USOC doubles fundraising goal

The U.S. Olympic Committee hopes to generate $2 million in a fundraising initiative, doubling its financial goal after a longtime sponsor agreed to match private contributions.

Visa recently committed $500,000 to "America Supports Team USA," a new program that runs through Saturday in which the USOC is soliciting $5 donations to offset costs by athletes training for the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Pop-up banners promote the campaign on the USOC's Web site, teamusa.org, and public service announcements include figure skaters Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir, skiers Ryan St. Onge and Lindsey Vonn and snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler.

"Our research tells us again and again that Americans really care about the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams and want to support them," USOC acting chief executive officer Stephanie Streeter said. "Every donation counts and can make a big difference in the lives of our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls."

Triathletes near top
Olympic Training Center resident Andy Potts placed fourth June 21 at an International Triathlon Union world championship series race in Washington. Also of the OTC, Hunter Kemper took fifth, and Sarah Haskins Kortuem was fourth in the women's division.

Potts captured his third straight title June 14 at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. OTC resident Brian Fleischmann finished fourth.

Judo players triumph
OTC judo player Jillian Roman won a gold medal this month at the Pan American Junior Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador. OTC resident Colin Robinson won a silver.

OTC residents Paola Genao-Butler, Alexa Liddie, Kaitlyn McKim and Katie Sell marked victories at the National President's Cup Championships in Duluth, Ga. Also of the OTC, Matthew Parker recorded a runner-up finish, and third-place finishers were Samantha Bleier, Veronica Graves, Angela Marino and Julio Rodriguez.

Shooters on podium
OTC shooter Amy Sowash took second in 10-meter air rifle this month at the national championships in Columbus, Ga. Also of the OTC, Emily Caruso and Matthew Wallace were third in air rifle; Jason Turner was third in 10-meter air pistol; and Hannah Lewis was first in 25-meter sport pistol and second in air pistol in the junior division.

Medals for pentathletes
OTC pentathlete Dennis Bowsher won the national championships this month in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Also of the OTC, Will Brady placed second, Sam Sacksen was third and Margaux Isaksen repeated as the women's champion.