Carissa Gump, 2008 Olympian

June 12, 2010-CrossFit Julia Olympic Weightlifting Clinic

2010-05-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2010-11:30am-1:30pm

CrossFitJulia will be hosting an Olympic Weightlifting clinic that will be taught by 2008 Olympian Carissa Gump. The Snatch and Clean & Jerk lifts will be taught from the ground up for all CrossFit athletes or those interested in learning Olympic Style Weightlifting.

If attending the clinic all payments can be made by clicking the secure PayPal button below. If unable to register by PayPal please email Carissa Gump at GordonGump@gmail.com to secure your spot and make payment arrangements.

June 5, 2010 Olympic Weightlifting Clinic at TwinFreaks CrossFit

2010-04-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2010-Twin Freaks CrossFit will be hosting an Olympic Weightlifting clinic that will be taught by 2008 Olympian Carissa Gump. The Snatch and Clean & Jerk lifts will be taught from the ground up for all CrossFit athletes or those interested in learning Olympic Style Weightlifting.

If attending the clinic all payments can be made by clicking the secure PayPal button below. If unable to register by PayPal please email Carissa Gump at GordonGump@gmail.com to secure your spot and make payment arrangements.

Thank your Coaches !

2010-04-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is the guy that started it all for me, my first Coach, Coach Polakowski from Team Vermont
(This photo was taken a few hours after the Olympic Trials May 21, 2008 when I qualified for the 2008 Olympics)

I have taken on a new role, coaching. I am working with a local CrossFit gym in Colorado Springs called SoCo CrossFit. I helped coach middle school athletes in Olympic Weightlifting 8-10 years ago, but this is completely different. I am now coaching/teaching a Women's only class 3x's a week !

I really enjoy the challenge of coaching and don't think I ever give my coaches enough credit for what they have done for me. They really do more than just stand there and watch ! Coaching is tiring, it is teaching me patience and helping me form better communication skills. Living and training at the Olympic Training Center for so many years I am used to be surrounded by the top athletes in the country, it blinded me to realize that not everyone is an Olympic caliber athlete. Everything Olympic level athletes do they make look so darn easy !

Being a weightlifter and actually coaching weightlifting I have found are two completely different things. Lifting is easy, coaching is hard ! I can not say, "Do this..." and demonstrate the lift. I have to actually break it down and communicate what to do. I am learning something I have done for 14+ years all over again. Coaching is a completely new way to view your sport through a different perspective !

P.S. Thank your coaches :)

38 Days to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games !

2010-01-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to the Broadmoor Skate Club pre-Olympic Skating exhibition. This was the first time I have seen some of the skaters skate and I do see them often working out at the Olympic Training Center. Let me say I was INCREDIBLY impresed !!! My two favorite Olympic Hopefuls from this program are Rachel Flatt and Ryan Bradley. (Of course my favorite hopefuls for the pairs skate is Rockne Brubaker and Keauna McLaughlin as I posted last year!) Next week USA Figure Skating's National Championships will be in Spokane, Washington January 15-24 and the team Olympic team will then be determined. Good luck to Rachel, Ryan, Rockne, and Keauna ! (A short video of Ryan Bradley)

Honoring the 1980 Olympic Team

2010-01-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 30 year Anniversary of the announcement by President Jimmy Carter of the potential boycott of the Olympics by the American team. It was not until January 23 several weeks later the final decision was made that the U.S. would not send a team, 60 other countries also made the same decision. I do not want to talk about politics with this situation or get into an argument, I only want to recognize those athletes, both U.S. and foreign, who were unable to fulfill their dreams of competing at an Olympic Games. You are and will forever be an Olympian ! I want to recognize the athletes in my sport of Olympic Weightlifting for their athletic accomplishments and contribution to the sport.

1980 US Olympic Weightlifting Team Mark Cameron, Guy Carlton, James "Butch" Curry, Michael Cohen, Brian Derwin, Bob Giordano, Jerome Hannan, Michael Karchut, Luke Klaja, Joseph Puleo, Callen Schake, Kurt Setterburg, and Thomas Stock. (www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/OlympiansByName.htm)

FlatIrons CrossFit Clinic

2009-12-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

On November 21 I helped with the overhead position clinic at FlatIrons CrossFit in Boulder, Colorado. Coaches for the event were David Miller and Randy Hauer. There were 10+ attendees that participated in the three hour clinic. Some with, some without out Olympic lifting backgrounds. I think everyone had a good time and learned some great information on how to become stronger overhead and improve their performance. I was able to work with two different groups of athletes. I started off with 3 females, Julie, Amy and Annie (Journalist from the Daily Camera....check out her article on the clinic www.dailycamera.com/health-fitness/ci_13901567) then moved to working with a group of guys (James, Keith and Mike) after they complained I wasn't "spreading the love." I worked with them for the remainder of the clinic and did not go easy on them after giving me such grief ! :) I am looking forward to assisting with future clinics at FlatIrons Crossfit, the next one is scheduled for December 21 and will focus on moving the bar from the ground up. If anyone is interested in attending the clinic check out FlatIrons website (www.flatironscrossfit.com).

Below are some photos from the clinic both demonstrating overhead strength.

(Notice Dave did not cut the movement SHORT)

FLATIRONS Crossfit Clinic

2009-11-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have been visiting Flatirons Crossfit in Boulder once a month for training. The facility is staffed by Tim Ritzik, David Miller and Randy Hauer. If your interested in Crossfit or Olympic Weightlifting this is the place to go if your in the area ! (www.flatironscrossfit.com) Tomorrow (Saturday November 21, from 12pm-3pm I will be assiting with a clinic that is titled "Perfecting the Overhead Position for the Snatch and Jerk." It will be an informative, hands on clinic that promises to improve your performance of the snatch and clean and jerk. This will be my first time working with CrossFit athletes, I hope they don't have me do anything to crazy !

My adopted Gold Medal Mama

2009-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sherry points her finger at weightlifter Carissa Gump to remind her that she has the tender love and care - as well as the authority - of a mother.

Gold-medal mom

by Stuart Lieberman / June 30, 2009

A group of new resident women wrestlers received a warmer welcome than expected last Thursday at the United States Olympic Training Center here in Colorado Springs.

Immediately they learned they weren't far from home.

"I'm Sherry," said Sherry Von Riesen. "Most of you know me. I'm Mom. If you need a mom here, I'll be here to help you and take care of you."

Stepping into Sherry's office, one gets a whiff of nostalgia of the 12 years she has lived at the Training Center, tending to each athlete's needs. There's very little white space on her walls. Her office is covered with pictures of her embracing elite athletes, those who fell just short of victory, and of course, her family members.

From all of the tokens of appreciation in her office, and the messages left by athletes on her whiteboard, it's clear she is unconditionally admired by all.

The roots of this admiration began about 20 years ago, when Sherry traveled around the country with her sons to their NCAA gymnastics competitions. She created a "Mom's club" for those who traveled with their sons to meets. The moms added flavor to their gymnastics road trips, baking cookies for all of the competitors.

Of course, it was Sherry who headed the group.

After selling her home in Denver to her children, Sherry moved to the Training Center and brought her love and kindness with her.

Her motherly expertise here includes everything from community programming and medical assistance, to planning cultural events and even the occasional girl talk.

She works with Boys and Girls Clubs and helps athletes market themselves. Since these athletes live, train and work here, it's easy to get cabin fever. So it's Sherry who plans off-complex trips, including meals and shopping.

But most importantly, she takes care of their "boo-boos," bringing the athletes in for surgery when needed. In addition to getting hurt physically, emotional "boo-boos" can take a toll on athletes. This is where Sherry does some of her best work.

Weightlifter Carissa Gump goes to Sherry for just about anything.

"She's a little spitfire,'' Gump said. "I tell her stuff like I tell my mom."

Modern pentathlete Will Brady likes to joke around with the dorm mom. For one of Sherry's birthdays, Brady and his buddies stuffed a bunch of balloons in Sherry's room, so when she opened the door they all flew out at her.

"It's all about you, Sherry," Brady said. "It's all about you."

But Sherry's presence does not end at the Training Center gates.

