In taking over an organization in crisis, Sarah Hirshland navigated foundational change and now can imagine what the movement can be with two domestic Games in the next decade.
Caeleb Dressel, a medal favorite in multiple events, is always pushing to get better (USA TODAY)
The same mindset that has made him one of the best swimmers in the world is what pushed him on the trail and has given him an identity away from the pool.
Snowboarding story: From outcast to Olympic darling in 20 years (USA TODAY)
Since its introduction at the Nagano Olympics in 1998, the soulful sport has boomed. Participation has skyrocketed. Resorts now cater to snowboarders. And in the Games, the sport’s success paved the way for freeskiing and delivered on the coolness the Olympics lacked with a younger generation.
World-class triathlete Lionel Sanders battled drug addiction (USA TODAY)
Canadian Lionel Sanders has made his impact in two year at the pro level, making him one of the youngest triathletes at the top level of Ironman competition. That he’s doing it after overcoming drug addiction only further sets him apart.
How an LPGA player emerged from China’s anti-golf tactics (USA TODAY)
Despite restrictions imposed by the government and the sport holding virtually no space in the culture of China’s more than 1.3 billion population, golf is enjoying tremendous growth in China. Course construction has been booming for a decade even as a moratorium was established — and often ignored — in 2004. Now, the government is simultaneously closing golf courses as it funnels more support to the game with an eye toward the Olympics, where Feng Shanshan represents the country’s best chance at a medal when the sport is contested in Rio in 2016.
At 30, Kelly Clark still has the passing to progress snowboarding (USA TODAY)
Snowboarder Kelly Clark has become the most dominant athlete in her sport and continues to be a pioneer, going to four Olympics — and everyone around her thinks a fifth is doable.