" and I My good friend Ali Jones, who is amazing....Parlympian in Track Cycling AND down hill skiing, she has a Parlympic Gold Medal from skiing and Silver from Beijing for Track cycling !

Panoramic of the Air Force Academy Football field (Compliments of Mike Blatchford !)

For more information on the event check out this article:

http://www.usolympicteam.com/news/article/7379

From USA Weightliftings Web Page-October 23, 2008

2008-10-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Prior to leaving for the Olympic Games in Beijing, Carissa Gump was contacted by Captain Jason Krist from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Army Post in Colorado Springs, CO. He made a special request to Carissa, in hopes that she would bring two American flags to the Games on behalf of him and the infantry. Carissa made a point to hang the two flags in her room in the Olympic Village.

On September 19th, 2008, Carissa presented both flags to Captain Krist at the end of a Changing of the Guard ceremony at Fort Carson. One of the flags will be kept by Captain Krist. The other will be transported next month to Iraq, and flown there at a US Army post.

Captain Krist's commanding officer also honored Carissa with a medal for making the Olympic team, and for honoring their request in China.

Trip To Vermont

2008-10-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well its been about 2 weeks since I have been back from attending the Vermont State Recreation and Fitness Expo. My trip was only 3 days long but I had a wonderful time seeing my teammates, friends and coach.

Saturday and Sunday were spent at the Champlain Valley Expo Center at the fairgrounds. Team Vermont Weightlifting had a booth with a platform, weights and a table set up to meet and talk with people to spread the word about Olympic Style Weightlifting, not power lifting :)

The weather that particular weekend was sunny and warm which did not help pull the crowds in. Saturday evening I met up with a close group of friends of mine from High School, it was really great to see everyone again, it made me want to move back ! I left Sunday afternoon and flew back to Colorado Springs. Overall I had a really great time with everyone and don't think it will be long before I come back to visit again.

Big Ben Fuller, Katie Polakowski and I

Katie Polakowski taking a workout

Coach Pol, Mrs. Coach Pol, Katie Pol, Ben Fuller and I

Katie 'mocking' me :) Coach Pol and I

Olympian returns to Vermont, Essex's Gump will attend fitness event at CVE

2008-10-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.essexreporter.com/EssexReporter/Olympian.html

2008 Olympic Team White House Visit

2008-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

On early yesterday morning I flew out of Colorado Springs and flew into Washington D.C. from there I had an hour and a half bus ride to Baltimore. The ride went by really fast, I had good company sharing the seat next to me, Gretta Nielms a Parlympic Track Cyclist. We arrived at 6pm and checked in, got our outfitting and settled into our rooms. My roommate was my teammate Melanie Roach. We ate dinner around 7pm and enjoyed a wonderful meal and a short video. After dinner we were free to do what we wanted and went to the hotel lobby and a pub around the corner. The next morning we woke at 5am and had breakfast at 5:30am. We were up and going on the bus driving back to Washington D.C. by 6:30. I took this time to squeeze in some more sleep time. Washington D.C. has beautiful weather today. Warm with a little bit of a breeze, it made it perfect for the morning. Around 300 of us were arranged in front of the South Side of the White House for photos and a 10 minute speech by President Bush. Following the speech we went inside the White House and toured several rooms that are open to the public. We were at the White House for 3 hours and the time flew by. Before you knew it we were back on the bus and off to the airport. I took many photos but these are just a few I wanted to share.

America For Gold 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run

2008-09-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

America for Gold is proud to present our First Annual 5k and 1 mile Fun Run for kids to support America's athletes training for the Summer and Winter Games. Put on your running shoes and gear up for a great Fall 5k on this beautiful course through Palmer Park in Colorado Springs. The course begins in the Maizeland parking lot off of Academy. The course will take you up and around this scenic park on road and trails. America For Gold is a non-profit organization created by athletes for athlete's. This 5k is put on to raise awareness about the financial struggles many of OUR athletes face and to help raise funds on their journey for the 2010 and 20212 Games. parking is available in the Palmer Park parking lot at 3650 Maizeland Road. Race registration starts at 7:30am with a race start time of 9:00am for the 5k and 10:00 am for the 1 mile Fun Run. Lots of unique giveaways and refreshments will be provided after the race.

Location: Palmer Park, 3650 Maizeland Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Date: November 8, 2008

Registration Fee: $20 for the 5 K, and $10 for the 1 mile fun run up to age 15

Awards: Since we are a non-profit and raising money for America's Athletes, we will not have prizes for age groups. However we will have many unique prizes that will be given away thought race number drawings and everyone will receive a participation award.

Packed Pick-up and Race day Registration: 7:30-8:45am Race Day in the Maizeland Road parking lot. Race begins at 9:00 am and 1 mile fun run begins at 10:00am.

If you are unable to come and run but would like to donate please visit:

http://www.americaforgold.org

Thank You for your support and Good Luck !

$20K of weight training equipment donated to U. - Page One

2008-09-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

$20K of weight training equipment donated to U. - Page One

Diabetes Walk Update and Photos

2008-09-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I participated in the 2008 Diabetes Walk at the America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team I walked with was called "Team DNA." We had a total of 35 walkers and raised $4533.00 and there are still donations coming in ! Below is a photo of the walkers of Team DNA and the other photo is of the walkers who have Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to everyone for their donations and support !

100 Athlete. 100 Blogs. Lenovo Voices of the Olympic Games !

2008-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is a short video about bloggers (including myself) experiences

at the Olympic Games, its a great video, please watch it !

Blogging has truly changed the future of the Olympic Games experience for the world !

Article in USA Today !

2008-09-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

11 Bulgarian weightlifters banned for doping SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Two members of Bulgaria's national weightlifting team were banned for life Thursday and nine others suspended in a doping scandal that barred the team from the Beijing Olympics. The entire 11-member squad tested positive in June for the steroid methandienone. Georgi Markov and Alan Tsagaev received life bans because this was their second doping offense, the government's department for youth and sports said. Another six men and three women were suspended for four years. The department said it was notified of the bans by the International Weightlifting Federation. Bulgaria's weightlifting federation must also pay a fine of $450,000 to the IWF.

September Update !

2008-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have been back from Beijing for several weeks now. I started school a week after I returned from the Olympics, started working, and took a few weeks off of training. It took 5 days to get back on a normal sleeping pattern. The first day back I was up at 4am. I went grocery shopping at about 5am, and was the first customer in line at the post office to mail my goodies to my coach from China.

The next few weeks I will be busy with a few things. Tomorrow I am participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk in Colorado Springs. It is a 3 mile walk to support finding a cause for Type 1 diabetes. My father has diabetes so I understand what a struggle it can be to live a normal everyday life with this disease. The theme this year is "Be a Hero." The lady that my dad is friends with contacted to the director and I will be announced and signing autographs at the end of the walk. I love doing things with the public, especially if it involves children.

Over the next couple of weeks I will also be doing a public speaking engagement with the U.S. Junior National Ski Team at the Olympic Training Center, a dinner with the Hilton, Sprite, and a meet and greet at the 24 Hour Fitness Club in southern Colorado Springs. Between school, training (5x's a week now !), working (2 jobs this month!) and appearances I am going to be very busy for the next month !