Gymnast David Durante called Sherry one night asking her to pick him up at the airport. Sherry immediately agreed, not knowing he meant the Denver airport. Once he told her which airport he was at, she still couldn't say no.

"You can't say no to athletes," Sherry said. "I'm a warm fuzzy. They're all my babies."

These days, she makes time to go around the country to visit former resident-athletes.

Although Sherry was unable to attend the Olympic Games last summer in Beijing, she stayed back in Colorado Springs to comfort those who didn't quite make it.

Her presence even extends into the virtual world, as she has numerous athletes requesting her friendship on Facebook daily, and recently began tweeting.

For many athletes, Sherry is the first one they call after winning a medal.

But no matter how many medals athletes have won or how many planes they've taken to get to World Championship competitions, they'll always need a mom.

"I open my door and I have 150 kids," Sherry said. "Am I insane? Yes."

Full article can be found at :http://teamusa.org/blog/post/925

Jason and Carissa Gump share a strong bond

2009-06-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jason and Carissa Gump share a strong bond

Marty Gitlin - USOC June 04, 2009

Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Jason Gump of the USA lifts weights in the Snatch during the Men's Weightlifting Competition, 94kg group, at the XIV Pan American Games.

Jason and Carissa Gump are not only husband and wife, but also they are two of the premier weightlifters in the United States.

They traveled very different roads to lift themselves the top of their sport, but this week they will be together --- Jason as a competitor and Carissa as his coach --- for the Pan-American and U.S. National Weightlifting Championships. The event, set for this week, will be held at the UIC Forum at the University of Illinois-Chicago. This meet also serves as the first-round qualifier for the 2011 Pan-Am Games.

How this couple got to this point is a story in and of itself.

Carissa, who grew up in Vermont, had the psychological disadvantage of being a female in a sport more accepted by males.

She felt a desire to lift competitively just before her teenage years, but feared she would be ostracized for it. When she stopped concerning herself with how others might react, she embraced the sport. Once that happened, she became a champion.

"I actually started weightlifting when I was 12 or 13 years old," Carissa said. "The physical education teacher was also the weightlifting coach and he had an after-school program. I took it in sixth grade, but I didn't like it because I was the only girl.

"But the coach was persistent with me,'' she added. "He started begging my mom to get me to join. So I tried again in eighth grade and I stuck with it. It became something to do for fun, and by that time there were other girls I was weightlifting with. It was fun to hang out with those other girls and we became friends."

Less than two years after taking up the sport, Carissa won a silver medal at the Junior National Championships. And at the age of 16, she earned the gold in the same event and placed fourth in the American Open. A year later, she was named Vermont Sportswoman of the Year.

Carissa, who competes in the 63-kilogram weight class, was merely warming up. She participated in her first World Weightlifting Championships in 2002, finishing 15th, then snagged the gold in the 2002 and 2003 American Open.

But it was at another event in 2003 that changed her life. As she prepared for the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, another U.S. competitor caught her attention: Jason. The two struck up a conversation, then eventually a relationship.

"I met him in the cafeteria when he was sitting with one of the other guys," Carissa said. "He had a girlfriend at that time, but I sent him an e-mail a couple months later and kept in touch. We started dating after the (world championships) in 2003."

Jason began his weightlifting career several years earlier than his wife. He was 9 when he started, but admits that he didn't take the sport seriously then. He used it as a means of getting out of the house and staying busy.

Then he started competing and winning, and that boosted his self-confidence.

"I was winning every event, so I figured that this is something I'm good at," Jason said. "It was something I could brag about to my friends. It set me off on the right foot. But what I learned about weightlifting is that it's one of the hardest sports. Other sports came easy, but this was a sport I really had to work at. I don't know if I really love the sport or if it's become more of a habit."

Jason began experiencing back problems in 2003 and was forced to sit out much of 2004, which prompted him to undergo surgery in 2005. Another back injury sidelined him in 2007, but he recently returned to take first place in the 94-kilogram weight class at the Arnold Festival in Columbus. That qualified Jason for nationals.

What he is particularly proud of, however, is that he is married to an Olympian. Carissa placed second in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but she had already secured a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics by earning the gold at Nationals. She took 13thin the Olympic Games.

"I don't think it was until 2006 or 2007 when I felt I could make the Olympic team," she said. "I've always struggled with my confidence, but in 2006 and 2007 I had a plan and it worked out perfectly..

"It's still hard for me to believe and I can't say it's even hit me yet. It was such an awesome experience. The whole thing was kind of surreal. Actually, I had made the team after (winning the gold medal in the 2008 Nationals), but I had no idea that I had made it. It was unbelievable. I was in absolute shock."

The Gumps wed in 2006, but one might not know they are two of the premier weightlifters in America by visiting their house.

"We have that in common, but it's not like weightlifting is what we're all about as a couple," Carissa said. "What makes us a couple is that we're best friends, not weightlifting. We have a normal house. We have all our trophies in the spare bedroom, but other than that, you couldn't even tell we were weightlifters. We're just happy that we're both good at it."

http://teamusa.org/news/article/13292

Much Much Much to catch up on !

2009-05-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Last time I posted my husband and I were preparing to leave to go to the Arnold Classic Weightlifting Championships in Columbus, Ohio. My husband competed really well. He did 135kg in the snatch, and 177kg in the Clean and Jerk. He won the best overall male weightlifter of the meet ! I am very proud of him even though I did not get to see him compete ! I ended up getting the flu and brought to the hospital and hanging out there for 9 hours. Jason knew I was sick, but I made our coach promise he wouldn't tell Jason that I was on my way to the hospital via ambulance. (I wanted him to focus on the competition.) He ended up finishing the competition around 11:30pm and coming to see me to tell me the good news that he was going home with a little more money in his pocket from being the best overall lifter ! (Thanks to Big Ben Fuller, Coach Pol, Mrs. Coach Pol, Leo, Dave, Ian and Lauren for taking care of me !)

The weekend was full of old friends and faces from the past. The Arnold Classic is one of my most favorite competitions I have been too. The venue set up is great, there are many, many spectators and they've got one of the best chicken wing places I have ever been too, Roosters :) The photo below is of myself and Muscle Mike Martin. Mike and I were teammates on many Junior World Teams when we were younger and teammates at the Olympic Training Center in 2002. He was always playing big brother with me and pulling typical pranks. He is probably one of the strongest most composted athletes I know but he would never admit to that. We had not seen each other since 2003, so it was great seeing him and catching up ! The next photo below is of myself, my husband Jason, Coach Pol (My first coach), Mrs. Coach Pol and members of Team Vermont including Katie Polakowski who is the owner of some of the fastest legs in New England ! Check her out below....

Also, these GIRLS you see in the photo won the BEST High School Team in the country ! GO EHS!!!

(The multi-talented Katie Polakowski....she has competed in Soccer, Track and Weightlifting !)

My friend Missy !

2009-03-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Now THAT'S a woman!

Written by Steve Pulcinella

Monday, 30 March 2009 08:06

My wife Jalaine has just gone out to Colorado to visit her friend and olympic lifting teammate Missy Saucedo. They were throwing a baby shower for Missy, she is only three weeks out from her due date. While they were there Missy suggest they go into her garage and get in a workout before the party. Jalaine took these pictures of the Missy’s training session.

THIS is how you get into shape for birthin' babies!

Arnold Classic

2009-03-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend my husband and I will be traveling to Columbus, Ohio for the Arnold Classic Weightlifting Championships. I will not be competing but my husband will ! He has had great training the last couple of weeks. His parents will also be there to cheer him on, its always great to have family around. I will be busy as well volunteering my time to Columbus Weightlifting who is putting on the Olympic Weightlifting Competition, but of course I will be sneaking in a few workouts while I am there. I will be sure to post photos and results of this coming weekends events, we hope to bump into Arnold as well :)

Less than one year out from the Winter Olympics

2009-02-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Only 354 days to go until the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver Canada. I love the fact that there is an Olympic Games every 2 years ! Living at the Olympic Training Center I have had the opportunity to meet many athletes, however most of them are summer games athletes. The only winter Olympic sport we have had at the training center is speed skating. Unfortunately, after the 2006 games in Torino the speed skating program was relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Within the last 2 years the training center has seen another winter Olympic sport, figure skating. I have taken several college business courses with one of the pairs figure skaters, Rockne Brubaker. Rock and his partner Keauna are the 2007 & 2008 National Champions and are the United States top contenders for a medal in Vancouver. Other than Rock being a talented athlete he's also been a good friend helping me with my statistic and finance courses. Maybe someday I will repay him by teaching him how to lift weights....haha I wish him and his partner only the best but I know that they are going to be there in Vancouver on the top of the medal podium. So, come 354 days you know who I will be sitting on the couch cheering for !

