Excellence, dedication and professionalism have made U.S. Army Soldiers strong for more than 237 years. These qualities have allowed Soldiers to compete at both summer and winter Olympic games since 1896. This year 15 Soldiers will compete or coach in the Olympic games, and one Soldier will compete in the Paralympic games, in London. The Soldiers competing in these games represent the best of the Army, and the best of the nation.
Stories
Warriors take adaptive sports to 'next level'
Several wounded warriors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., competed in the London 2012 Summer Paralympics, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, 2012. MORE about Warriors take adaptive sports to 'next level'
Paralympian sets stage for recovery - inspiring...
U.S. Army Veteran and member of the 2012 U.S Paralympic shooting team, Eric Hollen found success by using shooting as a tool for recovery. He has paved the way for others with disabilities to... MORE about Paralympian sets stage for recovery - inspiring others through the sport of shooting
Army Paralympic shooter helps pioneer prosthesis
A sharpshooter who competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games this week also helped develop an innovative prosthesis that has helped countless wounded warriors. MORE about Army Paralympic shooter helps pioneer prosthesis
Paralympic Games motivate U.S. wounded warriors
A group of Europe-based wounded warriors traveled to London to observe the 2012 Paralympic Games and said they are motivated by the athletes. MORE about Paralympic Games motivate U.S. wounded warriors
Paralympic basketball team ready to compete
The U.S. Paralympic basketball team had a final tune-up Wednesday, topping Great Britain's team in a scrimmage in advance of opening ceremonies for the 2012 Paralympic Games. MORE about Paralympic basketball team ready to compete
Army gold medalist Hancock to visit White House...
After the spotlight of the Olympic games in London, and another gold medal to add to the one he earned in Beijing just four years ago, Sgt. Vincent Hancock has come back to the United States and is... MORE about Army gold medalist Hancock to visit White House with U.S. Olympic team
Paralympians complete preparations in London
Members of the U.S. Paralympic team completed their team processing and remain focused amid growing anticipation for the 2012 Paralympic Games. MORE about Paralympians complete preparations in London
Wounded Warriors attend London Paralympics
The Olympic games may be over, but there is still a group of international athletes competing for gold in London and a select group of Soldiers are on hand to see the competition. MORE about Wounded Warriors attend London Paralympics
U.S. military athletes leave mark on London...
More than 20 U.S. military athletes, coaches, training partners, family members and support personnel served as sports ambassadors to the world during the London 2012 Olympic Games. MORE about U.S. military athletes leave mark on London 2012 Olympic Games
Olson ready to make Paralympic history
Years of determination, hard work and resilience have led Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson to the cusp of making history at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. MORE about Olson ready to make Paralympic history
Military athletes at London games enjoy Army...
U.S. military athletes at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony, Aug. 12, 2012, had more than just fans cheering them on throughout the games. MORE about Military athletes at London games enjoy Army family support
Bowsher finishes 32nd in Olympic modern...
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program Spc. Dennis Bowsher finished 32nd in the Olympic men's modern pentathlon, a five-sports-in-one-day event, Aug. 11, 2012. MORE about Bowsher finishes 32nd in Olympic modern pentathlon
Nunn finishes 43rd in Olympic 50-k race walk
Staff Sgt. John Nunn worked his way forward in the final laps of the Olympic 50-kilometer race walk Aug. 11, 2012, to finish 43rd with a personal-best time of 4 hours, 3 minutes, 28 seconds. MORE about Nunn finishes 43rd in Olympic 50-k race walk
DeLoach takes bronze in Olympic long jump
Air Force family member Janay DeLoach leaped 6.89 meters Wednesday night at Olympic stadium to take the bronze medal in women's long jump. MORE about DeLoach takes bronze in Olympic long jump
Soldiers brief British youth at Windsor Castle
Seizing the opportunity to take a rest from the madness of the Olympic games, Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit took time out to showcase the Army to the locals of Windsor, England... MORE about Soldiers brief British youth at Windsor Castle
Lester finishes eighth in Olympic Greco-Roman...
Team USA coaches did not recognize their wrestler as Spc. Justin "Harry" Lester as he finished eighth in the Olympic men's Greco-Roman 66-kilogram tournament, Aug. 7, 2012, at ExCel North... MORE about Lester finishes eighth in Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling
London Games leave Mango dreaming about Rio
Sgt. Spenser Mango learned in London that much work must be done if he wants to medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MORE about London Games leave Mango dreaming about Rio
Byers' Greco-Roman Olympic day ends early
Army Greco-Roman wrestler Sgt. 1st Class Dremiel Byers was eliminated from the Olympic heavyweight tournament after two matches, Aug. 6, 2012, at ExCel North Arena 2 in London. MORE about Byers' Greco-Roman Olympic day ends early
Parker misses mark in Olympic shooting finale
Four-time Olympian Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker headed into the third round of the Olympic three-positions rifle competition, Aug. 6, 2012, just one shot out of medal contention, but finished 30th. MORE about Parker misses mark in Olympic shooting finale
Szarenski closes out Olympic career
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program pistol shooter Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski competed Aug. 5, 2012, in the men's 50-meter free pistol competition, his last event as an Olympian. MORE about Szarenski closes out Olympic career
Soldier watches wife win gold from across pond
As Jamie Gray was conquering her past demons in women's three-position rifle Aug. 4, 2012, at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London, her husband, Staff Sgt. Hank Gray, was glued to the couple's... MORE about Soldier watches wife win gold from across pond
Two Army marksmen miss medal round by...
