POSTED: Thursday July 9th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Support for U.S. Olympic Network Continues to Grow

NOTE: This is a second release in which members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic families react to the launch of the U.S. Olympic Network.

To see the first release with additional athlete and NGB quotes, click HERE.   

“As an athlete who trains year round to compete at the sport I love, it’s so thrilling to see the USOC and Comcast make the same commitment to the Olympic movement,” said (La Mirada, Calif.). “As Olympic athletes we represent our country 365 days of the year and now to have a network showcase that is a great step forward for the Olympic athletes. I remember when I was younger waiting every two years to watch one month of the Olympic Games and now with the U.S Olympic Network, the passion and dedication for the Olympic Games will be displayed every day.” Jennie Finch, Two-time Olympic medalist, Softball

“For so long access to the excitement of Olympic sport has often been limited to live audience attendance and coverage of the Olympics themselves. NOW, enthusiasts will not only be able to see the final product but all of the intense process in reaching athletic pinnacles. I have been waiting for a network like this for a very long time and it is wonderful that it is finally here!!!”  Mark Fretta, Triathlete

“Creation of the US Olympic Network is truly a VICTORY!  Sports fans, young and young at heart, in every corner of the United States, can now experience everything Olympic: the athletes, the coaches, the heroes behind the scenes, the pain, the joy, the winning and “winning” even when you loose. The US Olympic Network’s mission to highlight the layers that make an athlete an Olympian, will be a dimension today’s fans have never seen—until now!  I can’t wait!!” Micki King, Two-time Olympic Diver, Vice President, US Olympians

“We are excited to learn more about the scope and potential of this new program solely dedicated to Olympic Sport. As everyone involved with the Olympic movement knows, it isn’t every four years, it is every day, and this type of coverage for the Olympic sports throughout the quadrennium is important.”  Kathy Meyer, SVP of Marketing and Communications, U.S. Equestrian Federation

This new network creates a fantastic opportunity for the American people to meet and enjoy the athletes who will represent them on the world stage. Many sports, such as rowing, that have a robust global following outside of the U.S. will now find new fans and future Olympians in our own country because of the television exposure. USRowing is proud to be a part of bringing Olympism to our fellow Americans through this new media platform. Glenn Merry, USA Rowing Executive Director

“I am very excited about the new USON Network and their ability to show the intensity of shooting competitions to the American public.  This can only benefit the awareness of the sports and the hard working athletes to the public who watch USON.”  Sean McLelland, 2008 Olympian, Shooting

“It’s fantastic and an opportunity to take advantage and promote Paralymic and Olympic sports.  Any opportunity to promote Paralympic athletes at their highest level of play will be an educational opportunity for the American public to see what can be achieved by people with disabilities.”  Alison Jones, 2008 Paralympian, Cycling

“A sweet network.  Wrestling is not big in America as people do not know about it.  Now they can get to understand the sport even more.  I cannot tell you how many people I have asked to come watch a match and they are hooked when they do.  Now I do not have to personally invite them.  They can see it on USON.”  Nick Simmons, Greco-Roman Wrestler

“I am really thrilled about this opportunity to show the sport to the American people.  Coverage in the US for Judo is little to none and the exposure of this high intensity sport will be very critical for the Olympic movement along with other not so main stream sports.”  Myles Porter, 2008 Paralympian, Judo

“Awesome and gives the general public opportunity to watch sports that can only be seen during the Olympics.”  Steven Lopez, Two-Time Olympic gold medalist, Taekwondo

“Fantastic - athletes have a way to push their sport into the forefront.  This will make people aware of the dedication and hard work they have to do to achieve their highest level of competition.”  Justin Trolle, Triathlon Coach

“Sounds pretty cool and I am excited because you can see your friends compete from other sports and now the US can see them also.”  Seth Kelsey, 2004 & 2008 Olympian, Fencing

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Olympic Sport in the United States. It should inspire people of all ages to get involved and stay active while hearing the stories and lessons of athletes who love their sport for what it is. And hopefully it will give new heroes for young kids to look up to and admire, heroes that might have grown up just down the street from them.”  Will Brady, Modern Pentathlon

“As an Olympian, I am excited to see the  USOC truly look after their athletes with the launch of the new USON.  The USOC slogan “It is not every four years, it is every day” will really come to life with the broad exposure USON will give Olympic sports and the athletes are going to feel like true professionals.”  Hunter Kemper, Three-time Olympic Triathlete

“OH YES!!!  Something to have to connect with the fans, this is a tremendous thing. This will enhance our exposure, good, brilliant idea!!!  Pick me to be one of the first to be interviewed.”  Lopez Lomong, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Opening Ceremonies Flag Bearer, Track & Field

“Having a television network that is completely devoted to Olympic related sports is a great way for the Olympic movement to be with the United States everyday, not just every four years.”  Carissa Gordon, 2004 Olympian, Weightlifting

“This is an exciting time for the Olympic Movement in the United States. The development of the U.S. Olympic Network not only provides governing bodies the opportunity to generate additional support and enthusiasm for their sports and athletes, but it has the potential to provide an avenue for growth.”  Dave Ogrean, Executive Director, USA Hockey

USA Volleyball applauds the announcement by the USOC of the launch of the US Olympic Network.  This is a dream many years in the making.  The partnership with Comcast should allow for a significant level of distribution that will grow over time as the amazing stories and inspiring content that makes up the Olympic dream and the Olympic spirit capture the viewing public.  Volleyball and beach volleyball will be just two of so many Olympic sports that will truly benefit from this dedicated and significantly expanded exposure.  While there remains much to do before the actual launch date of the network, this is a very exciting day for the Olympic movement in the US with the incredible opportunities the USON presents.  Douglas P. Beal, USA Volleyball CEO

“I think it’s awesome. I’m a supporter of anything that furthers the visibility and promotion of our sport.”  David Lee, 2008 Olympic gold medal men’s volleyball player  

“This Olympic network will finally provide sports like judo an opportunity to be seen, understood and appreciated as an exciting Olympic sport by the American public. Most exciting is the fact that we will be able to broaden the horizons of thousands of young boys and girls as they are exposed to sports like ours.  This is a tremendous positive step to furthering the true Olympic spirit to all segments of our population. We thank and congratulate the USOC on this achievement!” Jose H. Rodriguez, USA Judo CEO

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