Holiday Parade

2008-12-13T19:55:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I participated in the 2008 Colorado Springs Christmas Parade. There were 45 total athletes from the Olympic Training Center that participated as well as many many other floats and groups from Colorado Springs. We were honored enough to have Lopez Lomar who you may remember carrying the American flag at opening ceremonies leading Team USA. Lopez yet again lead our group of athletes by carrying the American Flag in front of the supportive community of Colorado Springs. We had a great time walking, waving and even jumping out of line here and there to high five people in the crowd. I was even able to find my parents in the crowd and ran over to high five them. My mom was going crazy....imagine that :) Walking to the start of the parade, I couldn't get any good pictures because it was so dark out !

Lopez Lomar USA Weightlifting Resident Athletes, Zach Krych, Patrick Judge and I

Make-A-Wish Foundation

2008-12-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

The USOC and Make-A-Wish Foundation held a Holiday Wish Store on December 8 at the Colorado Springs U.S. Olympic Training Center's visitor Center. The weather started to change quickly (it has a tendency to do that here !) and the snow was rolling in over the mountains. We had a good turn out, but I believe there would have had more children if the roads weren't starting freeze and the snow coming down. I did get to help 3 children, Joey, Cameron and Andrew shop for their families. They were all very happy to be there and buy presents for their families, friends and teachers. This was a great opportunity to work with children and give back to the community. This is something I would like to start doing every year on regular basis.

(All photos taken by Scott Cronk)

Photos from Habitat !

2008-12-02T21:14:00.001-08:00

Habitat for Humanity Olympic and Paralympic Build Day

2008-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

2008 U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Join Colorado Springs' Habitat for Humanity for Olympic and Paralympic Build Day Nov. 22 11/19/2008 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, as well as Olympic alumni and hopefuls, are joining together to celebrate the spirit of the Olympic Movement on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity in Colorado Springs, Colo. Also as a part of the Team for Tomorrow humanitarian fund, U.S. athletes around the country are working with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, spreading the spirit of Olympism while making a difference in their hometown communities. Beijing Olympians and Paralympians participating in Nov. 22's all-day build in Northeast Colorado Springs include U.S. flag bearer and track & field athlete Lopez Lomong (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and volleyball silver medalist Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif.). Joining them are cyclist Michael Blatchford (Cypress, Calif.), pentathlete Eli Bremer (Monument, Colo.), weightlifter Carissa Gump (Essex, Vt.), Paralympic cyclist and skier Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.), wrestler Brad Vering (Howells, Neb.) and women's volleyball coach Tom Hogan (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Also lending helping hands during the build day are 2004 Olympic fencer Cody Mattern-Nagengast (Tigard, Ore.), Olympic shooting hopeful Amy Sowash (Richmond, Ky.), three-time kayak Olympian and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and three-time handball Olympian and U.S. Paralympics staff member Laura Ryan (Colorado Springs, Colo.). The Colorado Springs family receiving the home after its completion will also work alongside the athletes during the build. Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity is a part of the USOC's Team for Tomorrow fund. Launched prior to the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Team for Tomorrow is the ongoing humanitarian relief effort of America's Olympic and Paralympic Teams that consists of donations, volunteerism and other relief contributions to organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the selected cause of the 2008 teams. Activities like the inaugural Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity allow America's top athletes to gain an even deeper meaning out of representing the United States as an Olympic and Paralympic athlete. Through the fund, athletes also help further the Olympic Ideals of goodwill, understanding, tolerance and harmony. Through the fund, several athletes have already donated service hours to Habitat for Humanity affiliates in communities around the nation, including Olympic race walker Phillip Dunn (San Diego, Calif.), Paralympic swimming gold medalist Aaron Paulson (Portland, Ore.) and Olympic field hockey players Lauren Powley (San Diego, Calif.) and Amy Tran (Norfolk, Va.). Dozens more U.S. athletes are expected to participate this winter and spring. Team for Tomorrow has also extended its reach beyond the United States to people in need around the globe. On behalf of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the USOC donated 1,000 relief tents to survivors of the May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan Province that left approximately 5 million people homeless. The tents, which can sleep 8-10 people each, were transported to Chengdu, Sichuan, China, where they have assisted thousands of victims who lost their homes in the earthquake. The earthquake relief efforts and the inaugural Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity are just two ways America's Olympians and Paralympians are making a difference beyond the playing fields. In the future, in partnership with the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the Team for Tomorrow fund will partner with other causes in the United States and around the world to continue spreading the spirit of the Olympic Movement. Media interested in attending the Olympic and Paralympic Build Day with Habitat for Humanity, as well as obtaining photos or quotes, should contact Lindsay DeWall at lindsay.dewall@usoc.org. As a service to our readers, Around the Rings will provide verbatim texts of selected press releases issued by Olympic-related organizations, federations, businesses and sponsors. These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation. This article can be found at: http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=30979

America For Gold 5k Fun Run

2008-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 weeks ago I volunteered at the first ever America For Gold 5K fun run. There were about 10 athletes that showed up to participate. There were massage several therapists on site as well as two chiropractors for the runners to be treated by upon completing the run. Also there bagels and fruit were donated so everyone could have a bite to eat. And there off.....

The Winner !

I started the clock at the beginning of the face and then when the athletes crossed the finish line took down the times to determine placement.

I had a good time hanging out with Kevin, Emily, Will, Andrea, Eli, Cami and Blatchy !

Today Show Video and Article

2008-10-26T19:54:00.001-07:00

It always seems to be about food.....I guess that's what you get being a weightlifter !

Article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24947322/

Video: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24946805#24946805

See what's in my fridge !

2008-10-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

A really cool interactive Associated Press article I did before Beijing....check out what's in my fridge ! Click on this link: http://hosted.stats.com/interactives/olympics/oly_fridge/index.html#intro Click "See Carissa's fridge" and then drag your mouse over items in my fridge to see what my friend Adam Korzun the US Olympic Training Center's dietitan had to say about my choices.

More Photos from the Air Force Game

2008-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Talking with people at the Fan Fest Tent before the game.

Talking with people at the Fan Fest Tent in the cold ! Aysa Miller, Ali Jones and I on the field waiting to be introduced to a crowd of 25,000 !

"The Bird" doing the Bird dance, we were cracking up....

U.S. Air Force Academy Football Game

2008-10-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

On Thursday this past week myself and 10 other Colorado Olympians were invited to attend an Air Force Academy Football Game. We arrived at 4:00 and sat outside under a tent and signed autographs for about an hour and a half in the cold. I was all bundled up and looked like a marshmallow ! After signing autographs we went to the Blue and Silver Club and had dinner and watched the game inside at the warm box seats ! At half time we walked down to the field where were were recognized and announced to a crowd of 25,000 people. The crowd was very excited that we were there which made it worth it to stand out in the cold that long !

Our end of the table....Mike Blatchford (Track Cycling), Myles Porter (Para-Judo), Myself, Ryan Reser (Judo), Myles friend (Judo), and Taylor Takata (Judo)

"The Bird" and I My good friend Ali Jones, who is amazing....Parlympian in Track Cycling AND down hill skiing, she has a Parlympic Gold Medal from skiing and Silver from Beijing for Track cycling !

Panoramic of the Air Force Academy Football field (Compliments of Mike Blatchford !)

For more information on the event check out this article:

http://www.usolympicteam.com/news/article/7379

From USA Weightliftings Web Page-October 23, 2008

2008-10-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Prior to leaving for the Olympic Games in Beijing, Carissa Gump was contacted by Captain Jason Krist from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Army Post in Colorado Springs, CO. He made a special request to Carissa, in hopes that she would bring two American flags to the Games on behalf of him and the infantry. Carissa made a point to hang the two flags in her room in the Olympic Village.

