Before it’s time to slice into that Thanksgiving turkey, we asked some U.S. athletes what they were grateful for in their lives, and in their careers. Here is what they had to say.
Tamika Catchings, basketball, three-time Olympic gold medalist: "I'm thankful for an amazing family and group of supporters around me. Without my faith and those who have continued to believe in EVERYTHING I do, I wouldn't be here."
Jake Dalton, gymnastics, 2012 Olympian: “A list of things I'm thankful for: Being with my family; Having good health; Having a supportive family; Having great friends; My freedom; And I’m thankful for being an American and living in the USA.”
Kim Rhode, skeet shooting, five-time Olympic medalist: “I'm thankful for my health, to have a roof over my head, friends and family who love us. I'm thankful for my success and to have the honor to represent my country.”
Matt Emmons, rifle shooting, three-time Olympic medalist: “I’m thankful for everything that I have in life and for all the good things that have happened to me. I’m also thankful for the things that didn’t go well because it’s made me wiser. I’m thankful I’ve been able to earn a living doing something I love.”
Brady Ellison, archery, two-time Olympian: “I am thankful for my wife and family and all the support they give me. I am thankful that I get to do what I love all day because of god and my sponsors.”
Debbie McCormick, curling, three-time Olympian: “I have much to be thankful for in this Thanksgiving season. My health, along with my family's health; having a wonderful home to come back to everyday for laughter, rest and rejuvenation. I am thankful for no injuries that may keep me from competing in the sport that I love and the support of my family and friends.”
Gray Horn, track and field: “I'm thankful for the U.S. soldiers that protect my right to train in an environment that allows me to reach my potential.”
Jamie Gray, rifle shooting, 2012 Olympic gold medalist: “I am thankful for my family who has always been there for me, including my husband who puts up with me every day. I am thankful for my friends who are there for me when my family isn't around. I have been blessed to have a healthy life and a long career, with more to come.”
Eric Hollen, pistol shooting, 2012 Paralympian: “I am thankful to have such a great support system, composed of great friends and family. I feel that every day is a gift. There are no guarantees; you just never know when your number might come up and your last day is here. All the best and Happy Thanksgiving to you all! LIVE IT!”
Gabriele Anderson, track and field: “I'm thankful for being cancer-free, my great family and friends, and the opportunity to do what I love every day!”
Cassie Potter, curling: “I am most thankful for my family and friends and the support that they give to me. I am especially thankful for my wonderful husband. He helps me stay grounded and focused. He is my best friend and supporter. In my curling career, I am thankful for the junior curling program in Bemidji, Minn., for the wonderful teammates I have had, and for the opportunities that I have had to compete and travel, allowing me to meet new friends and see more of the world.”
Frank Thompson, skeet shooting, 2012 Olympian: “This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for all my great friends, girlfriend, and family and for all the great experiences I get to have in wide open spaces.”
Jennifer (Nichols) Hardy, archery, three-time Olympian: “I'm thankful for my sweet husband. I'm thankful I had such a supportive family through all my years of competition. Without them my archery experience would be meaningless.”
Miranda Leek, archery, 2012 Olympian: “I am thankful for the most important things — my loving family, amazing friends, getting a college education, and all of the lessons that life has thrown at me and enabled me to grow. Within my archery career, I am thankful to have had all the opportunities to train, compete, and immerse myself in something I love to do. I am thankful for a great team and the seemingly endless support from everyone. I'm especially thankful for the fact that I can continue with my career in archery and pursue an even higher level of excellence with everyone in the years to come.”
Debra Horn, track and field: “I am thankful for great teammates so U.S. women could get team gold medal at 24-hour World Championship.”
