For Immediate Release
August 20, 2004

U.S. Olympians Overcome Adversity
Fact of the Day

Several athletes representing the United States in Athens have overcome serious disabilities and debilitating illnesses to compete in the Olympic Games. The 2004 gold-medalist in trap shooting, 17-year old Collyn Loper, was born blind in her right eye, and triple jumper Tiombe Hurd and 5,000-meter runner Marla Runyan are legally blind. Sailor Kevin Hall is recovering from testicular cancer that was diagnosed in 1990. And four-time Olympian Gail Devers suffered from Graves' disease from 1988 to 1991 and was close to having her feet amputated until treatment and accurate diagnosis brought the disease under control.

Source: United States Olympic Committee (http://www.usoc.org)