On September 19th, 2008, Carissa presented both flags to Captain Krist at the end of a Changing of the Guard ceremony at Fort Carson. One of the flags will be kept by Captain Krist. The other will be transported next month to Iraq, and flown there at a US Army post.

Captain Krist's commanding officer also honored Carissa with a medal for making the Olympic team, and for honoring their request in China.

Trip To Vermont

2008-10-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well its been about 2 weeks since I have been back from attending the Vermont State Recreation and Fitness Expo. My trip was only 3 days long but I had a wonderful time seeing my teammates, friends and coach.

Saturday and Sunday were spent at the Champlain Valley Expo Center at the fairgrounds. Team Vermont Weightlifting had a booth with a platform, weights and a table set up to meet and talk with people to spread the word about Olympic Style Weightlifting, not power lifting :)

The weather that particular weekend was sunny and warm which did not help pull the crowds in. Saturday evening I met up with a close group of friends of mine from High School, it was really great to see everyone again, it made me want to move back ! I left Sunday afternoon and flew back to Colorado Springs. Overall I had a really great time with everyone and don't think it will be long before I come back to visit again.

Big Ben Fuller, Katie Polakowski and I

Katie Polakowski taking a workout

Coach Pol, Mrs. Coach Pol, Katie Pol, Ben Fuller and I

Katie 'mocking' me :) Coach Pol and I

Olympian returns to Vermont, Essex's Gump will attend fitness event at CVE

2008-10-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.essexreporter.com/EssexReporter/Olympian.html

2008 Olympic Team White House Visit

2008-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

On early yesterday morning I flew out of Colorado Springs and flew into Washington D.C. from there I had an hour and a half bus ride to Baltimore. The ride went by really fast, I had good company sharing the seat next to me, Gretta Nielms a Parlympic Track Cyclist. We arrived at 6pm and checked in, got our outfitting and settled into our rooms. My roommate was my teammate Melanie Roach. We ate dinner around 7pm and enjoyed a wonderful meal and a short video. After dinner we were free to do what we wanted and went to the hotel lobby and a pub around the corner. The next morning we woke at 5am and had breakfast at 5:30am. We were up and going on the bus driving back to Washington D.C. by 6:30. I took this time to squeeze in some more sleep time. Washington D.C. has beautiful weather today. Warm with a little bit of a breeze, it made it perfect for the morning. Around 300 of us were arranged in front of the South Side of the White House for photos and a 10 minute speech by President Bush. Following the speech we went inside the White House and toured several rooms that are open to the public. We were at the White House for 3 hours and the time flew by. Before you knew it we were back on the bus and off to the airport. I took many photos but these are just a few I wanted to share.

America For Gold 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run

2008-09-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

America for Gold is proud to present our First Annual 5k and 1 mile Fun Run for kids to support America's athletes training for the Summer and Winter Games. Put on your running shoes and gear up for a great Fall 5k on this beautiful course through Palmer Park in Colorado Springs. The course begins in the Maizeland parking lot off of Academy. The course will take you up and around this scenic park on road and trails. America For Gold is a non-profit organization created by athletes for athlete's. This 5k is put on to raise awareness about the financial struggles many of OUR athletes face and to help raise funds on their journey for the 2010 and 20212 Games. parking is available in the Palmer Park parking lot at 3650 Maizeland Road. Race registration starts at 7:30am with a race start time of 9:00am for the 5k and 10:00 am for the 1 mile Fun Run. Lots of unique giveaways and refreshments will be provided after the race.

Location: Palmer Park, 3650 Maizeland Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Date: November 8, 2008

Registration Fee: $20 for the 5 K, and $10 for the 1 mile fun run up to age 15

Awards: Since we are a non-profit and raising money for America's Athletes, we will not have prizes for age groups. However we will have many unique prizes that will be given away thought race number drawings and everyone will receive a participation award.

Packed Pick-up and Race day Registration: 7:30-8:45am Race Day in the Maizeland Road parking lot. Race begins at 9:00 am and 1 mile fun run begins at 10:00am.

If you are unable to come and run but would like to donate please visit:

http://www.americaforgold.org

Thank You for your support and Good Luck !

$20K of weight training equipment donated to U. - Page One

2008-09-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

$20K of weight training equipment donated to U. - Page One

Diabetes Walk Update and Photos

2008-09-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I participated in the 2008 Diabetes Walk at the America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team I walked with was called "Team DNA." We had a total of 35 walkers and raised $4533.00 and there are still donations coming in ! Below is a photo of the walkers of Team DNA and the other photo is of the walkers who have Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to everyone for their donations and support !

100 Athlete. 100 Blogs. Lenovo Voices of the Olympic Games !

2008-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is a short video about bloggers (including myself) experiences

at the Olympic Games, its a great video, please watch it !

Blogging has truly changed the future of the Olympic Games experience for the world !

Article in USA Today !

2008-09-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

11 Bulgarian weightlifters banned for doping SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Two members of Bulgaria's national weightlifting team were banned for life Thursday and nine others suspended in a doping scandal that barred the team from the Beijing Olympics. The entire 11-member squad tested positive in June for the steroid methandienone. Georgi Markov and Alan Tsagaev received life bans because this was their second doping offense, the government's department for youth and sports said. Another six men and three women were suspended for four years. The department said it was notified of the bans by the International Weightlifting Federation. Bulgaria's weightlifting federation must also pay a fine of $450,000 to the IWF.

September Update !

2008-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have been back from Beijing for several weeks now. I started school a week after I returned from the Olympics, started working, and took a few weeks off of training. It took 5 days to get back on a normal sleeping pattern. The first day back I was up at 4am. I went grocery shopping at about 5am, and was the first customer in line at the post office to mail my goodies to my coach from China.

The next few weeks I will be busy with a few things. Tomorrow I am participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk in Colorado Springs. It is a 3 mile walk to support finding a cause for Type 1 diabetes. My father has diabetes so I understand what a struggle it can be to live a normal everyday life with this disease. The theme this year is "Be a Hero." The lady that my dad is friends with contacted to the director and I will be announced and signing autographs at the end of the walk. I love doing things with the public, especially if it involves children.

Over the next couple of weeks I will also be doing a public speaking engagement with the U.S. Junior National Ski Team at the Olympic Training Center, a dinner with the Hilton, Sprite, and a meet and greet at the 24 Hour Fitness Club in southern Colorado Springs. Between school, training (5x's a week now !), working (2 jobs this month!) and appearances I am going to be very busy for the next month !

Congratulations to all of the drug-free Beijing Olympians !

2008-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have had several comments left regarding my opinion on drug testing at the Olympics, so I thought this would be an appropriate time to address my feelings.

Despite all the articles I have read on the Internet about drug usage at the Olympic Games they all seem to contradict each other. Some articles say that the cheaters have all been weeded out, others say that they are still there. I am optimistic about the playing field becoming more even, you may call me naive if you want.

At the 2000 Olympics there were 12 positive drug tests, at the 2004 Olympics there were 26. As of right now there are only 6 out of the estimated 4,600 tests done ! To my understanding the top 5 finishers of every sport, plus two random were tested, also there were 2652 tests done 2 weeks prior to the Olympics starting. Doping samples taken at the Olympic Games will be contained for 8 years to recheck as testing advances over the next couple of years, the cheaters can still be identified.

I am sure that there are still some cheaters out there, but they will be caught. Drug testing is advancing and will only continue to advance. By London I think most of the cheaters will be weeded out by having stricker policies and violoations.

For more information on doping check out these links:

The United States Anti-Doping Agency

http://www.usada.org/

The World Anti-Doping Agency

www.wada-ama.org/en/

From Burlington....to Beijing !

2008-08-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

While at the Silk Market I met David Alofsin from Burlington, Vermont ! I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and rarely meet anyone from Vermont, that happens maybe once a year ! I have to come all the way to Beijing to run into someone from Vermont ! Pretty cool !

Adventures at the Silk Market

2008-08-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

What an adventure....the Silk Market in Beijing ! This is also known as the Pearl market. It is I believe 8 stories high and then 2 stories below ground. We had been hearing about this place since we landed in Beijing. Everyone says this is the place to go shopping. They have clothing, jewelry, purses, luggage, electronics, you name it.

