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 and having children. They're taking hard-earned vacations. Or retiring. Or 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."
Las Vegas On Team USA's Minds
Tragedy rocked yet another American city this past week, and, again, Team USA was affected not only in their thoughts and prayers, but also personally when an armed gunman opened fire on an outdoor concert venue on the Las Vegas strip. Olympic silver medalist pole vaulter Sandi Morris happened to be attending a show not far from the outdoor venue. Paralympic snowboarding star Amy Purdy was born in Las Vegas. Two-time Olympic swimming medalist Cody Miller attended high school in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Olympic tennis champion and Las Vegas-born Andre Agassi, who remains a force in giving back as a resident in the area, voiced a powerful #VegasSTRONG video message …
#VegasSTRONG... pic.twitter.com/fetgJ53av7
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) October 4, 2017
I sat in lock down at the @bluemangroup show for 5 hours, then walked to my hotel through a ghost town Vegas. Heart goes out to all victims. pic.twitter.com/gYtX1FtRig
— Sandi Morris (@sandicheekspv) October 2, 2017
I honestly still can't fathom people were being brutally murdered right across the street while I was just sitting there watching a show...
— Sandi Morris (@sandicheekspv) October 2, 2017
#Prayforvegas #vegas please donate blood if you can! ππβ¨ pic.twitter.com/9cyDDK3rGQ
— Amy Purdy (@AmyPurdyGurl) October 2, 2017
Praying for my hometown right now. Family is safe, still hearing from friends. #LasVegasShooting πππ
— Amy Purdy (@AmyPurdyGurl) October 2, 2017
Thoughts & prayers to my city Las Vegasπ€
— Cody Miller (@swimiller) October 2, 2017
From afar, Team USA offered words of support for Las Vegas and those whose worlds so quickly changed in the horrors of Sunday night …
Devastating news from Las Vegas. We're heartbroken for the victims and their families.
— ShibSibs (@ShibSibs) October 2, 2017
#PrayForLasVegas
— Summer Sanders (@SummerSanders_) October 2, 2017
My heart hurts for the victims and their families. Thoughts and support to everyone involved! #givebloodtoday
There are no words to express this devastating news . My prayers go to the victims in Vegas and their families.
— Dana Vollmer (@danavollmer) October 2, 2017
No words. My heart goes out to victims/families in Las Vegas. Thank you to so many courageous 1st responders. #VegasStrong #unite pic.twitter.com/uUb19ZnNWe
— Shannon Miller (@shannonmiller96) October 2, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with those that this tragedy has touched. And I’m deeply moved by all who have reached out to help #LoveForVegas pic.twitter.com/f6fbEq8UAI
— Bethanie MattekSands (@BMATTEK) October 3, 2017
Thinking of the victims and their loved ones in Las Vegas. We are grieving with you.
— Sloane Stephens (@SloaneStephens) October 3, 2017
Heartbreaking to hear about the Vegas shooting. My prayers go out to the victims, their families and the first responders #PrayForVegas
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) October 2, 2017
Sending love and thoughts toward all the victims and families involved in the Vegas shooting ππΌβ€οΈ
— Torin Yater-Wallace (@TorinWallace) October 2, 2017
My heart breaks for Las Vegas and those affected by this tragedy.
— Ashley Wagner (@AshWagner2010) October 2, 2017
Next Generation
Leave it to Melissa Stockwell, a two-time Paralympian and paratriathlon world champion who is also a Purple Heart and bronze star recipient, to try putting a positive spin on what the future might hold.
The world may not be perfect but #millielynn is. Happy 2 months to you sweet girl, you make the world a better place. β€οΈ #chooselove pic.twitter.com/o6zFQ7s0gd
— Melissa Stockwell (@MStockwell01) October 2, 2017
Olympic alpine skiing champion Lindsey Vonn offers her take on the future, too.
A Brand New Year
This week marked the kick-off to the sliding season that will help determine the Olympic team Team USA sends to the picturesque track in PyeongChang for the Olympic Winter Games — which seems like a pretty good time for Sochi bobsled bronze medalist Jamie Greubel Poser to break out her behind-the-scenes-tour skills for Lake Placid’s own picturesque track in the fall splendor of the Adirondack Mountains.
