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Guard Soldier-Athletes Compete at Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Army National Guard cheered on four of its Soldiers as they competed for medals. The outstanding Soldier-Athletes representing the United States included: Sergeant Mike Kohn (Bobsled), Sergeant Shauna Rohbock (Bobsled), Sergeant John Napier (Bobsled) and Sergeant Jeremy Teela (Biathlon).

Kohn, a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, and Rohbock, a Utah Army National Guard Soldier, went as members of the Guard's Outstanding Athlete Program, while Napier and Teela trained with the Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). In addition, WCAP coach Sergeant William Tavares was a part of the Olympic team as the assistant coach for the men's bobsled team.

About the Outstanding Athlete Program

Sometimes exceptional athletes develop a passion for a sport that doesn't offer million-dollar paydays. But with the right support, they can still compete at the very highest levels. The Oustanding Athlete Program (OAP) allows Soldiers the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of Olympic greatness while serving their country in the National Guard. These Soldier-Athletes participate in the same initial entry training as all Guard Soldiers—including training in a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Military Occupational Specialty (MOS):
Guard speak for “your job.” Every job title in the Guard has a code, using a number and letter. For example, a Cavalry Scout is MOS 19D (19 Delta).—before being considered. Then, in addition to representing their country, they also serve as ambassadors for the Guard and its many outstanding programs.

The idea of supporting National Guard Soldiers for the Olympic Games originated during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was using the Olympic Games to promote Communism and spread its influence across the world. The United States wanted to instead promote the ideals of freedom and democracy.

To better compete with the Soviet Union in international sporting events, the United States Army created the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which Soldiers with exceptional athletic abilities were allowed to train full time and compete in the Olympic Games. Since 1912, American Soldiers have been responsible for at least 131 of the Olympic medals awarded to the U.S.A.

During their competition season, Guard athletes spend most of their time training and competing in World Cup tournaments. During the off-season, OAP members assist with National Guard recruiting efforts. Soldier-Athletes tour the country educating the public about their Olympic experiences and the impact the Guard has had on their success.

Learn more about each of the National Guard Outstanding Athletes and check out their videos.