My parents and I started off by taking a cab there. When we pulled up from we saw a large crowd of people standing outside trying to get in. We entered the building not knowing what was going to happen next....what an experience. In the market each vendor had a small little area to sell their goods. They would stand out side and yell "Hey lady hey lady....you want purse" or "Hey mister need nice suit." This was the nice stuff they were saying....later on a vendor would say to my mother "You stupid cheap lady....you cheap" We thought this was very funny, mainly because my mom is pretty cheap (sorry mom !). Then my Dad walked by a vendor and the man yelled "Mister you need shirt" my dad said jokingly "Sorry I am to fat" as the man held up a small shirt the man responded with "We have fat man size." All in all we had a great time. We bought several gift items such as jade and pearl necklaces.

Leaving the market was also an adventure. With there being so many people and not enough taxis in the area it was a fight to get a cab. This is one of the funniest memories I will ever have of my Mom on this trip. We stood for about 10 minutes waiting for a cab. I was watching a cab drive by me and I turned to see if it had pulled over. I then turn to see my Mom throw herself out into the passing cab and grab onto the back door handle and run almost 30 feet with the cab. She was determined to get a cab and get out of there. It was pretty funny to see my 54 year old mother throw her self into a cab, grab onto the door handle with one hand and keep holding onto her bags of gifts she had just bought. My dad and I stood there laughing.

Stay tuned !!!

Lets catch up !

2008-08-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the first day that I had to do anything I wanted and not worry about my training schedule. It was time to spend with my parents and husband ! My parents and Jason arrived at the Olympic Village around 10:30 and stayed til almost 2:00. We spent time in the Olympic Village Learning Center learning how to speak Chinese and write our Chinese name with special ink and brushes. My mom was hilarious trying to speak Chinese. She would say everything exactly how it was spelled. However though they look one way they are pronounced another way and have different sounds. She was so funny, everyone was laughing at her but she gets an A for effort ! We had lunch and walked around the Village. I showed them the amazing gardens, the game room, dining hall and "International Zone." The International Zone has several gift shops, a tea house, florist, post office, as well as a bank. From the village we hired a taxi to drive us to the Great Wall. It was easier and cheaper to do it this way than to go no a day bus tour. It cost us $45 (American) to drive there and another $45 back. Then cost of admission of around $14 (American). We drove about an hour all through the country side of China to reach the section of the Great Wall that was open to the public. We arrived and were swarmed by vendors trying to see us anything of everything. They would start off at 400 yuan ($57.00) and you could haggle with them down to 70 yuan ($10.00) Mom and I did this a few times. We both bought silk robes and silk table runners for our dining room tables. The people were a bit over whelming trying to see us stuff, they would not leave you alone and would just follow you saying "Friend friend, I give you good deal !" My husband was even able to get a vendor down on 2 beers ! We rode to the top of the mountain by an enclosed tram to reach the Great Wall. It was amazing...no worlds can express how incredible this man name structure is. Its so big you can't even fathom....we saw just a small section yet it is 4,000 miles long ! It was very hot, we drank a ton of water to stay as hydrated as we could. I don't know why but I wore flip flops that day....not such a great idea to wear when walking on the Great Wall ! We spent about 2 hours there and headed back to the city of Beijing to have dinner at the Bank of America House and then were in bed by 9:30 !

More great photos !

2008-08-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

AMAZING !! Jason and I standing on the great wall !

Incredible...

This is the tram line that took us up to the Great Wall....what an experience ! My parents !

Family Photos !

2008-08-14T22:14:00.001-07:00

Mom, Dad, Jason and I at the Olympic Village Learning Center where we learned to speak chinese and even write our chinese names !

Boys will be boys....Dad and Jason having a beer before going to to the great wall !

We took this itty bitty tram up to the great wall...I hate heights

And up we go !! (I am scared out of my mind right now, don't look down !!!!)

Jason and I seconds before stepping on to the Great Wall !

And the results are in...

2008-08-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Photo by Jeff Franko Well this is the post everyone has been waiting for ! I made 2 of 3 of my snatches, and 1 of 3 of my clean and jerks. I am disappointed that I did not make my last attempt clean and jerk because it would have been a new American Record. I am grateful though that I was given the opportunity to even try a new American Record at the Olympic Games. I ended up 14th in the Snatch, 12th in the Clean and Jerk, and 14th overall. My US team mate Natalie Woolfolk in my class ended up 12th overall. I cried twice even before the meet had started because I was so excited ! I was physically there in the moment, though my mind was thinking back over the course of the last 13 years of what it had taken to get me there. It was a huge emotional experience....I walked out on the platform twice before the competition had even started to get the feeling of what it was going to be like and be on stage. I looked into the stands and found my parents and husband. There were two people I thought about when I looked up in the stands that I wish were there because they both played a huge part of the person that I am today, my coach and my sister. I know my coach was watching at home in Vermont cheering me on in front of his computer and my sister was there in spirit cheering me on as she has been since the day she passed away. Once the competition was over I did 5 interviews...that was also an emotional challenge. I wanted to just leave and be in the moment and go over what had just happened in my head, but I had to keep my composure and talk about how I was feeling, which was difficult to do while fighting off tears. I was also icing my wrist because I had 'tweaked' it on a lift, so everyone was asking what was wrong with my wrist. Please don't get me wrong, I am very proud to be US Olympian and be apart of this amazing event though I am a little disappointed in my overall performance. But as of right it is fueling my fire to give it another go for 4 years. Watch out London ! (My dad was born in England, and I think it would make him proud for me to compete in his home country !) My parents, Jason and I left and took a 40 minute taxi ride and had dinner at the Bank of Americas China Lounge. We ended up having dinner with my team mate Natalie (who had just also competed and did very well!) and her family. From there we came back to my parents hotel with the anticipation of dropping off our stuff and then going to the silk market. Instead we were in bed by 9:15 all exhausted from the day. Today I am going to bring Mom, Dad and Jason to the Olympic Village to see where I have been living for the past 2 weeks. We're also going to try to get to the great wall, and the Silk Market to do some cheap shopping ! I still have 4 more days in Beijing and plenty of things lined up. We have a team photo, meet and greet at the Adidas Olympic Store, and a press conference with Lenovo ! Stay tuned for more adventures from Beijing !

Photo my Jeff Franko

TV Schedule

2008-08-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

My amazing super strong husband Jason at the 2003 Pan American Games....195kg ! He will be arriving in Beijing at 5:20am tomorrow morning, I can not wait to see him, this has been the longest we have ever been apart ! My weightlifting session will be on TV on NBC Aug 12th starting at 12:30A.M.(EST) Set your VCR or CD Recorder if you don't stay up ! The taped part will be on Sunday Aug.17th on NBC from Midnight until 2 A.M.

We've come a long way baby !

2008-08-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

1999-Junior Competition in New Hampshire, I am Clean and Jerking 75 kg. I can now do 128 kg! In less than 24 hours I will compete. We've been here nearly 2 weeks and I knew this time would come, but I didn't know it was going to come this fast. All of the preparation and hard work are done, now the only thing left is to show what I've gotten from working my tail off.

I am very excited, nervous and anxious. Believe it or not I am much more relaxed than I was the night before the 2008 Olympic Trials, and the 2008 Nationals. I guess because I have made it, and I have nothing to lose and nothing to fear at this point. I am here and that can never be taken away from me. I just need to go out and lift the best that I can.

Tonight I ate the most food I have ever eaten the night before I weigh in. I had white rice,

3 dumplings with veggies and pork, 2 chicken breasts with American cheese and ranch dressing,

a handful of pumpkin seeds (also a new found discovery in the Olympic Village dining hall that I like just like hummus!)and............an ICE CREAM BAR !!! I do not think I have ever had ice cream the night before I have lifted because my weight has always been to close to chance eating to much and not making weight. No fear, I checked my weight after eating and I will weigh in just fine tomorrow.

I will post my results sometime tomorrow evening to let everyone know how I have done. Also, I will not be leaving until August 17th, so I will keep posting photos and writing to let everyone know how the rest of my Olympic experience is going.

