USA achieves recognition during Snowboard Word Cup

USA snowboarders brought home three wins from the International Paralympic 
Committee (IPC) World Cup race held on 17 November on indoor slopes
of the Netherlands. Evan Strong, Mike Minor and Brenna Huckaby led in banked slalom,
finishing ahead of leading paralympic athletes from other nations. Dutch snowboarders
secured two wins pleasing a local crowd. Visit IPC Snowboard's website for full results. 

The season will continue in January 2017 in La Molina, Spain, followed by the
2017 World Para Snowboard Championships in Big White, Canada, from 1-17 February.
Finally, a test event in PyeongChang, South Korea will be held in preparation for
2018 Winter Paralympics.

Oriol Molas, 2015. https://www.paralympic.org/snowboard/2016-2017-world-cup/pyeongchang 

Looking forward to 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea!

The first Olympic Winter Games was held in Chamonix, France, in 1924 and the 22nd edition was celebrated in Sochi, Russia, in 2014. 

PyeongChang is the host city for the 23rd Olympic Winter Games in 2018. LINK

[Source: Jeongseon-gun]

"Pyeongchang county is the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Two main ski resorts in the area, Alpensia and Yongpyong, will host most of the events. Alpensia has the main Olympic Village, hosting the ski jumping, luge, bobsleigh and cross-country skiing, while Yongpyong, which is one of northeast Asia’s better ski resorts, will host the downhill slalom events. The ceremonies will be held in a purpose-built temporary stadium about two kilometres from Alpensia Olympic Village.

The town of Hoenggye (횡계) serves as a transit hub for both ski resorts and provides cheaper eating options, a bit of nightlife, and basic accommodation such as Boutique Olive, which has clean, reasonably priced condo rooms." 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-korea/gang-won-do/yongpyong-ski-resort/introduction#ixzz4L1WUlAlt

News feeds to wrap up Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

News feeds to wrap up 2016 Paralympic Games...

10 Personalities Who Left Their Mark on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/10-people-who-left-their-mark-on-the-rio-2016-paralympic-games


10 Unforgettable Sporting Moments at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/10-unforgettable-moments-of-paralympics-sport-rio-2016-highlights


Curtain Comes Down on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with, of course, a Massive Party
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/rio-2016-paralympic-games-closing-ceremony-music


Rio 2016: Queen Hails 'Magnificent' Paralympians on Homecoming
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37415310


Rio 2016: Paralympics Come to an End with Festive Closing Ceremony
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-19/rio-paralympics-come-to-an-end-with-festive-closing-ceremony/7857580


Paralympians Back in UK as Date Set for Double Celebration
http://news.sky.com/story/date-set-for-two-day-olympic-and-paralympic-celebration-10585457

Tatyana McFadden wins Fourth Gold medal and is honored for exemplary spirit!

Tatyana McFadden, age 27, a member of US Paralympic Team, won her fourth Gold medal yesterday during the womens 800m T54 competition. This was her sixth event during the Rio Games. Today, McFadden will participate in the marathon along Copacabana Beach.

Two days beforehand, McFadden and Ibrahim Al Hussein of the Refugee Team were honored by IPC as models of the "spirit and values of the Paralympic Games at Rio 2016." Each will receive a special gold medal during the closing ceremony.

McFadden was born in Russia with spina bifida; she was paralyzed from the waist down and left int an orphanage under the care of the State. She learned to walk on her hands when a wheelchair was not available.

At age six years, she was adopted and moved to the USA. In high school, McFadden was named as a principal in a lawsuit asserting rights of students with disabilities to have equal access to sport. The result...McFadden was the first athlete to win the marathon grand slam and repeated this achievement three times. In Lyon, France, she won all events in which she competed during the 2013 world championships.

Source: abcnews.go.com

Story source

Paracyclist from Iran dies from injuries sustained during accident

The IPC reported today that paracyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad, age 48, died from complications following an accident on a curved descent while competing during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. 

The experienced athlete previously competed in the London Games in 2012. Golbarnezhad is being honored by the Iranian delegation and fellow competitors in Athlete's Village. His body will be returned to Iran.

Source: wildgratitude.com

The IPC is investigating conditions on the mountainous trail at the time of the accident. Piers Jones, Sports Director of the cycling governing body said, "We're looking to gather as much information as we can and as quickly as possible."

More info

Live Updates and News from Paralympic Games in Rio!

News links for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games...