1st day of the 2017-18 season!! π€βοΈππ―π¨ #iceicebaby #bobsled @TeamUSA #roadtopyeongchang @usbsf @LkPlacidEvents pic.twitter.com/h5svQiNSAC
— Jamie Greubel Poser (@JamieGreubel) October 4, 2017
First runs of the season start tomorrow.. Let's go slide. βοΈπΊπΈ
— Evan Weinstock (@Evan_Weinstock) October 3, 2017
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πΈ: @gettysport#teamusa #bobsled #vegasstrong pic.twitter.com/WTXOt4zNmm
πππ Έπ ππ Ώ: day 1 of sliding of the Olympic season. Excited for our first National Team Selection race in 3 days... weather permitting ππΎ pic.twitter.com/TGY5YwPyu9
— Lauren Gibbs (@lagibbs84) October 4, 2017
First day back on ice babyyy!!! 2 great trips with @codiebascue13. We will be racing this weekend in the first 2-man team selection race. pic.twitter.com/73ohNe3WdC
— Carlo Valdes (@CarloValdes_USA) October 4, 2017
And we’re back! 1st day on the ice with rookie Lake Kwaza! ππ¨ #WinterIsHere @USBSF @TeamUSA @IBSFsliding pic.twitter.com/0JeAOsoUM5
— Elana Meyers Taylor (@eamslider24) October 4, 2017
Whooooose ready for #Bobsled Season?! This guy!! First trips down the hill went great for everyone and @TeamUSA is better than ever! pic.twitter.com/cSGw5IQCcY
— Nick Cunningham (@BOBSLEDR) October 4, 2017
It's time! Day 1 of sliding for the Olympic season is upon us! #letsgetit pic.twitter.com/deMvYOEjBR
— Codie Bascue (@codiebascue13) October 4, 2017
Bobsledders had a pretty good week overall, too. In addition to the first runs of the season, they also entertained a few guests who are also fairly well known for their work on the ice.
It was great seeing our @Sochi2014 @TeamUSA teammate @shattdeuces in #LakePlacid today. @NYRangers #hockeydoesbobsled pic.twitter.com/2lKePGCh1w
— Jamie Greubel Poser (@JamieGreubel) October 3, 2017
RangersTown bobsled team! @USBSF π΅βͺοΈπ΄βͺοΈπ΅ pic.twitter.com/btJhN6hBWz
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 2, 2017
This was a blast!! So much fun meeting the @NYRangers today to teach them how to push a bobsled! #wintersports #unite #lakeplacid @TeamUSA https://t.co/4jrRU4u6kW
— Jamie Greubel Poser (@JamieGreubel) October 2, 2017
Oh, yes, and there was also a back-and-forth with William Shatner.
@WilliamShatner If you want to go warp speed one more time. We are in Lake Placid waiting. #bigfan #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/4qmy7dTVno
— Sam Michener (@sammichener) October 3, 2017
π€ Let me think about it. You may get a visit. π https://t.co/PQlYVlZAW2
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 3, 2017
Hahaha @WilliamShatner I think you should come hang out with us!
— Lauren Gibbs (@lagibbs84) October 3, 2017
Tattoo, Check
For so many Olympians and Paralympians, one of the most lasting and visible rewards for all of the hard work that went into earning those appearances on the world’s biggest sporting stage becomes a tattoo. Welcome to the club, Rio Olympic golfer Lexi Thompson.
Heeeee’s Baaaaack
For an indication of just how important these trips down the mountain are to three-time Olympian Steven Nyman, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in February, the alpine skier picked up more than 10,000 views from his 24,000 or so followers.
Sheeeee’s Baaaaack
Two-time Paralympic swimmer and gold medalist Mallory Weggemann offers some of the most heartfelt of social posts, and this past week’s serves as a letter of appreciation for her sport.
Shawn, Gone
Whatever happened to Olympic gymnastics champion Shawn Johnson East, it isn’t going to keep her from dancing.