Security

2008-08-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

Security is no joke here ! Even my mom was searched before entering Bank of Americas Hometown Hopefuls ! There are security guards an Police everywhere in Beijing. What amazes me the most is the Police here do not even carry guns ! I feel VERY safe here, every precaution that can be taken is....

Weightlifting on GOOGLE !!!

2008-08-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

I thought this was so cute, you rarely see anything weightlifting images !

Photos from Opening Ceremonies

2008-08-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

USA Weightlifting's Women's Olympic Team

President George Bush and I ! Preparing to go into Opening Ceremonies and walking in to the Birds Nest

08-08-08

Me pointing up at the Torch that was just lit !

Funny Photo, Opening Ceremoines & Mom and Dad

2008-08-09T02:52:00.000-07:00

So my uncle sent me this photo of my cousin T.T. (left) and I (right) when we were little kids....he claims that he was the first weightlifter in the family.....to funny !!! My parents arrived here about an hour ago. I arrived at their hotel about 4:15 and sat waiting in the lobby, they arrived at 5:15ish, I was SOOOO excited to see them. They are getting settled in and basically running on adrenaline right now. Opening Ceremonies were AMAZING. I had goose bumps and cried my eyes out almost the entire time Team USA walked our lap on the field. We left the Olympic Village at 5:15 and traveled to the fencing venue. This is where Team USA met President Bush and had photos taken with him. I did get my picture taken with him, but have yet to load it online yet, but it is coming soon! From the fencing venue we went to the main holding arena (which was also the gymnastics venue) for my guess is at least and hour and a half. It was hot....but it was only about to get hotter ! The United States was 140 out of 204 countries, so we had a while to sit and eat food they had provided for us. We marched into the stadium around 11pm I am guessing. Everyone was cheering, clapping and high fiving the members of Team USA. China LOVES Kobe Bryant....they were cheering "KOBE KOBE KOBE !!" Walking into the stadium was a rush, as I said I cried my eyes out. We watched the Olympic flag being brought in and raised and of course the torch lighting. The ceremonies were top notch, just an unbelievable show.....like nothing I have ever experienced in my life. When on the infield I called my husband, best friend, grandmother, another friend and my coaches back home. I wish I could write more about it but there is no way I can put into words the feeling that I felt last night....just amazing !!!!!!!

A few online articles...

2008-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

The link below is to two interviews I did several weeks back regarding nutrition... "Peering into the fridge of an Olympian" www.nbcolympics.com/wndu/news/newsid=182072.html "Recipes for the Soul" www.flcourier.com/news/articles/480/1/Recipes-for-the-soul/Page1.html AND......a link to my hometown news paper, they did a great job on the article and I am really glad that they talked about my sister ! "The weight is over for Olympic Hopeful" www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/NEWS01/80807002/-1/NEWS05

Thursday....

2008-08-07T02:44:00.000-07:00

My workout went well today. It's nice having USA Weightlifting men's team with us training in the weight room and all of us training together. Closing ceremonies is tomorrow and I can not wait !!!

The highlight of my day are the photos below :)

Adam Nelson-USA Track and Field, Shot Put, 2 time Olympic Silver Medalist Though we ate lunch together yesterday we bumped into each other again today. He was just getting out of the cold plunge as I was ready to get in. Adam is a very friendly, happy and funny guy. I would say he is one of my favorite athletes I have met here at the Olympics !

Though I did get to meet Matt Lauer 2 months ago, it was still great to see him again and get a photo with him in Beijing ! He wished me the best of luck and great training....

That's right....Kobe Bryant !!! I was getting a massage when someone sat down next to me, I turned my head to look up and its Kobe ! He said "Hey girl...." he asked what sport I did, and where I was from. He was very nice and asked questions about my sport. He said he used to do the clean and jerk but he's to 'old' now.

You never know who you are going to meet !!!

Panaramic View !

2008-08-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

More Photos

2008-08-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

Jim Shear, USOC chief executive and I at the flag raising ceremony.

1992 and 1996 Olympian Wes Barnett hard at work in Beijing at BNU (this is the mode of transportation for most USOC workers at BNU)

2008 USA Men's Gymnastic Team

Pictures...

2008-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Monday at the training hall...........amazing.........

This one's for my Dad !!!!!!!

Cheryl, Nat, Melanie and I at the Olympic Village.

First wave of 24 Hour Fitness trainers in the gym and I.

New York Times Article

2008-08-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

Beijing Air Thick on Monday By Juliet Macur BEIJING – Erinn Smart, a fencer on the U.S. team, saw the thick haze blanketing this city Monday morning and knew it would mean trouble. Soon after, she felt a tickle in her throat, and the inevitable began. “I have bad allergies, so I started to cough because of the bad air out there,” Smart said, before a training session at Beijing Normal University. “Then someone mentioned to me, ‘Hey, why don’t you just put on your mask?’ But I didn’t want people to see me wearing it and say, ‘Why is she wearing that? She’s a fencer. She competes indoors!’” While the sky was blue several days last week, it was smoggy and humid here Monday, four days before the opening ceremony for the Beijing Games. Storms are expected in Beijing over the next few days, which could clear away the smog. But some athletes, like Smart, have already felt the effects of the humidity and pollution. While Olympic organizers had promised blue skies for the Olympics, United States Olympic Committee had planned ahead for this. To filter out the polluted air, they issued specially designed masks to some of U.S. athletes. Convincing athletes to wear those masks is another task altogether. “It’s been like, ‘Who’s going to start the trend of wearing that mask?’” Smart said. “No one wants to be the first.” The poor air quality on Monday wasn’t a universal problem for Olympic athletes already in Beijing. Some with asthma, like U.S. weightlifter Carissa Gump, said they felt fine. Going into Beijing, however, Gump said the air quality was a concern. Gump said she has qualified to use an inhaler to open up her airways while competing internationally. But she did not qualify to use one here at the Olympics, which she said has stricter standards. At a training session Monday, Gump saw a Thai weight lifter wearing something akin to a dental mask. That raised eyebrows, she said. “I thought it was funny because the problem here is just the visibility and not really pollution,” Gump said. “When I competed in Thailand last year, I used a nasal spray and allergy medicine, but here, I haven’t had any problems at all.” Giselle Davies, spokeswoman for the International Olympic Committee, said the inconsistent air quality in the last week likely has been an issue of heavy humidity and not pollution. If pollution levels are too high on competition day, the I.O.C. has said it would postpone endurance events like cycling or the marathon. Athletes in those events would be more affected by bad air because they would spend more time in it. Check out the actual article at the address below, there are photos that go with the article as well.... http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/beijing-air-thick-on-monday/

Food...

2008-08-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of you have heard about or have seen the email that's been going around about the food in China. They have pictures of scorpions on a stick, sea horses on a stick, all different types of bugs on a stick....they are not serving the Olympic delegation anything on a stick in the dining hall, just ice cream. Though if you are feeling adventurous there is a night market here that is open 7pm-11pm and they have every imaginable type of food possible. I am not very adventurous when it comes to food as Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmerman...or my team mates Natalie and Cheryl. Never say never, I may surprise you in a post saying I ate something on a stick ! My breakfast choices have been very consistent. A bowl of shredded wheat cereal, a slice of bread with hummus (my new found food that I found out I love !), a slice of cheese, a slice of turkey or salami, a handful of pumpkin seeds, 2 egg whites and cold green tea. Lunch and Dinner varies depending if on if we are eating at BNU (Beijing Normal University, which is Team USA's headquarters) or at the Olympic Village. I will say this, I have had McDonald's twice...just chicken nuggets, no Big Macs for me !!!

Tired...

2008-07-31T03:23:00.000-07:00

I had yesterday off from training, though I did go to the gym to watch my team mates workout...its all about being a team ! Everyone on the team is very supportive, we constantly cheer each other on. I am really glad to have such great team mates.

Today I had a very long, hard, exhausting workout. I had snatches, clean and jerks, back squats and clean pulls. It took me nearly 2 1/2 hours to complete the 4 exercises of the workout. Following our workout everyone went to cold plunge to help aid our recovery from the workouts our bodies just endured. I was supposed to cold plunge for 10 minutes but only lasted 5, I thought my little toes were going to fall off it was so cold ! (cold plunge is a 50 degree bath filled with cold water and ice, sounds fun, huh ?!)

