TORINO: Kildow wins women's U.S. Olympic Spirit Award

TORINO: Kildow wins women's U.S. Olympic Spirit Award{mosimage}TORINO, Italy – The United States Olympic Committee joined U.S. Olympic team supplier DHL Sunday to announce the winners of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Spirit Award Delivered by DHL.

Joey Cheek, Lindsey Kildow and the members of the 2006 U.S. Olympic snowboarding team were selected by American fans, fellow Team USA athletes, U.S. alumni Olympians and members of the media for best representing 'Olympic Spirit' during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

Athletes were selected based on their demonstration of the Olympic Ideals and Olympic values such as courage, commitment, perseverance and vision, both in competition and in pursuit of their Olympic dream. Votes were cast during the 16 days of competition, beginning Feb. 11 and running through Feb. 26, 2006.

Kildow wins female category award
Kildow, a two-time Olympian (2002, 2006) is the first-ever woman to win the individual U.S. Olympic Spirit Award while not winning an Olympic medal. Despite being hospitalized after a spectacular training-run accident on the second day of the downhill practice, Kildow returned to the slopes to compete the next day, finishing eighth. Still struggling with the injuries, she demonstrated incredible courage and commitment and went on to compete in four of her five events which resulted in two top ten placements.

"To me, the Olympics are not just about the medals, it's the way people come out to the Games and they dream about being the best in the world," Kildow said. "I am very proud that people voted for me and I hope that I represented my country to the best of my ability."

Boarders tops for team honor
The U.S. snowboarding team not only contributed seven medals to Team USA's 25 medal-count total, but the team's youthful and vibrant personalities and performances captivated the hearts of Americans young and old. Their camaraderie among peers earned them the recognition they deserve.

The team consists of the following athletes: Mason Aguirre, Gretchen Bleiler, Kelly Clark, Andy Finch, Rosey Fletcher, Michelle Gorgone, Jayson Hale, Elena Hight, Nate Holland, Lindsey Jacobellis, Tyler Jewell, Danny Kass, Jason Smith, Hannah Teter, Graham Watanabe, Seth Wescott and Shaun White.

Speedskater Cheeks wins male accolades
A 2006 gold and silver medalist and two-time Olympian (2002, 2006) in long-track speedskating, Cheek selflessly donated his $40,000 in performance earnings to the organization, Right to Play. His generosity inspired others to contribute thousands of dollars to the organization. As result of his humanitarianism and exemplary behavior, he was elected by his peers to carry the American flag during the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games.

'I believe the reason why the Olympics resonate with people is that the spirit of Olympians is in many ways really the spirit of people all over the world. I am proud to be an Olympian, to be a competitor and to be able to give back to people that are less fortunate than me, through a special organization like Right to Play' Cheek said.

The winners will be honored at a U.S. Olympic team celebration dinner on May 16 in Washington, D.C. Additionally, DHL will provide a grant of $5,000 on behalf of each of the winners to a qualified, Olympic-related, nonprofit organization of their choice.

Following the conclusion of the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games on March 19, DHL will officially present the 2006 U.S. Paralympic Spirit Awards Delivered by DHL to the deserving male and female athletes and teams participating in the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.

Past U.S. Olympic Spirit Award winners include Team DHL members Scott Hamilton (figure skating), Dan Jansen (speedskating), Chris Klug (snowboarding), Vonetta Flowers (bobsleigh) and Sarah Will (alpine skiing).

– USOC