Henry Cejudo headlines group of U.S. Olympic wrestlers who will be honored at the White House

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Henry Cejudo was among a select group of American athletes who had an opportunity to visit the White House just prior to the 2008 Olympic Games.

But the date of the White House visit coincided with the middle of an Olympic freestyle training camp, so he respectfully declined the invitation.

Cejudo apparently knew what he was doing. His razor-sharp focus and meticulous preparation led him to the top of the Olympic podium on Aug. 19 in Beijing, China.

Now an Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo is among a group of Olympians who have been invited back to the White House to be honored by President Bush on Tuesday morning, Oct. 7. This time, Cejudo definitely plans to make the trip to Washington, D.C.

"It's going to be really cool," Cejudo said. "It's the White House - it's the most powerful place in the World. I can't wait to go. I'm looking forward to it."

Cejudo will be joined at the White House by numerous U.S. Olympians in all sports. Cejudo is one of eight U.S. Olympic wrestlers who are scheduled to be honored at the White House. Cejudo will be joined by Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller along with Olympians Mike Zadick, Andy Hrovat, Spenser Mango, T.C. Dantzler, Brad Vering and Dremiel Byers. U.S. Olympic Team Leaders Stan Zeamer and John Bardis also are making the trip along with USA Wrestling Director of National Teams Mitch Hull.

The 21-year-old Cejudo has been on a whirlwind media and promotional tour since he became the youngest American in history to win a wrestling gold medal in the Olympics.

Since leaving Beijing, Cejudo has made public appearances in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Phoenix and Miami.

"It's been pretty crazy and hectic, but it's been really great for the most part," Cejudo said. "I've met a lot of kids, and I've told them if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything. It takes work. You have to sacrifice something to get something.