Seems she’s having more than a little fun these days …
Don’t miss out on the full YouTube video! Click link to see! @Brodiesmith21 https://t.co/0M79yNv8Ov pic.twitter.com/NQ7sKKu3iQ
— Shawn Johnson East (@ShawnJohnson) October 2, 2017
Speed Boat
You may already have heard that Olympians Meghan O'Leary and Ellen Tomek ended a nearly 30-year-old medal drought at the World Rowing Championships, but a silver in Sarasota, Florida, this past week continues to mean a great deal to the pair that began racing together in 2013 and were the oldest racers in the double sculls finale.
Congratulations to Meghan & Ellen for achieving the highest-ever finish for the women's double sculls in U.S. World Championship history πΊπΈ pic.twitter.com/oh2lnlBRLz
— USRowing (@usrowing) October 1, 2017
Yess!!! Congrats to former UVA softball player and rower @MeghanOLeary1! https://t.co/EGR3Qzqjp8
— UVA Softball (@UVASOFTBALL) October 1, 2017
Congrats to @EpiscopalBR alum @MeghanOLeary1 on earning SILVER in the @WorldRowing Championships! @EHSBRAthletics #OnceAKnight pic.twitter.com/I590ejWPHA
— Episcopal Athletics (@EHSBRAthletics) October 1, 2017
Silver medal in the W2x! As the oldest crew in the event, @MeghanOLeary1 and Ellen Tomek had the fastest sprint, finishing in 6:46.57 πΊπΈπͺπ₯ pic.twitter.com/0F0t2cNskc
— USRowing (@usrowing) October 1, 2017
Not bad for a couple of old ladies. π΅πΌπ΅π» @ellentomek https://t.co/RXuSNZZoqO
— Meghan O'Leary (@MeghanOLeary1) October 1, 2017
Olympic rower Megan Kalmoe, who earned her own silver in the women's pair, managed to celebrate, too.
Sibling Inspiration
For her star turn in the spotlight, Olympic gymnastics champion Aly Raisman looked for some fashion inspiration before delivering some of her own inspiration in Boston.
Getting ready for my panel with #forbesunder30
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) October 3, 2017
I copied @chloeraisman21 horsebacking riding outfits ;) pic.twitter.com/Wu5SQFrwVW
Bestie and fellow Olympic gymnastics champion Laurie Hernandez chimed in with a rave review.
ohmygod you're so cute. love my grandmaπ€ΆπΌ https://t.co/pF6JmBGijR
— Laurie Hernandez βΆ (@lzhernandez02) October 3, 2017
And that outfit in action:
@Aly_Raisman featured speaker @ForbesUnder30 summit, talks entrepreneurship & body image via @forbes https://t.co/WNaywcOkvY #Under30Summit
— Drew Johnson (@DrewJohnson08) October 4, 2017
Honor Roll
Congratulations are in order for a pair of Team USA Olympians whose alma maters honored their careers this past week. For three-time Olympic hurdle star and bronze medalist Tonja Buford-Bailey, that meant a spot in the inaugural class of the University of Illinois Hall of Fame.
Officially an Inaugural University of Illinois Hall of Fame member. @IlliniHQ @IlliniAthletics @IllinoisTrack pic.twitter.com/CWkZXtonIR
— Tonja Buford-Bailey (@BaileyTonja) October 1, 2017
A few days shy of her 31st birthday, two-time Olympic volleyball medalist Jordan Larson and Huskers great saw her jersey raised to the rafters in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Well deserved, @JordanLarson10 ππ»ππ»ππ»#Huskers pic.twitter.com/QQB1N21rR3
— Husker Volleyball (@Huskervball) September 29, 2017
Above The Clouds
Olympic gold and two-time Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Clark spent a good chunk of her September in New Zealand, and October is looking up, too — up to and through the clouds.
’Tis The Season
Ponder this age-old question as the countdown is on (at least in the mind of Olympic sprinter and gold medalist Morolake Akinosun) …
Serious question.
— Morolake Akinosun™ (@MsFastTwitch) October 4, 2017
When is it appropriate to start playing/listening to Christmas music?