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 These local Olympians are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms and dads, who, like many of our own children, were ferried back and forth to endless practices and games, meets and competitions, by their supportive parents. Now, in fulfillment of lifelong dreams, they are on their way to pursue greatness. We already know we are blessed to be living here in Orange County. But to have Olympians living and training among us is to know that the heavens are truly smiling down upon us. To all these amazing athletes and their families – congratulations! We are proud of you, and we will be watching and cheering loudly. Rami Zur, 31 Canoe & Kayak Sprint City of residence: I moved into the Training Center in Chula Vista a few years ago. Before that, I lived in Costa Mesa. > When did you first play this sport? I started paddling when I was 10 years old. > What do you love about it? Being outside on the water with no boundaries, just Mother Nature and me. I feel there is something cleansing in water. > How often do you train? Six days a week > What have you sacrificed to get here? I had to leave family and friends to move back to the States. I’m very happy, but it’s not easy being away from family. > What motivates you? I’m competitive by nature; it is who I am. And, of course, the support of my family and friends. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: Don’t ever give up on your dreams. When I was 10, I told a friend that I’d be racing in the Olympics one day. He laughed at me. Like all things worthwhile, it requires hard work and a lot of effort to achieve your goals. When you reach your goal, it’s a great feeling. Don’t be afraid to aim high! Michael Blatchford, 22 Cycling City of residence: Cypress > When did you first play this sport? In 1999, at the L.A. 1984 Games Velodrome > What do you love about it? I like to go fast. I think motor sports are cool, but to switch out an engine for a human body and propel yourself to speeds in excess of 45 mph is really cool. > How often do you train? Daily. I have two workouts a day, resting on Sunday. > What have you sacrificed to get here? I am content with my decision to pursue excellence in sport. The rest of life will come in due course. > What motivates you? On a raw and physical level, setting goals and breaking them is rewarding to me. On a personal and spiritual level, my motivation comes from God ... without purpose and direction, life is meaningless. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: Keep on driving! Staying fit, chasing victory and learning traits like dedication, confidence and strength are extremely valuable for now and for your future. Yet never forget where that strength comes from. Amber Neben, 33 Cycling City of residence: Irvine > When did you first play this sport? I began racing when I was in graduate school. > What do you love about it? Challenging my body and mind daily, chasing after goals and being disciplined; trying to be, or beat, the best in the world; being able to ride and race with the guys … and make them nervous. > How often do you train? Every day. > What have you sacrificed to get here? I have to eat well every day, so I don’t eat out often. I have to get my rest, so I can’t be out late and I can’t be on my feet a lot. > What motivates you? I think the Lord has put something deep inside that drives me. I want to know what God can do through me with the ability and opportunity that He has given me! > Words of wisdom to young athletes: It takes patience, perseverance, perspective, discipline, determination and a lot of hard work. You have to try, fail, learn, try again ... and repeat until you succeed. Be classy and humble in defeat, as well as in victory. Jeffrey G. Holguin, 29 Double trap shooting Hometown: Yorba Linda > When did you first play this sport? First major national competition was in 1996; first major international competition, 1997 > What do you love about it? Competing, traveling and meeting new people > How often do you train? During the competition season, I train five days a week, but only about three hours a day actually shooting. The rest of the time is spent doing administrative work, travel arrangements and physical training. > What have you sacrificed to get here? Living where I want and pursuing a career. But that’s the pessimist’s view, because the Army offers careers in other fields that I will take into consideration when-ever my shooting career is over. By putting off a career, I have been able to realize my Olympic dream. > What motivates you? I am fortunate to be surrounded by teammates who help motivate me. But I have found that the most effective motivation comes from within. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: You only get out what you put in. Jennie Finch, 27 Softball Hometown: La Mirada > When did you first play this sport? I began playing when I was 5 years old. My parents signed me up for league play. > What do you love about it? The team aspect and camaraderie. I love the challenge of pitcher versus hitter. I love all the little games within the big game, and the diversity, where all shapes and sizes can play with the shared love of the game. > How often do you train? Every day, between weights, cardio, pitching workouts and on the field. > What have you sacrificed to get here? It has been a big sacrifice for not only me, but for my family. It’s physically and emotionally draining, as softball takes up a large portion of my time. Growing up, I missed out on slumber parties and other things that my friends did, but it’s been worth it. > What motivates you? My love for the game and hatred of losing > Words of wisdom to young athletes: Everyone has a gift. Find that gift. If you give everything you have, you’ll never be let down. Also, always dream and believe. Lovie Jung, 28 Softball City of Residence: Moved from Fountain Valley to Tucson > When did you first play this sport? When I was 14 years old. I played baseball for a year before that. > What do you love about it? The team atmosphere. > How often do you train? Five to six days a week, and sometimes seven. > What have you sacrificed to get here? Moving out of state was my biggest sacrifice, and being away from my family, who are all in California. > What motivates you? Striving to be better for my teammates is one thing. There are days that I don’t want to work out, and I remind myself that there’s a player from another country out there who is working out and making herself better to compete against us. That’s a strong motivator. