This past weekend, honorary CS-OTC resident Ian Lyons was laid to rest after his fight with an agressive and  rare form of cancer called Aveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, sadly ended. 

Only 13 years of age, Ian was a loving inspiration to the many people who had the pleasure of meeting him, including the scores of athletes who live and train at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center.

Initially, Ian was made an honorary resident in hopes that it would give him that extra bit of courage to fight his cancer; however, anyone who spent anytime around Ian quickly realized that he was already extremely brave.  If anything, the opposite became true - Ian helped instill bravery and strength into everyone he came across. 

His big smile and inner strength always brightened the day when he was on complex.  (Check the link to view a photo gallery of Ian with a number of athletes at the OTC).

On behalf of the athletes and staff at the USOC, we wish his family the best and thank them for allowing us to share in his life.

For more information on Ian, you can read up on his family's journal posted on CaringBridge.org.