U.S. women wrestlers show confidence, poise in Olympic press conference
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by Gary Abbott
BEIJING, CHINA - Less than 24 hours after they landed on Chinese soil, the U.S. Olympic women's freestyle wrestling team had their press conference at the Main Press Center.
Although all of the four women wrestlers are competing in their first Olympic Games, the U.S. athletes displayed a level of confidence and poise, as well as a strong team bond. The team will compete on August 16-17 at the China Agriculture University Gymnasium.
The confidence came out when the journalists asked the team what kind of standard they wanted to set on the mats in Beijing. Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) volunteered to answer the question.
"Our goal is for four golds," said Bernard. "We just want to make the U.S. the head power for women's wrestling. Now is the time to do it. It's only the second time it's been at the Olympics. If we compete at the level we can compete at, I think we can set the stage."
National Women's Coach Terry Steiner did not shy away from the high goals set by his athletes.
"The names may change, but the result must stay the same," said Steiner. "Since the last Olympics, we have had four more years. We started a university resident program at Northern Michigan. We have a great group helping these athletes. We are ready. We are very capable."
Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) said that there is something special about the way her team is approaching this opportunity.
"We have a huge fire inside us," said Van Dusen. "I see that in all of the girls on this team."
Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) talked about how the team has become close and are working together for a common goal.
"We've actually known each other for a while. Three of us live in Colorado Springs. Ali was on my first international tour I ever took. It's not like we're strangers. We get along very well. We've been with each other on tours, on trips so we know each other's likes and dislikes. We really just know how to be around each other," said Miller.
Team Leader Stan Zeamer (Manheim, Pa.) talked about how the team spent time away from the mats this summer to become a tighter unit.
"Between training camps, we went to Breckenridge, Colorado and spent some time playing and having some fun. This group is excellent in team unity and cooperation. We've got a great spirit, willing to work hard and they're well prepared. From my perspective, I can tell you that they're ready to wrestle and support each other and it's a great, spirited team," said Zeamer.
Clarissa Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) had an opportunity to talk about the special opportunity to compete in China at her first Olympics.
"I think it's really cool to come to China. I'm half Chinese and my family will be coming," said Chun. "It means a lot to be able to bring my family to where our ancestors came from. We came from southern China, but for them to be able to see the culture firsthand and immerse themselves amongst our peoples is great."
A strong contingent of Japanese media attended the press conference, and many wanted to talk to Van Dusen about her victory over Saori Yoshida of Japan at the 2008 World Cup. Yoshida had never lost an international match on the Senior level. Van Dusen was respectful of Yoshida, praising her achievements, but also indicated that she was looking forward to the challenge again.
"I heard she wanted a rematch so I thought I'd come back and give her one," said Van Dusen. "It helped my confidence. She had 119 matches without a loss so I couldn't let her continue with that. I know I can beat the best in the world and now I have the evidence to prove it. So I'm ready to give her that rematch. Let's do it again, Yoshida."
Olympic coach Tadaaki Hatta felt that this U.S. team could stack up against any of the powers in women's wrestling.
"Japan is probably the best country to compete in the Olympics. Right behind them, the U.S. and maybe Russia and Ukraine," said Hatta. "I think we're going to do very well. The preparation that we went through will come through. All the wrestlers that you see right there, they're ready to go."
Bernard, who is the youngest of the group, spoke with a quiet confidence that was typical of this group of wrestlers.
"I am feeling good. I am on a roll. It is going to peak on the right day," said Bernard.
Although all of the four women wrestlers are competing in their first Olympic Games, the U.S. athletes displayed a level of confidence and poise, as well as a strong team bond. The team will compete on August 16-17 at the China Agriculture University Gymnasium.
The confidence came out when the journalists asked the team what kind of standard they wanted to set on the mats in Beijing. Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) volunteered to answer the question.
"Our goal is for four golds," said Bernard. "We just want to make the U.S. the head power for women's wrestling. Now is the time to do it. It's only the second time it's been at the Olympics. If we compete at the level we can compete at, I think we can set the stage."
National Women's Coach Terry Steiner did not shy away from the high goals set by his athletes.
"The names may change, but the result must stay the same," said Steiner. "Since the last Olympics, we have had four more years. We started a university resident program at Northern Michigan. We have a great group helping these athletes. We are ready. We are very capable."
Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) said that there is something special about the way her team is approaching this opportunity.
"We have a huge fire inside us," said Van Dusen. "I see that in all of the girls on this team."
Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) talked about how the team has become close and are working together for a common goal.
"We've actually known each other for a while. Three of us live in Colorado Springs. Ali was on my first international tour I ever took. It's not like we're strangers. We get along very well. We've been with each other on tours, on trips so we know each other's likes and dislikes. We really just know how to be around each other," said Miller.
Team Leader Stan Zeamer (Manheim, Pa.) talked about how the team spent time away from the mats this summer to become a tighter unit.
"Between training camps, we went to Breckenridge, Colorado and spent some time playing and having some fun. This group is excellent in team unity and cooperation. We've got a great spirit, willing to work hard and they're well prepared. From my perspective, I can tell you that they're ready to wrestle and support each other and it's a great, spirited team," said Zeamer.
Clarissa Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) had an opportunity to talk about the special opportunity to compete in China at her first Olympics.
"I think it's really cool to come to China. I'm half Chinese and my family will be coming," said Chun. "It means a lot to be able to bring my family to where our ancestors came from. We came from southern China, but for them to be able to see the culture firsthand and immerse themselves amongst our peoples is great."
A strong contingent of Japanese media attended the press conference, and many wanted to talk to Van Dusen about her victory over Saori Yoshida of Japan at the 2008 World Cup. Yoshida had never lost an international match on the Senior level. Van Dusen was respectful of Yoshida, praising her achievements, but also indicated that she was looking forward to the challenge again.
"I heard she wanted a rematch so I thought I'd come back and give her one," said Van Dusen. "It helped my confidence. She had 119 matches without a loss so I couldn't let her continue with that. I know I can beat the best in the world and now I have the evidence to prove it. So I'm ready to give her that rematch. Let's do it again, Yoshida."
Olympic coach Tadaaki Hatta felt that this U.S. team could stack up against any of the powers in women's wrestling.
"Japan is probably the best country to compete in the Olympics. Right behind them, the U.S. and maybe Russia and Ukraine," said Hatta. "I think we're going to do very well. The preparation that we went through will come through. All the wrestlers that you see right there, they're ready to go."
Bernard, who is the youngest of the group, spoke with a quiet confidence that was typical of this group of wrestlers.
"I am feeling good. I am on a roll. It is going to peak on the right day," said Bernard.
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