Meet the 2019 Hall of Famers | Stories from Team USA Athletes
- ️Tue Oct 11 2022
Learn the stories behind what makes these athletes, coach and special contributor deserving of this honor.
Apolo Anton Ohno: Skating with no regrets
With eight medals in short-track speedskating, Apolo Anton Ohno is the most decorated U.S. Olympian ever at the Olympic Winter Games.
Candace Cable: Using her platform
Candace Cable did not like competition or confrontation as a youngster; she eventually became a nine-time Paralympian and 12-time Paralympic medalist
Chris Waddell: Pushing his limits
Paralyzed from the waist down after a skiing accident, Chris Waddell went on to compete in seven Paralympic Games, winning 13 medals and becoming the most decorated male monoskier in U.S. history.
Dara Torres: No shortage of motivation
Dara Torres made her Olympic debut as a teenager; 24 years later she made history as the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal.
Erin Popovich: Swimming to her place on the wall
Erin Popovich took up swimming at age 12 and less than one year later was competing in national championships. She won 19 medals over three Paralympic Games
John Carlos: Not content to just plant a seed
Once ostracized for having the courage to stand for his beliefs, half a century later track star John Carlos has embraced his role as a survivor.
Lisa Leslie: Achieving her basketball dream
From playground phenom to Olympic basketball gold medalist, read Lisa Leslie’s journey to achieving her Olympic basketball dream.
Misty May-Treanor: A competitive fire burns within
Volleyball has always been an integral part of Misty May-Treanor’s life. She won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in beach volleyball.
Nastia Liukin: Gold runs in the family
The daughter of a four-time Olympic medalist and a world champion, gymnast Nastia Liukin cemented her own legacy with all-around Olympic gold.
Ron O’Brien: Making an impact in and out of the pool
After failing to make the U.S. Diving Team for the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, Ron O’Brien became one of the greatest diving coaches of all time.
Tim Nugent: The father of accessibility
Tim Nugent made an impact far and wide as one of the leading advocates for people with disability.
Tommie Smith: Using his speed to attract attention
Tommie Smith is most remembered for his protest atop the Medal Podium, but his world-record speed is not to be overlooked.