The difference between shooting for an Olympic medal and watching from the stands came down to fractions of an inch for two U.S. Soldiers competing Aug. 3, 2012, in 50-meter prone rifle at the... MORE about Two Army marksmen miss medal round by millimeters
Army wife Gray wins Olympic gold in 3-positions...
Jamie Gray, wife of U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shooter Staff Sgt. Hank Gray, won an Olympic gold medal in the women's 50-meter three-positions rifle event Aug. 4, 2012, at the Royal Artillery... MORE about Army wife Gray wins Olympic gold in 3-positions rifle
Kelsey finishes fourth in Olympic fencing
Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey finished one touch away from a medal Wednesday in Olympic épeé individual fencing at ExCel Centre in London. MORE about Kelsey finishes fourth in Olympic fencing
Double trap shooters ambushed in London
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shotgun shooters Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Glenn Eller fell short of their lofty expectations in the Olympic double-trap competition Wednesday at the Royal... MORE about Double trap shooters ambushed in London
Army spouse comes up short in Olympic pistol...
Olympic shooter Petty Officer 1st Class Sandra Uptagrafft, wife of U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptatgrafft, competed in her second event at the London Olympics, Aug. 1, 2012... MORE about Army spouse comes up short in Olympic pistol event
Marine Sgt. Herring eliminated from Olympic...
A brawler from Kazakhstan quickly ended the Olympic boxing tournament for U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jamel Herring. MORE about Marine Sgt. Herring eliminated from Olympic boxing tourney
Olympic experience resonates within commanding...
For Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, commanding general, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., the Olympic games are memories of past accomplishments and friendships. MORE about Olympic experience resonates within commanding general
Hancock first Olympic champion to repeat in...
In double record-setting fashion, Sgt. Vincent Hancock became the first shotgun shooter to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's skeet July 31, 2012, at the Royal Artillery Barracks in... MORE about Hancock first Olympic champion to repeat in men's skeet
Hancock set for golden repeat in Olympic skeet
After three rounds of shooting July 30, 2012, Sgt. Vincent Hancock is in first place in defense of his Olympic gold medal in men's skeet at the Royal Artillery Barracks. MORE about Hancock set for golden repeat in Olympic skeet
Military athletes march in London 2012 Olympic...
U.S. service members were among more than 10,000 athletes from across the world who marched into Olympic Stadium July 27 during the Opening Ceremony of Olympiad XXX. MORE about Military athletes march in London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony
Szarenski finishes 23rd in Olympic air pistol...
Four-time Olympian Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski knew right away that his game was not clicking in the Olympic 10-meter air pistol qualification round July 28, 2012, at the Royal Artillery... MORE about Szarenski finishes 23rd in Olympic air pistol event
Army spouse competes in first medal event of...
In front of an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness presentation of the first medals of the London Olympic Games, Jamie Gray, wife of a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier, competed in women's... MORE about Army spouse competes in first medal event of London Olympics
Jitters get best of Uptagrafft in Olympic...
Despite having a difficult Olympic debut, Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Sandra Uptagrafft's experience in London, July 29, 2012, featured enough goose bumps and memories to last a lifetime. MORE about Jitters get best of Uptagrafft in Olympic pistol debut
Two-time Army Olympian teaches race walking on...
Army Olympian Staff Sgt. John Nunn showed Americans how to race walk Monday morning on NBC's Today Show. MORE about Two-time Army Olympian teaches race walking on Today Show
First Lady brings 'Let's Move' to London Games
First Lady Michelle Obama and a plethora of former and current U.S. Olympic stars helped musical performers entertain children July 27, 2012, during "Let's Move! London Tic-Toc." MORE about First Lady brings 'Let's Move' to London Games
Marine boxer hopes unique style will garner...
After leading the U.S. boxing team in warm-ups Thursday, Marine Corps Sgt. Jamel Herring demonstrated the unique style and speed that may earn him an Olympic medal. MORE about Marine boxer hopes unique style will garner Olympic gold
Nothing but business for Szarenski's fourth...
