U.S. wrestlers visit the White House and President Bush along with their Olympic teammates
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by Gary Abbott
President George W. Bush is presented a team jacket from Paralympian Jennifer Armbruster after delivering his remarks to members of the 2008 United States Summer Olympic and Paralympic Teams Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
WASHINGTON, D.C. - They all had to get up around 5:00 a.m. and sit in downtown Washington traffic for what seemed like hours, but members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling teams had a memory of a lifetime during their visit to the White House on Tuesday morning.
"It was nice to be in Washington D.C. and to tour the White House," said two-time Olympic wrestler Brad Vering. "You got to see where all the huge decisions of the country were made, and share it with some of the best athletes in the world."
The U.S. wrestling delegation also included Olympic champion Henry Cejudo and Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller, along with Olympians Mike Zadick, Andy Hrovat, Spenser Mango, T.C. Dantzler and Dremiel Byers. U.S. Olympic Team Leaders Stan Zeamer and John Bardis and USA Wrestling Director of National Teams Mitch Hull were also included in the experience.
The White House visit featured more than 500 U.S. athletes, including members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
President George W. Bush spoke to the Olympians as part of an extensive tour of the White House.
"The Olympic team finished with the top medal count of 110 medals. But more impressive was the decency and character that these Olympics brought on the world stage. I know you worked hard -- the Olympics and Paralympic teams worked hard to get to this moment. Whether you won a medal or not, it really doesn't matter in the long run. What really matters is the honor you brought to your sports and to your families and to your country" President Bush said.
Bush told the Olympians that they were an inspiration to him and to the entire nation.
"Our Olympic athletes have served our country in many ways. But you have a chance to continue to serve. And we honor your service as athletes, and we look forward to honoring your service as worthy citizens of our great country. You amazed the world with your talent and grace and sportsmanship. You inspired children to chase their dreams. You will be champions forever," said Bush.
The U.S. wrestlers were impressed by the Bush speech.
"We got to watch the President talk about how we are more than competitors, but are representatives of our country," said Vering. "He said he was proud of us for what we are doing, not just as athletes. He said the Olympics are good for the betterment of the World."
"It was good. That man can speak," said Olympic champion Henry Cejudo. "He was a passionate person."
The wrestlers were also very impressed with the tour of the White House and the rich history of our nation which was displayed there.
"I think it is awesome to see so much history and experience it," said Olympian Dremiel Byers. "I am enjoying the people here. You can feel the vibe. I have also enjoyed being with the Paralympic athletes. They stand out as individuals."
"I was excited with the history of the country, the architecture and the décor there," said U.S. Olympic Women's Team Leader Stan Zeamer. "I was amazed at the beauty and the tradition there. I took the tour twice. I couldn't absorb enough. I enjoyed the Abraham Lincoln portrait in the State Room. I took a picture of Randi Miller with Lincoln in the background."
Visiting with their Olympic wrestling teammates, as well as athletes from the other sports, was also a big highlight of the day.
"After you meet people at the Olympics in all the sports, you make friends and watch them compete. It was like a mini-reunion. It was nice to get back with them and catch up," said Vering.
"This is great. It is a first-time experience for me. Our team stuck together, and we are taking a bunch of pictures together," said Olympic wrestler Spenser Mango. "I have seen a lot of faces I recognized from Beijing. I have caught up with other athletes, and asked if they were back in training yet. We are all hanging out and having a good time."
Just having the opportunity to be there and to receive special treatment as Olympians made the visit memorable.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a privilege for me as a Team Leader to visit the White House," said Zeamer. "It was a chance for all the athletes to be recognized for their achievement. It was an awesome and beautiful day to be there with all the athletes. I enjoyed the whole experience and so did the athletes."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - They all had to get up around 5:00 a.m. and sit in downtown Washington traffic for what seemed like hours, but members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling teams had a memory of a lifetime during their visit to the White House on Tuesday morning.
"It was nice to be in Washington D.C. and to tour the White House," said two-time Olympic wrestler Brad Vering. "You got to see where all the huge decisions of the country were made, and share it with some of the best athletes in the world."
The U.S. wrestling delegation also included Olympic champion Henry Cejudo and Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller, along with Olympians Mike Zadick, Andy Hrovat, Spenser Mango, T.C. Dantzler and Dremiel Byers. U.S. Olympic Team Leaders Stan Zeamer and John Bardis and USA Wrestling Director of National Teams Mitch Hull were also included in the experience.
The White House visit featured more than 500 U.S. athletes, including members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
President George W. Bush spoke to the Olympians as part of an extensive tour of the White House.
"The Olympic team finished with the top medal count of 110 medals. But more impressive was the decency and character that these Olympics brought on the world stage. I know you worked hard -- the Olympics and Paralympic teams worked hard to get to this moment. Whether you won a medal or not, it really doesn't matter in the long run. What really matters is the honor you brought to your sports and to your families and to your country" President Bush said.
Bush told the Olympians that they were an inspiration to him and to the entire nation.
"Our Olympic athletes have served our country in many ways. But you have a chance to continue to serve. And we honor your service as athletes, and we look forward to honoring your service as worthy citizens of our great country. You amazed the world with your talent and grace and sportsmanship. You inspired children to chase their dreams. You will be champions forever," said Bush.
The U.S. wrestlers were impressed by the Bush speech.
"We got to watch the President talk about how we are more than competitors, but are representatives of our country," said Vering. "He said he was proud of us for what we are doing, not just as athletes. He said the Olympics are good for the betterment of the World."
"It was good. That man can speak," said Olympic champion Henry Cejudo. "He was a passionate person."
The wrestlers were also very impressed with the tour of the White House and the rich history of our nation which was displayed there.
"I think it is awesome to see so much history and experience it," said Olympian Dremiel Byers. "I am enjoying the people here. You can feel the vibe. I have also enjoyed being with the Paralympic athletes. They stand out as individuals."
"I was excited with the history of the country, the architecture and the décor there," said U.S. Olympic Women's Team Leader Stan Zeamer. "I was amazed at the beauty and the tradition there. I took the tour twice. I couldn't absorb enough. I enjoyed the Abraham Lincoln portrait in the State Room. I took a picture of Randi Miller with Lincoln in the background."
Visiting with their Olympic wrestling teammates, as well as athletes from the other sports, was also a big highlight of the day.
"After you meet people at the Olympics in all the sports, you make friends and watch them compete. It was like a mini-reunion. It was nice to get back with them and catch up," said Vering.
"This is great. It is a first-time experience for me. Our team stuck together, and we are taking a bunch of pictures together," said Olympic wrestler Spenser Mango. "I have seen a lot of faces I recognized from Beijing. I have caught up with other athletes, and asked if they were back in training yet. We are all hanging out and having a good time."
Just having the opportunity to be there and to receive special treatment as Olympians made the visit memorable.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a privilege for me as a Team Leader to visit the White House," said Zeamer. "It was a chance for all the athletes to be recognized for their achievement. It was an awesome and beautiful day to be there with all the athletes. I enjoyed the whole experience and so did the athletes."
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