Connecticut Olympians Day

Governor Rell Declares “Connecticut Olympians Day” to Honor Olympic Athletes with State Ties

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the official U.S. Olympic flag will fly high above the Capitol this weekend in honor of the 14 Olympians with Connecticut ties competing in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The Governor is declaring Friday, August 8, 2008 – the start of the XXIX Olympiad – “Connecticut Olympians Day” and requested the flag be raised tomorrow and remain there through the weekend.

From UConn basketball great Diana Taurasi to five-time Olympian and gold medalist archer Butch Johnson to twin brothers from Greenwich in the rowing competition, the group represents the best-of-the-best in a variety of sports. In addition to the athletes, Connecticut Sun Head Coach Mike Thibault is an assistant coach for U.S. Women’s Basketball.

“These 14 Olympians have spent their lifetime training for this special moment and have made tremendous personal sacrifices along the way,” Governor Rell said. “I will be cheering them on as they demonstrate the ultimate in sportsmanship and mental toughness that has earned them a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.”

The U.S. is sending 596 athletes, 310 men and 286 women, to Beijing to compete in 30 sports. The Olympics run from August 8 to August 24.

“I could not be prouder of the athletes from Connecticut who are representing our country in the 2008 Olympics. They are true role models for sports fans of all ages across the state,” Governor Rell said.

The following Olympians have ties to Connecticut:

• Emily Caruso, Fairfield – Shooting
• Michelle Guerette, Bristol – Rowling, Women’s Single Sculls
• Butch Johnson, Woodstock – Archery, Recurve. The five-time Olympian was 1996 Gold Medalist and 2000 Bronze Medalist
• Kenneth Jurkowski , New Fairfield – Rowing, Men’s Single Sculls
• Daniel Walsh, Norwalk – Rowing, Men’s Eight
• Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Greenwich – Rowing, Men’s Pair
• Sue Bird, UConn – Women’s Basketball
• James Blake, grew up in Fairfield – Men’s Tennis
• Amanda Clark, Connecticut College – Sailing
• Sada Jacobson, Yale University – Fencing
• Courtney King-Dye, New Milford – Equestrian
• Stu McNay, Yale University – Sailing
• Diana Taurasi, UConn – Women’s Basketball
• Mike Thibault (Connecticut Sun head coach) – Women’s Basketball, Assistant Coach