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program pistol shooter Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski is taking a business-like approach to his fourth Olympic Games. MORE about Nothing but business for Szarenski's fourth Olympic Games
Marksmanship unit Soldiers ready to continue...
When President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 1956 he did so to raise the standards of marksmanship in the U.S. Army. But unit lore says that he really wanted... MORE about Marksmanship unit Soldiers ready to continue Olympic tradition
Olympics a family affair for two service members
Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, was an Olympian at the 1996 Atlanta games. Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Sandra Uptagrafft competed in four Olympic... MORE about Olympics a family affair for two service members
After roller coaster ride, Soldiers excited to...
One was labeled a prodigy after winning the world championship at the age of 16. The other was already a two-time Olympian and had won every match except for the big one. MORE about After roller coaster ride, Soldiers excited to defend Olympic gold medals
World Class Athlete Program mission: Win the...
The Army created the World Class Athlete Program in 1997 with the explicit goal of competing, and winning medals, in the Olympic Games. Since its founding, 40 WCAP Soldiers have brought home gold... MORE about World Class Athlete Program mission: Win the Olympics
Marksmanship Unit Soldier reinvents career, set...
Nine years after losing his leg in a rocket-propelled grenade attack while on patrol in Iraq, Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson has reinvented his Army career. Going from an Infantry squad leader to a... MORE about Marksmanship Unit Soldier reinvents career, set to make history
Parker looks to make fourth time a charm in...
It happens to the best of them. Ask John Elway. Or Lebron James. Being at the top of their profession doesn't mean a championship comes right away. It takes perseverance and hard work. MORE about Parker looks to make fourth time a charm in London
Kenyan-American runners represent U.S. Army in...
The "Kenyan Connection" struck twice for the U.S. Army June 25 at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials as Spc. Augustus Maiyo qualified for the 3,000-meter steeplechase final and... MORE about Kenyan-American runners represent U.S. Army in Olympic Trials finals
Pair of first-time Olympians ready for the...
They've pictured themselves there, in Olympic Stadium, walking through the tunnel out into the open air in front of thousands in the stands and millions watching on television. MORE about Pair of first-time Olympians ready for the spotlight
Team USA loaded with Soldiers for London...
The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program will send its strongest contingent of athletes and coaches to the 2012 Olympic Games in London since the program's inception in 1997. MORE about Team USA loaded with Soldiers for London Olympic Games
Chirlee finishes 15th in 10,000 meters at U.S...
Downpour conditions perfectly suited for Oregon Ducks did not fare well for U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program runner Spc. Joseph Chirlee, a naturalized citizen from Marakwet, Kenya. MORE about Chirlee finishes 15th in 10,000 meters at U.S. Olympic Trials
Army Marksmanship Unit shooter grabs last...
A U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier locked down the final spot on the U.S. Olympic shooting team June 11, 2012, with a dominating performance at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Pool International... MORE about Army Marksmanship Unit shooter grabs last Olympic spot
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit rifle shooter to...
Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail is joining some of his battle buddies in London this summer after winning the U.S. Olympic Team Trial match for Men's Rifle Prone, June 5, 2012, at Pool Range Complex at... MORE about U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit rifle shooter to join fellow Soldiers at Olympics
Eller earns fourth Olympic berth in double trap
Reigning Olympic double trap gold medalist Sgt. Glenn Eller III earned his fourth Olympic berth at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Shotgun Team Trials, May 18-19, 2012, at the Tucson Trap & Skeet Club in... MORE about Eller earns fourth Olympic berth in double trap
Shooter targets Olympic Trials after gold medal...
Three-time Olympian Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, used some of that knowledge and claimed a gold medal at the Italy Rifle and Pistol World Cup May 17, 2012, in Milan. MORE about Shooter targets Olympic Trials after gold medal performance in Italy
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers attend...
Two Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit got a glimpse into their future as they participated in the United States Olympic Committee's Media Summit, May 13-15, 2012, in Dallas. MORE about U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers attend Olympic Media Summit
WCAP wrestler Lester expects nothing but gold...
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program Greco-Roman wrestler Spc. Justin Lester has just one goal remaining on the mat. MORE about WCAP wrestler Lester expects nothing but gold from London
Chandler breaks biscuits with World Class...
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III recently gained insights into Olympic training from Installation Management Command Soldiers in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. MORE about Chandler breaks biscuits with World Class Athlete Program Soldiers
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shotgun shooter...
Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, added another milestone to an already stellar 2012, winning a gold medal in Men's Double Trap at the Lonato (Italy) World Cup, May 5, 2012. MORE about U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shotgun shooter wins gold at World Cup
SecArmy pays call on Army world-class athletes
Secretary of the Army John McHugh visited with nine Soldier Olympians and Paralympic hopefuls from Installation Management Command's U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, May 1, 2012, at the... MORE about SecArmy pays call on Army world-class athletes
Three Soldiers make U.S. Olympic wrestling team
Three Greco-Roman wrestlers in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program earned Olympic berths at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials for Wrestling, April 21-22, 2012. MORE about Three Soldiers make U.S. Olympic wrestling team
Detours, back roads on Soldier's journey to...