Live Updates from Rio, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/news

Medals earned by SPORT and DATE and medal counts by COUNTRY. See, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/schedule-results/info-live-results/rio-2016/eng/zz/engzz_general-general-schedule.htm

Athlete PROFILES by SPORT. See, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/ones-to-watch

Search ATHLETE BIOGRAPHIES by SPORT, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/biographies

NBC News - Sports, Paralympic features, http://www.nbcnews.com/slideshow/triumphs-crashes-rio-2016-paralympic-games-n648621

Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Athletes with physical disabilities celebrated the opening of 2016 Paralympics with inspiring performances, an extreme wheelchair speeding down a ramp to somersault in the air, while others joined a samba circle. Delegations entered the stadium carrying puzzle pieces. Together, 1,600 pieces assembled to represent a human heart in celebration of the theme. “The heart knows no limits. Everybody has a heart.”

[Source: theglobeandmail.com]

The president of the IOC, Philip Craven, who lost use of his legs due to a fall, likened the challenges overcome by paralympians to recent economic challenges facing Brazilians. Craven said, "In a country which has faced major challenges of late, Paralympians will switch your focus from perceived limitations — to a world full of possibility and endless opportunity." 

Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Clodoaldo Silva lit the Paralympic cauldron after overcoming many steps, which transformed into ramps. An enthusiastic crowd embraced the notion of life without limits. 

Visit USParalympics.org/Rio2016 for more information on Team USA at the Paralympic Games, including athlete bios, schedule and live streaming. Follow the U.S. Paralympic team on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

[Sources: USParalympics.org, AP Wire]

Largest Paralympic Team to Compete for USA in Rio

During the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the USA will be represented by 289-members. This is the largest US Paralympic team and includes 35 military veterans and active duty, guides and pilots for the visually impaired. Athletes will compete for medals in 20 sports; three athletes will compete in 2 sports. 

New spots were allocated by the IPC following suspension of Russia's paralympic team. According to U.S.Paralympics, "The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be the largest edition of the Games yet, with an estimated 4,350 participating athletes. Athletes from more than 176 countries will compete in 528 medal events in Rio." [Source]

How may you view the Games?

NBC Olympics will combine to present more than 70 hours of coverage of the Rio Paralympic Games across NBC, NBCSN, and the NBC Sports app beginning on Wed., September 7 and ending on September 18. On most days, NBCSN primetime programming will air from 7 – 9 p.m. ET; daytime from 2 – 5 p.m. ET; and late night from 1 – 5 a.m. ET.

In addition, the USOC will provide live online coverage at TeamUSA.org.

My Way to Olympia - must see POV film!

Follow a German film director Niko von Glasow as he explores the world of Paralympians in My Way to Olympia, a heartfelt production presented by Public Broadcasting Service's POV series. Initially skeptical about the purpose and cost of Paralympic Games, von Glasow shares his experience as a person with congenital disabilities as he interviews athletes representing different sports.

He questions whether disabled sport further alienates disabled and non-disabled persons. Following athletes during training prior to the London 2012 Games, viewers gain new perspective of the power of sport to transform lives and attitudes among participants, families and spectators.

Source: usa.newonnetflix.info

www.sportanddev.org

LINK to POV synopsis, summary, film trailer and download (60 min.)

2016 USA BMW Performance Team

BMW of North America has supported Team USA and US Paralympic Team for six years.  BMW engineers designed a state-of-the-art performance racing wheelchair, which will debut during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio in September.

According to designers, "the racing wheelchair's advancements will include a complete redesign of the chassis, application of BMW's signature aerodynamic efficiencies, enhanced athlete restraint, carbon fiber durability, as well as steering and braking advancements."

[Source: adweek.com]

Video BMW Performance Wheelchair (1:01)













More information

Funding cuts affect Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

As the Summer 2016 Games come to a close tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming elite athletes with disabilities to the 2016 Paralympics beginning on September 7, 2016. Unfortunately, funding cuts will affect the Paralympic Games.  

Advance tickets sales failed to reach projection.  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made a difficult decision to close media centers, reduce Games workforce and transport services.  Deorodo Olympic Park will be closed and dismantled. 

Source: foundtheworld.com

"Never before in the 56-year history of the Paralympic Games have we faced circumstances like this," IPC President Philip Craven said. "Since becoming aware of the full scale of the problem, we have focused all of our efforts on finding solutions to the problems." Budget cuts will affect every team and their supporters. 

In response, Rio mayor Eduardo Paes pledged additional funding and will solicit corporate sponsorship in support of the Games. Travel grants to teams from 165 countries are overdue and may affect athletes timely arrival for training before competition. 

IPC is considering additional support to countries struggling to pay travel costs.  Craven said. "The IPC is working with them to find solutions and ensure their participation here in Rio." 

