U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association elects new officers for 2017-2020 quadrennial

Dick Fosbury to serve as president

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympians and Paralympians Association today announced its newly elected officers for the 2017-2020 quadrennial. The USOPA executive committee will continue to foster the Olympic and Paralympic spirit in each community, motivate and encourage youth, develop camaraderie, and honor all those who have shared the unique experience of representing the United States at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Dick Fosbury (track and field, 1968) was elected to a four-year term as president with Allison Baver (speedskating; 2002, 2006, 2010), Carol Brown (rowing; 1976, 1980, 1984), Candace Cable (Paralympic track and field; 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996/alpine skiing; 1992/Nordic skiing; 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), Caryn Davies (rowing; 2004, 2008, 2012), Micki King (diving; 1968, 1972), Carol Lewis (track and field; 1980, 1984, 1988) and Iris Zimmerman (fencing, 2000) elected to serve four-year terms as vice presidents.

"I am so honored and humbled to be elected as president of the USOPA," Fosbury said. "We are blessed to have a strong team of powerful, active officers working to carry out the USOPA's mission. I look forward to growing our association and making us a leader in uniting Olympians and Paralympians both here in the United States and around the world."

Gary Hall Sr. (swimming; 1968, 1972, 1976) will continue to serve on the executive committee as the immediate past president along with past presidents Willie Banks (track and field; 1980, 1984, 1988), John Naber (swimming, 1976) and Bill Toomey (track and field, 1968).

"The newly elected USOPA executive committee comes to the table with a wealth of professional expertise and a strong commitment to Team USA," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. "I have no doubt that president-elect Dick Fosbury and his executive team will forge meaningful connections with our Olympic and Paralympic alumni, thereby advancing the values of Olympism across the nation."

The next election will take place following the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

About the USOPA

The motto of the USOPA is, "Once an Olympian or Paralympian, Always an Olympian or Paralympian; Never Former, Never Past." Its purpose is to create and implement programs that integrate all U.S. Olympians and Paralympians into every facet of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. U.S. Olympians and Paralympians support the goals of the USOC by fostering the Olympic values in each community, encouraging youth to pursue those values, developing camaraderie among athletes, and honoring the individuals who have shared the unique experience of representing their nation at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org/USOPA.

United States Olympic Committee

1 Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

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.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only