How close are you to Olympic gold?

[Alex Franke]

Unless she actually medals, this is probably the closest I'll ever get to winning an Olympic gold: The sister of a friend set a world record yesterday while qualifying for the US Olympic swim team. (And to think they didn't even mention me in the article! :lol: )

Not that I've ever even met the girl or that her sister and I were *that* close of friends, but the connection is close enough that I've been rooting her on through the trials!

Anyone else we should be rooting for? Any other Olympic connections here that we should know about? Anyone done it themselves?

I'd love to be able to cheer someone on and explain, "Hey, I actually know someone who knows someone who's the brother of someone that knows someone who is that guy's second cousin!"

[drumpriest]

I raced in the Olympic trials once, I did fairly well, but didn't make the selection. That's as close as I got, as I then developed asthma. That's very exciting news though, congrats to her!!

[jussi]

Amanda Beard, swimmer from the last olympics went to the same high school as I did and swam in the same community pool as me . I know that's really stretching it.

[jonmulzer]

That must have made for nice scenery at the pool. She is certainly easy on the eyes.

[kevinsa]

This seems like a fun topic to jump in and say "hi" to everyone and thanks for the great advice I've found here. I bought my BT3100 largely because of this forum.

Back on topic, closest I've come is being related to 1984 double gold medalist Steve Lundquist. My mother and Steve's father are first cousins. It sure was fun rooting for him. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Lundquist

[shoottx]

My business partner's daughter ran in the Olympic track and field trials last week in Eugene Or. She ran the womens steeple chase, this is the first Olympis for the womens steeple chase. She did not qualify for the team, but we are still very proud of her effort. The winner of the event set a new American record.

This is asclose as I can getas to an Olympic connection.

[Pappy]

Amanda Beard, swimmer from the last olympics went to the same high school as I did and swam in the same community pool as me . I know that's really stretching it.

I had some 'dreams' about her! Does that count?

[JSUPreston]

I had some 'dreams' about her! Does that count?

I just looked her up. Based on her website, I'd have to say YES!

[germdoc]

I had some 'dreams' about her! Does that count?

Remember, this is a family forum...

I was on a summer swim team in high school and having to swim with lovely 16 and 17-year-old girls in the lane next to you, expecially the particularly well-developed Kim C...one had to be careful getting out of the pool...ahem...

On a more down-to-earth note one of the best high-school swimmers in the country goes to my old high school: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_128817.asp.

Several of my classmates from the class of '79 were hoping to compete in the 1980 Olympics but couldn't because we boycotted that one.

The father of a good friend of mine got to carry the Olympic torch in 2004--does that count?

[leehljp]

Not a gold medal . . . but a former Miss America from Tennessee and Johnny Cash's niece surprised me by singing Happy Birthday to me on my 60th! Got pictures too!

With that, who wants gold medals?

Being the wise person that I am, Of course I made SURE that LOML was in ANY photo that I was in with Miss America!

[Thalermade]

4 near misses for me:

Joey Hudepohl. His cousin lives up the street. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Hudepohl


Jaycie Phelps. My daughter took gymnastic classes where they trained.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaycie_Phelps
http://www.cincinnatigymnastics.com/


Kent Vosler: His dad was one of the local doctors we went to where I grew up. Finished 4th
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_...metre_platform


Darrell Pace. His kid went to school with my son.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Pace


Russ

[HarmsWay]

I swam every morning with Simon Whitfield for a couple years. Then I had a cycling accident and stopped doing pretty much everything. Simon on the other hand went on to win the first Olympic gold in triathlon. He's going to win again this year too.

[kirkroy]

Dominique Dawes' aunt works in my office. That's as close as I get.

[Tom Slick]

Had three locals that make it to the trials but didn't place high enough. The most amazing one is a 16yo runner that placed in the top 10. the good news is she will only be 20 for the next Olympics and can try again. until then she can write her own scholarship.

The closest I get is the USA team lightweight (>105 lbs) wrestler for '88 and '92. He used to practice with my HS varsity team. I was only JV, but I'd watch him wrestle guys twice his weight and turn them into pretzels. it's all in the technique/skill.

[pelligrini]

I had some Official Olympic bread this morning, 'bout as close as I know of getting.