Source: www.theatlantic.com

Story source: AP Wire and Rob Harris at WacoTrib.com

Paralympic Team Travel Grants Held Up

Source: Around the Rings

Smaller state paralympic committees depend on travel grants to participate in Summer Paralympic Games. The Rio 2016 Organizing Committee has delayed payments of travel grants, but anticipates issuing funds by the end of August. 
A Brazilian judge issued an injunction blocking further use of funds for 2016 Summer Games until the Rio Organizing Committee cooperates by sharing budget and expenditures of public funds. 

Craig Spence, identified as a spokesperson for the International Paralympic Committee, stated “[The] extra funds are critical to the success of the Games.”  “This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are working every hour we can to not only source additional funding but look at how we can make further cost savings within the budget available.”

Source: www.channel4.com

In a related story, organizers report that only 12 percent of Paralympic tickets have been purchased. Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes pledged to purchase 500,000 with public funds for distribution. 

Rio Communications Director Mario Andrada reportedly told journalists that ticket sales will increase after the Olympic Games end on Sunday.  
“We made these concerns public several ways during the journey,” Andrada said. “We understand the rhythm of sales has picked up, and the end of the Games tends to help a lot in the selling of tickets for Paralympics. That’s what we’re working on.”

Source: learningneverstops.wordpress.com

Individuals with learning disabilities can succeed!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a form of learning disability that may lead to confusion about a student's potential. Some are mislabeled as unable to achieve academic success and independence. Medication and cognitive behavior therapy are tools used to help those with ADHD focus, resist impulsiveness and master daily tasks. 

The most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, was diagnosed with ADHD at age nine. He discussed challenges faced at school when teachers became frustrated with his behavior. Michael aspired to achieve the success of his sisters, who swam competitively. His training as a swimmer taught him self-management, concentration and yielded praise from others. 

Source: www.google.com

From learningneverstops.wordpress.com, "It can be seen once again that if individuals are given the right attention, treatment and intervention, along with being surrounded by people with the right attitude, anything is possible."

Inside the Games - real-time reporting from Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games

Inside the Games reports live from Rio with competition updates, athlete profiles and news updates about the Summer Games.

View latest medal counts and real-time results from Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
Rio 2016 Medal Table

• USA leads with 11 GOLD, 11 SILVER and 10 BRONZE medals, followed by 
• China with 10 GOLD, 5 SILVER and 8 BRONZE medals, and then
• Japan with 6 GOLD, 1 SILVER, and 11 BRONZE medals. 

Each athlete brings honor to his/her country!

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Rio Paralympics 2016: Russian athletes banned after doping scandal

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the ban based on the McLaren Report detailing a state-sponsored doping program.

(Excerpts) The Russian Paralympic Committee will reportedly appeal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Rio 2016 Paralympics begin in 31 days' time, on 7 September, and 267 Russian athletes across 18 sports will now miss the Games.

"The anti-doping system in Russia is broken, corrupted and entirely compromised," said IPC president Sir Philip Craven at a news conference on Sunday...The doping culture that is polluting Russian sport stems from the Russian government.

"The Russian government has catastrophically failed its para-athletes. Their 'medals over morals' mentality disgusts me. The complete corruption of the anti-doping system is contrary to the rules and strikes at the very heart of the spirit of Paralympic sport.

Why was Russia banned?

Canadian law professor Richard McLaren's report found that Russia's sports ministry manipulated urine samples provided by its athletes between 2011 and 2015.

The report identified 27 samples relating to eight para-sports, five of which are summer sports, including some governed by the IPC.

The IPC has also found evidence that samples were swapped during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games and it planned to reanalyse every Russian sample from Sochi.

The IPC allowed the Russian Paralympic Committee to present its case before it decided on the ban.

More, BBC Disability Sport

Paralympic Refugee Team

Athletes to compete as IPA team

http://m.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/36985795

A team of refugee athletes will compete at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced.

The Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) Team will appear under the Paralympic flag and will parade first at the opening ceremony on 7 September.

The team will stay in the Athletes Village, with travel and other expenses covered by the IPC.

More, https://m.paralympic.org/news/refugees-compete-dedicated-team-rio-2016-paralympics

From USA Today Sports - August 5, 2016

Rio Olympics opening ceremony: How to watch, time, TV info

The Opening Ceremony for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics will take place Friday, Aug. 5 in Rio's Maracanã Stadium. It will air on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET on a one-hour tape delay.

How to watch opening ceremony LINK

Source: sports.inquirer.net

We're the Superhumans - Rio2016 Trailer
https://youtu.be/IocLkk3aYlk

An inspirational video trailer featuring paralympians from across the Globe who demonstrate YES WE CAN! 
There are no limits for enthusiastic and capable individuals determined to succeed. Check it out!