Our team headed off to lunch and then back to the training room for recovery massages. We left the training site at 4pm and I about fell asleep on the bus ride back I was so tired from the days workout. When we arrived back a the village a bus load of other Team USA athletes were arriving and I saw a few familiar faces from the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center where I live and train. The village is really starting to fill up and everyone is arriving from countries around the world ! I did take a quick cat nap for 40 minutes and do feel much better, but am looking forward to a good solid 8 hours of sleep !

Tomorrow I have off of training, though a few of my team mates don't we will all be there to cheer them on. Saturday, my workout will be moderately heavy, then I will have Sunday off and a hard workout on Monday. I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks of workouts, everything is all coming together for the competition !

Some photos to share....

2008-07-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a few photos for everyone. I did not have to train today so I didn't really have any exciting news to share except that I am feeling much better from yesterday. Enjoy the photos !

Melanie and I decided to hop in the ring for a quick sparing workout.....but she laughed the whole time.....believe it or not she can focus, but only when she lifts weights and plays cards.

Cheryl riding our team bicycle to the training hall. She's so nice to let us sit on the back.... The Olympic mascots near the dining area.

She never stood a chance....

A light and easy relaxing day !

2008-07-29T02:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post the photo above on my blog a long time ago but I had to do some photo shopping on it since I scanned it in.....the photo is of myself and my 2008 Olympic team mate Melanie Roach. At 14, the time this photo was taken, I never in a million years would have thought that we would be on the Olympic Team together....if I post how old Melanie was she would kill me because you would be able to figure out her age now :) I was at a Junior Squad camp in Colorado Springs and she was there training for the summer and I remember running out of the gym asking her for a photo with her ! I couldn't believe that she could Clean and Jerk 113 kilos, I was star struck ! Today was a very different pace for Team USA since we have arrived. We only had 1 training session today! We traveled from the Olympic village at BNU (Beijing Normal University) for our 11am training session. I had snatches and snatch pulls...the workout took less than an hour. we ate lunch, and then we went to the sports med. training room for recovery. I had a 1 hour massage by a great massage therapist (Thank you Lauri Ann!), and then some treatment on my shoulder. I has surgery a little over two years ago on my left shoulder and every now and then it acts up, but not worries ! I am feeling 100% and ready to go.... I was awoken by thunder and lightening at 2am this morning and I stayed up for 1/2 hour watching the cities sky line light up from our enclosed patio. We woke this morning and the weather was no exaggeration at least 20 degrees cooler than it had been since we have arrived. I have talked with other friends and USOC staff who have been here for a week and they said it is the coolest it has been since they have arrived. If the weather stays like this I will be fine, but yesterday it was so hot I lost 2lbs. Living in Colorado Springs for 7 1/2 years I am used to a dry heat, but certainly no the humidity they have here. The rain seemed to clean up the sky and the air. I know Beijing has been actively making changes to help reduce the smog and air pollution and they have certainly done a great job at it. You can tell that everyone who lives here is very excited about the Olympics and wants to help. They love taking pictures and speaking with you even if their English is minimal they are still very excited to meet and talk with you.

Local News story from WPTZ in Vermont

2008-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.wptz.com/video/16993731/index.html

A quick run down !

2008-07-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

July 26/27 Early the Saturday morning 100 members of Team USA left San Jose and flew out of San Francisco for a 12 hour flight to Beijing. The flight was surprisingly well and we arrived in Beijing feeling only a little tired. We arrived in the Olympic Village at 5pm on Sunday. The village is absolutely amazing. The buildings are all brand new, the landscaping is beautiful and there is every possible thing you could think of here. It is a small city within a city. The dining area has many different foods to choose from including a 24 Hour McDonald's ! July 28 I slept 9 hard hours last night. I woke feeling rested and ready to go. The jet lag was honestly not as bad as I had anticipated. Around 9am my three team mates and I went to the dining hall and had a great breakfast and then caught a bus to travel to the 24 Hour Fitness Olympic Training Facility at Beijing Normal University. My training went better than I even anticipated considering our travels the last two days. We trained at 11am and 3pm with lunch in between at the Team USA dining facility (which was amazing !) at Beijing Normal University followed by a quick 10 minute cold plunge to help recover from the previous workout. My team mates and I traveled back to the Olympic Village for dinner and a few hours of card games.

WOW WOW WOW

2008-07-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

What an AMAZING day ! After waking up at 4am and flying across country I am a bit tired. Not from flying, but from the days agenda.....

Myself and my team mate Natalie and our coaches Bob and Dennis arrived in San Jose where we met up with two of our other team mates Cheryl and Melanie. When we met Melanie we were also greeted with her 93lbs suit case....I questioned if her children were hiding in her bag it was so ridiculously heavy ! Though her children were not hiding in her bag, Mel brought enough stuff for an entire village.

We went on to travel to San Jose University where we went through outfitting, processing and briefing. I can not even express how much stuff we got....Nike and Polo were very generous to Team USA....I will not have to buy any clothing for a looooooong time.

Though the whole day was absolutely amazing, the highlight had to be meeting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ! Myself, Melanie and Natalie met and talked with the Governor about lifting and the two handed press. Following that Cheryl and Steven Lopez (2 time Olympic Gold Medallist) presented the Governor with a Team USA Olympic Jacket.

Tomorrow is going to be an incredibly long traveling to Beijing so I must finish packing up my new wardrobe of TEAM USA clothing and head to bed......this is the first day of my Olympic journey and it has already been INCREDIBLE !!!

Leaving !

2008-07-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you know I leave tomorrow ! My flight leaves very early in the morning and we will arrive in San Jose around noon. There we will go through team processing and get our outfitting. The rest of the day we will be busy with alterations and briefings. We then leave the following morning for our direct flight to Beijing (YES !!! Direct flight !!!) Also exciting news....I am blogging on my new lap top computer courtesy of Lenovo ! Thank You very much for such a great computer ! Thank You to everyone who has called and sent emails wishing me Good Luck in Beijing. I truly appreciate all your support. I am off to an Olympic send off BBQ that my Olympic Training Center team mate Jackie Berube is throwing for Natalie, Casey and I. Well, my next post will be from Beijing, so stay tuned ! ! !

I compete CLEAN !

2008-07-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

The certificate above shows that I took a pledge to compete as a clean,

drug free athlete!

The Pledge

"I compete for the love of my sport, my health, and my victory."

"I know sports make me a better person."

"I believe that a victory obtained by cheating is a counterfeit and hollow win"

"The only sport I believe in is a clean sport, sport that is free of all cheating, including doping"

"I pledge to uphold these beliegs by always competing clean."

Olympic Medal Tracker

2008-07-17T20:02:00.001-07:00

I found this on the Internet and thought it was a great idea to post, its has a count down until the Olympics starts and then posts Team USA's medal count ! Olympic Medal winners at NBC Olympics.com!

Pastor Promise Lee

2008-07-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Athletes are given opportunities to meet new people that they normally wouldn't cross paths with had they had not been an athlete. The man in the photo with me is Pastor Promise Lee. I actually did not meet him at the Olympic Training Center, I met him through his daughter who worked with my Mom.

I first heard about Pastor Lee from my Mom who told me he had written a book about his life. At that point I did not know what the book was about, I just thought it was neat that my friends Dad wrote a book. So I was able to get my hands on a copy of his book titled "Pardoned." To give a short summary of the book it talks about Pastor Lee's life as a young rebellious child and his transformation into a man of God. At 15 he was sentenced 12 years in the Colorado State Penitentiary for second degree murder. When he was released for prison at the age of 26 he gave up his wild ways and became a worker of Gods. He is the Senior Pastor of Relevant Word Ministries and a well known community activist in the Colorado community. A few of his MANY accomplishments include co-authoring 3 publications, winning The National Civic League's All-American City Award, and being recognized at the White House by Vice President Al Gore for his work in strengthening communities.

I had lunch yesterday with Pastor Lee and his teenage son Josiah. I spoke to Pastor Lee about his book and his life and asked him many questions which he all openly answered. We even talked about my fears of transitioning from being a weightlifter to a 'normal' person. I sat and thought, "How silly I am worried about not lifting weights when he was in a jail cell for 12 years locked away from society....." I realized that sometimes I stress about things that are unnecessary and that there are other things I could be putting my energy into.

