FACES OF COURAGE IN VANCOUVER!

L-R: Erin Pac (driver), Michelle Rzepka (brakewoman), Bree Schaaf (driver),
Shauna Rohbock (driver), Emily Azevedo (brakewoman)
and Elana Meyers (brakewoman).
(Photo: Amanda Bird, USBSF)

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Good Morning. You are looking at six of the most incredible athletes on the planet. They will be representing us in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia in the Women's Bobsled competition. Each of them has a unique story to tell. But above all, they represent every good and decent thing about the United States of America. Each woman pictured here has overcome adversity. Each has dedicated themselves one-hundred percent, rising long before sunrise to stretch, warm up and run sprints. I have often pondered: How is it possible to gauge how many hours and years they have spent weightlifting in gymnasiums across America to build their endurance, while sacrificing fun and carefree lives with total dedication to representing us--you and me--at The Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver? Frankly, I don't know anyone who can readily answer this question. Through travel, competing on 16 tracks around the world with unparalleled intensity, remaining mentally refreshed, focused with an iron will and emotionally confident, their individual skills are evident to anyone who has read my previous blog posts. Even a cursory review in those posts of their academic and athletic achievements from high school and collegiate track and soccer fields reveals an unwavering commitment to excellence. They inspire us to persevere in related and even unrelated endeavors we each address daily. They make us care. They bring pride to our nation.

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In what has to be the most exciting time of their lives, these are the members of Team USA Women's Bobsled in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Our spirits are with them every step of the way!