2016 Paralympics Trailer

US Wheelchair Rugby Selects Athletes for Rio Summer Games

USA Wheelchair Rugby is pleased to announce the names of the 12 athletes and four alternates nominated for Team USA.

Chuck Aoki    Minneapolis, MN
Jeff Butler      Austin, TX
Josh Brewer   Battle Ground, WA
Chad Cohn   Tucson, AZ
Lee Fredette   East Moriches, NY
Anthony McDaniel Navarre, FL
Chuck Melton   Richview, IL
Eric Newby   Littleton, CO
Kory Puderbaugh  San Diego, CA
Jason Regier  Centennial, CO
Adam Scaturro  Lakewood, CO
Josh Wheeler   San Tan Valley, AZ

“The journey to this moment has been filled with extreme lows and ultimate highs, ” said Coach Gumbert. ” The challenge moving forward is to learn from each of these and capitalize on good momentum moving forward..."

The U.S. will open play on Wednesday, September 14th against France.  The Americans will go on to face Sweden and Japan in preliminary play, semi final action begins on Saturday September 17th with the medal matches scheduled to be contested on Sunday September 18th.

Source: http://usawr.org/usa-wheelchair-rugby-nominates-12-athletes-for-rio/
Author: Jen Remick

Sunday July 24 - Paratriathalon World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

BY USA TRIATHLON | JULY 20, 2016, 4:16 P.M. (ET) 

"COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Six members of the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Triathlon Team highlight a team of 14 Americans vying for world titles this Sunday at the 2016 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The American contingent of 14 is the largest at this year’s Paratriathlon Worlds, ahead of Great Britain’s 13 athletes. A total of 100 athletes will compete across all five sport classes, completing a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, 5-kilometer run course. Complete details about the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships are available at rotterdam.triathlon.org. 

The U.S. roster for this Sunday is:

• Krige Schabort (Rome, Ga.), PT1/wheelchair*
• Geoffrey Kennedy (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico), PT1/wheelchair
• Kendall Gretsch (Madison, Wis.), PT1/wheelchair
• Mary Kate Callahan (La Grange, Ill.), PT1/wheelchair
• Mark Barr (Houston, Texas), PT2/severe impairment*
• Hailey Danisewicz (Chicago, Ill.), PT2/severe impairment*
• Allysa Seely (Glendale, Ariz.), PT2/severe impairment*
• Andre Cilliers (Washington, D.C.), PT3/moderate impairment
• Chris Hammer (Salt Lake City, Utah), PT4/mild impairment*
• Jamie Brown (Carlsbad, Calif.), PT4/mild impairment
• Grace Norman (Jamestown, Ohio), PT4/mild impairment*
• Ruth-Ann Reeves (Hattiesburg, Miss.), PT4/mild impairment
• Aaron Scheidies (Seattle, Wash.), PT5/visual impairment
• Amy Dixon (Greenwich, Conn.), PT5/visual impairment

* - denotes U.S. Paralympic Triathlon Team member

Schabort, Barr, Danisewicz, Seely, Hammer and Norman will race on Sept. 10 (men) and 11 (women) for the first ever Paralympic Games triathlon medals, as triathlon is set to make its Paralympic debut this year in Rio. Additionally, the Worlds team features a number of past world champions and medalists looking for more hardware on the international stage.  

More, https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Articles-and-Releases/2016/July/20/Paralympic-Games-Qualifiers-Headline-US-Team-for-Paratriathlon-World-Championships

Hershey’s updates label in support of Team USA

Iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar Changes Famous Silver Lettering for First Time to Support Team USA

"In support of Team USA, the 122-year old Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar will be taking an unprecedented shift and switching the traditional silver lettering to red, white and blue for the first time in the history of the bar. The Team USA line of products was revealed on Wednesday, April 27th..."

For athlete and product profiles, visit hersheysteamusa.com

"Hershey’s is also proud to announce partnerships with 2012 U.S. wrestling gold-medalist Jordan Burroughs, 2012 U.S. Paralympic swimming gold-medalist Mallory Weggemann and U.S. Olympic swimming hopeful and Hershey, Pennsylvania, native David Nolan to its roster of athletes. Burroughs and Weggemann will be featured in Hershey’s chocolate new campaign as they prepare for their trips to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio and Nolan will have the support from his hometown company in pursuit of making his first U.S. Olympic Team."

Paralympic Headlines

Rio 2016: Paralympic rowers Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis determined to win

07.19.16

To train on Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin six mornings a week in mid-winter requires some serious motivation.  

But Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis are extremely determined. 

In just over a month the two will represent Australia in the Paralympics together, rowing in the mixed double sculls event. 

They have been training for this for four years. 

He

's definitely the engine," Ms Ross said. 

"He's the engine in the boat and I hope to hold up a good rhythm and pace so that he can follow and put all the power in that he's got."

The pair came fifth in the London Paralympics but have since gone from strength to strength. They are now triple world champions and favourites for gold in Rio. More, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/paralympic-rowers-determined-to-win/7642080

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The IPC Shooting World Cup has taken place in Osijek, Croatia, from 10-14 July, with nearly 230 athletes from 48 nations prepare to line up for the first Rio 2016 Paralympic Games qualifier of 2015. All results can be found via the IPC Shooting website: http://www.paralympic.org/shooting/live-results.

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Sport Week: Rio 2016 Paralympic shooting venue

07.09.2016

 The Olympic Shooting Centre will host 12 medal events between 8-14 September.

From 8-14 September shooters from around the world will compete in 12 men’s, women’s and mixed events at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Every single day will feature medal events, allowing fans lots of chances to see athletes win medals for their country.

Shooters will line-up at the same venue as their able-bodied counterparts – the Olympic Shooting Centre in the Deodoro Olympic Park. More, https://www.paralympic.org/news/sport-week-rio-2016-paralympic-shooting-venue

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Long headlines USA’s Rio 2016 swim team

07.04.2016

Rudy Garcia-Tolson and Cody Bureau will also enter their fourth Paralympic Games in September, as 31 athletes in total complete the roster.  US Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, announced its 31-strong Rio 2016 Paralympics Games swimmingteam on Sunday (3 July) after three days of intense racing at the Paralympic trials in North Carolina.

Seventeen athletes heading to Rio 2016 have Paralympic Gamesexperience, whilst 14 fresh faces are looking to turn heads in the sport’s ultimate competition. The team will also feature two US military service members, one a retired Navy veteran and one active duty member currently serving in the United States Army.

Twelve-time Paralympic gold medallist Jessica Long, Rudy Garcia-Tolson and Cody Bureau are the only swimmers on the team able to say their Paralympic Games career stretches back to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. All three have been named to their fourth team with the trio all having competed in 2012, 2008 and 2004. More, https://www.paralympic.org/news/long-headlines-usa-s-rio-2016-swim-team

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USEF Names U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

06.16.2016

Lexington, Ky. – June 16, 2016 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced a team of four athlete-horse combinations for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Para-dressage competition will take place September 12–16 at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center, which is also hosting the Olympic equestrian events several weeks earlier.

The para-dressage team was chosen following the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, which served as the selection trial. Each combination’s two highest scores in CPEDI3* events taking place between Jan. 1, 2015, and May 16, 2016, also influenced the team selection. More, https://www.uset.org/3194-2/

NBCSN to air Road to Rio tonight

Tonight, NBCSN will air Road to Rio: 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials, a one-hour special that chronicles the making of the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Track & Field, Swimming, and Cycling Teams. 1100 pm Eastern. Check local listings.

Olympic Games Promote Peaceful Relations Among People of the World

 

Support#OlympicPeace

When faced with turmoil and conflict across the Globe, the Olympic Movement reminds us of our shared humanity. Despite differences in geography, appearance, culture and norms, we have much in common.

Support#Olympic Peace - The Olympic Movement is releasing special "messengers," doves to spread peace in hopes of resolving conflict. The dove is a universal symbol of peace and set against an Olympic color, we consider the 2016 Summer Games as a time to celebrate freedom and spirit of friendly competition.







Choose your dove and special message to share with the World via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  A few sample messages, "Peace does not keep score,"  "Together we are one," and "Peace always finishes first."

Further, read special peace stories of outstanding athletes, who overcame great odds to succeed and become images of hope. One inspirational story is that of Derartu Tulu and Elana Meyer,

"At the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992, two women gave the world an undying symbol of unity, peace and hope. Elana Meyer was the first South African to win an individual medal in her nation’s return to the Olympic family after being excluded since 1960 over its apartheid system. In the same race, Ethiopia’s Derartu Tulu won her country its first ever gold medal. Meyer ran up to Tulu and planted a kiss on each of her cheeks. The two women took a victory lap hand in hand. It was a sight almost impossible to imagine at the time. The Olympic Games helped welcome South Africa back into the Olympic family and the athletes provided a symbol of unity for the whole of Africa in a moment that will live on forever."




19 Days to the Opening Ceremony in Rio!