What are Team USA athletes — Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls — up to when they're not competing? They're training. They're practicing. They're traveling to competitions and meets and games and tournaments. They're relaxing. They're getting engaged and married. They're taking hard-earned vacations. They're coping with the raw emotions that come from losing and winning. And they're sharing. Through the reach of social media, we're able to follow along on their often extraordinary journeys. We'll catch you up each week on what's "Red, White & Trending."
Shades Of Motherhood
From the very beginning Sydney Leroux has been willing to share her journey to and through motherhood, and the journey has been chock full of glorious social media gold for the Olympic soccer gold medalist — from the good, to the bad … to the worse.
The good …
The bad …
The worse (and every mother can relate to this feeling) …
More Olympic Babies
You can’t take these two anywhere. Spotted in the aisles: the most decorated gold medalist in history taking selfies with his young son while mom shops …
Times have changed for Olympic medalist fencer Tim Morehouse, too.
Orange Is The New Gold
’Tis the season. With Halloween around the corner, pumpkins need homes. Team USA is doing its part. (Along with a bonus from a very talented pumpkin-carving Team USA fan.)
Pumpkin Patch Day! pic.twitter.com/HncwmoTaJh
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) October 15, 2016
... And that talented fan?
#TeamUSAPumpkin pic.twitter.com/W2ehszw8uf
— Gregory Smith (@GregorySmith71) October 16, 2016
Hook ‘Em
From orange to burnt orange, we found the University of Texas’ official colors on proud display this past weekend while honoring some of its most accomplished athletes with induction into the Men’s and Women’s Hall of Honor.
In the case of four-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross, an 11-time All-American who was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Honor in 2011, it was a family affair as Aaron Ross earned the honor for 2016. Ross, who played football from 2003-06 at UT, won the 2006 Thorpe Award and earned a national title with the Longhorns before going on to win two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
The “Shot Diva,” Rio shot put gold medalist Michelle Carter, added another honor during this dream scenario over the past few months.
Seven-time Olympic swimming medalist Aaron Peirsol also earned induction for his stellar NCAA career.
Kicks In Las Vegas
Tick tock, Allie Long. Even three weeks ago, the women’s national soccer team midfielder had been posting about her upcoming wedding. This past week, as the nuptials drew nearer, Long enjoyed a night out with fellow national teamer Alex Morgan and some of her club teammates.
Breezy Point
For a sense of how time matters in luge, consider that the fastest finisher in Heat 1 of the men’s competition in Sochi covered the course in 52.170 seconds, and the next 20 finished within a second. No. 30 clocked 53.533. Every second counts, which is why a trip to the San Diego Wind Tunnel is occasionally required for Team USA athletes, including, this time around, Tucker West, who as a teen finished 22nd in Sochi.
In a sport timed to the thousandth of a second aerodynamics is crucial! Thanks @SDWindTunnel for letting us use your tunnel today! #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/yyg41Ix5mb
— Tucker West (@TuckerWest1) October 15, 2016
West also earned a bit of an honor later in the week.
Today I had the opportunity to be the first athlete of the year down Lake Placid's track. Feels great to be back!
— Tucker West (@TuckerWest1) October 18, 2016
📷: @AidanKellyUSA pic.twitter.com/JNh9DjUvqg
’Ampuversary’
This has been quite a few weeks for triathlete and Rio Paralympic silver medalist Hailey Danisewicz, who has checked in from the Chicago Marathon, from a corporate event in Connecticut and a bike ride in Michigan. This past week included a “PugCovery” visit and an important anniversary.
Danisewicz, who took her first swim since Rio, left a poignant message on the occasion of her “ampuversary.”
A Night To Remember
Bringing together athletes in a celebration of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute to Women in Sports is bound to take on a Team USA flair. Athletes shared dozens of their thoughts on the honor, along with a few selfies …
Feeling fab. And I've come to the conclusion that all make-up and hair sessions must include a DJ from now on. 💃🏻🎤 pic.twitter.com/VEwtOHFKyW
— Meghan O'Leary (@MeghanOLeary1) October 19, 2016
What an incredibly inspiring evening put on by @WomensSportsFdn . So honored to be a part of it! #WSFAnnualSalute pic.twitter.com/ZaN1QqhRP2
— Elizabeth Beisel ⚓ (@ebeisel34) October 20, 2016
Honored to present @theAshJohnson w/ Sportswoman of the year in a team sport last night w/ @SanyaRichiRoss 🙏🏼 💪🏼🏅💕 pic.twitter.com/J0su5PgNwg
— Meryl Davis (@Meryl_Davis) October 20, 2016
Congratulations @Claressashields our Sportswoman of the Year in the Individual Category! #WSFAnnualSalute pic.twitter.com/OIGoDdFJt2
— Women's Sports Fdn (@WomensSportsFdn) October 20, 2016
Kid Stuff
If you’re a kid, would it get any better than swimming with Olympic star Missy Franklin?
I. Love. My. Job. pic.twitter.com/StXBd2abZj
— Missy Franklin (@missyfranklin) October 18, 2016
One Step At A Time
If you hadn’t seen two-time Olympic high jumper Jamie Nieto’s early steps from 11 weeks ago, take a look at the powerful video below …
Since, Nieto has gained a good deal of muscle mass and mobility.
Where Are They Now?
Wondering what Miracle on Ice leading scorer Mark Johnson has been up to since lighting the Olympic cauldron in Salt Lake City? Or since earning a silver medal as a head coach of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team? He’s still reaching milestones as a head coach. This past weekend reached 400 wins as the head coach of No. 1-ranked Wisconsin. Johnson, who has also coached a number of Olympians within the Badgers program, is the first head coach in Women’s WCHA history to reach the 400-win milestone.
"As I look at it, it's a pretty big number. I'm thankful we have been able to put together a product the community watches and supports."
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerWHockey) October 17, 2016
Sign Of The Times
LA 2024’s athlete wall picked up a pretty good signature this past week, as sprinting star Allyson Felix slowed down just long enough to leave her autograph.
An LA native & the most decorated @usatf woman, the perfect combo! Thanks @allysonfelix for stopping by #LA2024 to sign the athlete wall! pic.twitter.com/u1BchK8mTX
— LA 2024 (@LA2024) October 15, 2016
This also caught the eye of Olympic hurdler Queen Harrison …
@goQueengo always cheesin😬lol thanks girl!
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) October 15, 2016
No Ordinary Day
San Francisco native and Olympic middle-distance runner Shannon Rowbury, not far removed from her fourth-place finish in Rio, earned a lasting honor in her hometown.
Yesterday I had the incredible honor of receiving a SF Proclamation naming Oct 18, 2016 "Shannon Rowbury Day!" 😍🎉💋 pic.twitter.com/nlfgc290mb
— Shannon Rowbury (@ShannonRowbury) October 19, 2016
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