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: NEVER give up! I was told throughout my high school and travel-ball career that I would never be a middle infielder, that I would never make a good infielder. I never gave up on this dream, and now I have been playing second base for the USA Softball Team. Do what you love and love what you do! Lauren Lappin, 24 Softball City of residence: Anaheim > When did you first play this sport? When I was eight. I played baseball from when I was five to seven. > What do you love about it? What DON’T I love about softball? I love how hard it is, and I love how much the sport has grown. It is such a team game, and it’s really amazing to be part of a sport where I get to spend so much time with so many talented athletes. > How often do you train? Every day > What have you sacrificed to get here? It is hard to call it a “sacrifice” when it is something that you love so much. I guess it would have to be time away from friends and family. > What motivates you? My teammates and winning a gold medal motivate me. It’s motivating to prepare for something that I have never done before – winning an Olympic gold medal. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: Just love what you do and take advantage of all the blessings that we have here in the United States. Julie Swail Ertel, 35 Triathlon City of residence: Irvine > When did you first Play this sport? I got into triathlons immediately after returning from the Sydney Olympics, where I captained the silver medal (women’s water polo team). > What do you love about it? Balancing three sports plus family life, marriage, work, etc. I love reaching new heights and am excited to see how much further I can go. I love that training provides great stress relief and has allowed me to see new parts of Orange County. > How often do you train? Six days a week > What have you sacrificed to get here? I don’t feel like I’ve sacrificed anything. I’ve had to make choices on how to spend my time and energy. I’ve missed some social events over the past 12 years, including weddings, birthday parties and an occasional holiday with my family. > What motivates you? Knowing that God has blessed me with athletic talent, and I’m driven to see what can be done with it. > Words of wisdom to young athletes: Dedicate yourself to what you love. Find something for which you’re passionate and be disciplined in pursuing excellence, so that you’ll never look back and wonder “what if” I’d worked a little harder. BUT, do not get so wrapped up in your passion that you become one-dimensional. Rounding out the 47: Badminton > Howard Bach, 29, of Orange > Eva Lee, 21, of Orange > Khan “Bob” Malaythong, 27, of Orange > Mesinee “May” Mangkalakiri, 25, of Garden Grove > Raju Rai, 25, of Anaheim Basketball > Kobe Bryant, 29, of Newport Beach Beach VolleyBall > Misty May-Treanor, 30, attended high school in Costa Mesa > Elaine Youngs, 38, of El Toro Cycling > Mike Day, 23, of San Clemente Diving > Haley Ishimatsu, 15, of Seal Beach (Nominee for 10-meter, synchronized 10-meter) Indoor Volleyball – Men’s > Gabe Gardner, 32, of San Clemente > Rich Lambourne, 33, of Tustin > Jayson Jablonsky, 22, of Yorba Linda > Kevin Hansen, 26, of Newport Beach > Brandon Taliaferro, 30, of San Clemente Indoor Volleyball – Women’s > Tayyiba Haneef-Park, 29, of Laguna Hills > Heather Bown, 29, of Yorba Linda Softball > Caitlin Lowe, 23, of Tustin > Natasha Watley, 26, of Irvine Soccer > Amy Rodriguez, 21, of Lake Forest Swimming > Amanda Beard, 26, of Irvine > Jessica Hardy, 21, of Irvine > Larsen Jensen, 22, of Mission Viejo > Jason Lezak, 32, of Irvine > Aaron Peirsol, 24, of Irvine > Chloe Sutton, 16, of Mission Viejo > Dara Torres, 41, attended Mission Viejo High Synchronized swimming > Meghan Kinney, 18, of Mission Viejo Tennis > Lindsay Davenport, 32, of Laguna Beach Track & Field > Sharon Day, 23, of Costa Mesa (High Jump) > Torri Edwards, 31, of Irvine (100 meters) Water Polo – Men’s > Ryan Bailey, 32, attended UC Irvine > Tim Hutten, 23, of Seal Beach > JW Krumpholz, 20, of Santa Ana > Rick Merlo, 25, attended UC Irvine > Jeff Powers, 28, attended UC Irvine > Adam Wright, 31, of Seal Beach Water Polo – Women’s > Natalie Golda, 26, of Fullerton > Brittany Hayes, 23, of Santa Ana Disclaimer: This list represents the most current standings after qualifying matches were completed before press time. |
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Readers Feedback:
You forgot one person from the list...Sharon Day of Costa Mesa. She is participating in track and field in the high jump. It's important to mention, because her mom also qualified for the event and was to compete in high jump in 1980, but since we boycotted the Olympics that year, she never got to participate. So Sharon (Shay as her friends call her) is going to be competing not just for her, but form her Mom's missed chance. Also, Sharon's sister narrowly missed qualifying as well.
| Comment at 7/29/2008 |
Need to remove Jennie Finch, she might be a pretty famous olympian, but last time I checked La Mirada was in LA county.
| Comment at 8/22/2008 |
Misty May-Treanor and the members of the US Men's Volleyball Team all trained in Orange Couty at CATZ Sports. www.catzsports.com
| Comment at 8/28/2008 |
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