John Roland Rene grew up alongside three brothers and two sisters in the northwestern part of Washington, D.C., referred to by locals as "Uptown," with a dream of fighting for his country... MORE about Detours, back roads on Soldier's journey to becoming an Olympian
Soldiers set to wrestle for spots in London...
Twenty-three Soldiers will compete for Olympic berths April 21-22, at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. MORE about Soldiers set to wrestle for spots in London Olympic Games
Byers intends to make good on Olympic promise...
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program wrestler Sgt. 1st Class Dremiel Byers is more concerned about making good on a promise to his late grandfather than the return of Rulon Gardner, his former... MORE about Byers intends to make good on Olympic promise to grandfather
Soldiers qualify Team USA for Olympics in...
Two U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program wrestlers over the weekend qualified their Greco-Roman weight classes for Team USA to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games. MORE about Soldiers qualify Team USA for Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling
Soldier on road to Modern Pentathlon in London
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program Spc. Dennis Bowsher sits in the proverbial driver's seat for Team USA's modern pentathletes on the road to London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. MORE about Soldier on road to Modern Pentathlon in London
World Class Athlete Program athlete claims U.S...
Army World Class Athlete Program member Spc. Megan Henry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 854th Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade, won the 2012 U.S. National Skeleton Championship... MORE about World Class Athlete Program athlete claims U.S. National Skeleton Championship title
Army athlete makes World Cup final only 4...
On International Women's Day, Capt. Mickey Kelly firmly positioned herself as an Olympic contender among women from 27 nations competing in the 2012 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Series. MORE about Army athlete makes World Cup final only 4 months after giving birth
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier trains for...
Spend a day in the life of Staff Sgt. George Norton as he prepares for the 2012 London Olympics. MORE about U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier trains for Olympics
Marksmanship Unit adding wounded-warrior...
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is expanding with creation of a Marksmanship Instructor Group and Paralympic Section, the first-ever Army units designed specifically for wounded warriors deemed... MORE about Marksmanship Unit adding wounded-warrior sections
WCAP bobsledder wins 2 gold medals at World...
Spc. Justin Olsen, the newest Olympic gold medalist in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program's stable of elite bobsledders, won two gold medals at the 2012 FIBT Bobsled and Skeleton World... MORE about WCAP bobsledder wins 2 gold medals at World Championships
Soldier earns USA Wrestler of Week title
Greco-Roman wrestler Sgt. 1st Class Dremiel Byers won a record sixth heavyweight title at the 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial International and was subsequently named Wrestler of the Week for Jan... MORE about Soldier earns USA Wrestler of Week title
Soldier athletes compete for Olympics
The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program provides outstanding Soldier athletes from all Army components the support and training they need to compete and succeed in national and international... MORE about Soldier athletes compete for Olympics
Army race walker makes U.S. Olympic Team with...
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program Staff Sgt. John Nunn is once again an Olympian. Nunn earned a berth in the London Olympic Games by winning the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for 50K Race Walk... MORE about Army race walker makes U.S. Olympic Team with 50K
Wounded Warrior headed to Paralympic Games
Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is the first active-duty Soldier to be nominated for the Paralympic Games and first active-duty service member to ever be nominated to... MORE about Wounded Warrior headed to Paralympic Games
Calway leads military runners in U.S. Olympic...
Capt. Kelly Calway carved five minutes off her personal best and led all military runners with a 25th-place finish in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials Jan. 14, 2012. MORE about Calway leads military runners in U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials
Spotlight
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua J. Olson, International Rifle Shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is the first-ever Soldier to participate in the Paralympics. He lost his right leg in an ambush Oct. 27, 2003, in the northern Iraqi town of Telafar. He joined the Army Marksmanship Unit June 13, 2005, as an international rifle shooter/instructor.
Videos
Resources
- Schedule for World Class Athlete Program Olympians at London 2012 Olympics
- Schedule for U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Olympians at 2012 London Olympics / 2012 Paralympic Games
- London 2012
- Schedule & results for London 2012 Olympics
- STAND-TO!: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
- Warrior Transition Command: Paralympic Games 2012
- Army Strong Stories
- The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
- The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program on Twitter
- The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program on YouTube
- The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program on Flickr
- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit on Facebook
- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit on Twitter
- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit on YouTube
- Team USA
- Team USA on Facebook
- Team USA on Twitter
- U.S. Paralympics
- USA Shooting
- USA Shooting on Facebook
- USA Shooting on Twitter
- Defense.gov: 2012 Military Olympians
- Defense.gov: 2012 Military Paralympians