I can't put into words what an amazing and truly remarkable person Pastor Lee is. He is the person that he is because of the struggles he went though, but I believe it was all in God's plan.

Community Support

2008-07-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was given the opportunity to be apart of "Movie Night at America the Beautiful Park" here in Colorado Springs. A group of 20 or so Olympic athletes were recognized and the group was presented with a banner from the Mayor of Colorado Springs (that's him in the picture !) on behalf of the citizens of the city. We sat for 2 hours signing autographs on posters, t-shirts and even Home Depot smocks. I loved meeting so many people that have the Olympic Spirit ! Colorado Springs is a city that loves the Olympics and their Olympians. They are a huge support and we are very lucky to have such a great community to live and train in. One little boy came up to me and asked me if I rode to the park in a limo. I responded and told him no. He then asked, "Do you drive a Lamborghini ?" I said no again. He couldn't believe that the group of Olympians there did not ride in a limo and I did not have a Lamborghini. I told him I drove a Honda and he replied, "Well that's not very fancy for an Olympian !" I thought it was pretty funny and got a kick out of it !

Fox 44 Interview

2008-07-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortuneatly I am unable to post this video directly on my blog but I have the link below (sorry its so long). The segment was on the local Fox 44 network in my home state of Vermont. Enjoy ! http://www.fox44.net/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipId1=2666626&at1=Sport&vt1=v&h1=Essex+Native+Heads+to+the+Olympics&d1=112100&redirUrl=www.fox44.net&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=

Last week and what's coming up !

2008-07-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well last week was a busy week of training. Overall I was happy with how things went but not satisfied ! So last week we finalized everything with Jason's airline ticket and visa paperwork for him to go to Beijing (this was probably one of my highlights of the week!). I also did 2 interviews for FOX Sports network, one is for a Denver based FOX network and the other for back home in Burlington, Vermont. The segment in Burlington should air tomorrow night. I will post a link on my blog so you can view the segment online. Last week I ran into an old friend from the training center who is now the President for a non-profit called America for Gold, Inc. He said that when he was training he was lucky enough to have the financial support of the military but still found it hard to meet the financial demands needed to compete at a high level. Many of his teammates and friends around the training center struggled financially relying on parents, odd hour jobs that pay little, and credit cards. He said that it shouldn't have to be this way and believes if the American people were informed of the struggles of many of our Olympic athletes and hopefuls they would be willing to get behind and join the journey. So, America for Golds mission is to help underwrite the expenses of as many athletes training for an Olympic sport by providing funds for America's athletes. Their web site is not yet up and running but the address will be www.americaforgold.org. They are currently getting ready to start a national fund raising campaign where they will attempt to sign up 100k people to donate $8 a month for one year. Depending on how much money is raised will determine how they can give back to the athletes. I am going to start to do some volunteer work for them which I will keep you posted on and up to date once the web site gets up and going. For training this next week we are on a recovery week which means things won't be so heavy and I won't have so many repetitions. My body is very happy this is a recovery week and I should be well rested for next weeks workouts. Time is ticking down, August 12th is right around the corner ! I am also very excited because this week I am going to be participating in my first USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) education presentation. Myself, and 2 USADA staff members, one being Nathalie Bartleson (1996 Olympic Gold Medalist in Synchronized Swimming) will be giving the presentation to the Junior National Mens Gymnastic team at the Olympic Training Center. Anti-Doping is something that I feel very strongly about and am glad to be apart of spreading the word and educating other athletes. I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July weekend. Have a great week !

More good news !

2008-07-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I found out that my husband, Jason, will be able to attend the Olympics. We were not sure if he was going to be able to go because of work. We've got his ticket booked and he will be in Beijing August 11 very early in the morning until the evening of August 14. I am truly very lucky and excited that he will be able to go to China to support me. Training has been going well this week. I am really looking forward to tonight's workout, we have 90% snatches and clean and jerks. This morning we had snatches off the blocks and a pretty great squat workout. I just got out of the 50 degree cold plunge with my teammate Natalie Woolfolk and am sitting here shivering ! I want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July !

Winners never cheat, and cheaters never win

2008-06-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Team USA is DRUG FREE ! My dad always told me "Winners never cheat, and cheaters never win" this is definitely the case with the Bulgarian weightlifting team. Its nice to finally see people are finally getting caught for cheating. I am a huge believer in anti-doping and support drug testing 100%. I estimate that I have been tested nearly 100 times since starting weightlifting at the age of 13. Many of you do not know but our nations top athletes are subject to drug testing. In order to compete at national and international level you must be enrolled with the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA). They can come any time, day or night to collect a urine sample. Athletes fill out forms quarterly on there where abouts so they can be contacted for a test. If you miss 3 tests in 1 year you automatically receive a 1-2 year suspension. For more information on USADA and the testing procedures that US athletes must go through check out their web site at: www.usada.org

Article on the Internet today from NY

2008-06-25T15:09:00.001-07:00

Gump earns spot on Weightlifting Team By Jennifer Millman Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:07 AM ET Carissa Gump, who was born in Stone Ridge, N.Y., qualified for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Weightlifting Team. Gump, of Essex Junction, Vt., ranked third entering the Olympic Trials. Coached by Chris Polakowski, her event is 63 kg. At 5 feet 1 inch tall and 138 pounds, Gump won the 2008 National Championships and the Collegiate National Championships in 2005 and 2007, among other accomplishments. She holds American records for Collegiate Age Group Snatch 90 kg and Clean and Jerk 114kg, among other events. Gump's middle-school gym teacher got her interested in weightlifting, but she says her husband Jason is her biggest role model. A Pikes Peak Community College graduate, Gump's favorite TV show is "House" and her favorite food is chicken fettuccini alfredo. The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Weightlifting were completed Saturday, May 17, at the Ferst Center for the Arts on the campus of Georgia Tech University.

Mom and Dad going to China !

2008-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

The picture to the right is of my Dad in a shirt he bought at the 2008 Arnold Classic where our National Championships were held this year....pretty cool shirt huh ?!? As of Thursday my parents plans for going to Beijing were finalized ! I'm really excited they are going to be able to come to China and experience the Olympics with me. We've all worked long and hard for this so it's great they are going to be able to be there so we can all share this together. I'm a little worried about them traveling but I know they will be okay as long as they stop to ask questions, and as you know Mom is not afraid to stop to talk to anyone ! Other than lifting I think Mom is looking most forward to shopping and bargaining....watch out China Kathie's on her way !!! Unfortunately, Jason my husband is not going to be able to attend the Games. I am very lucky to have such an amazingly supportive husband who has been there every step of the way since day one when we met 5 years ago. Due to his previous back injury he sustained from weightlifting he had to take a great deal of time off from training. He had surgery the end of November last year and has recovered very well from it, he started lifting 2 months ago and things are coming along with little to no pain. Though 2008 was not his year to make the Olympic team, I have no doubt that 2012 or 2016 will be in his future and I will be there to support him in every way that he has been there for me.

The upcoming week...

2008-06-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be a hard week of training, both mentally and physically. I have already seen my workout for tomorrow and know I am going to need much rest tonight and good breakfast to get me going. I am hoping to come close to my personal bests or even better than this week. To do so will be a challenge but I am up for it. I feel good right now and a bit recovered from last weeks workouts. On Saturday I had a 30 minute massage which turned into a little over an hour (Thanks Robby !), so my legs should be good and ready to go for tomorrow's squat workout. I dedicate this blog today to Robby the massage therapist for keeping me put together !!! :) I hope you had a good 20 mile night ride last night. Your crazy...

A typical week for me !

2008-06-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Train 9:15am-10:30am This usually consists of two exercises.I will run errands, head to school if I need to and then eat a small lunch. Train 12:30pm-1:30pm This usually consists of Squats.I will go to the Recovery Center and cold plunge. Following that I will eat lunch and take an hour nap. Train 4:00pm-5:30pm This will again consist of 2 more exercises, then remedial exercises. (Dumbbell curls, wrist curls, leg curls, etc.) Following training I will get a massage, eat dinner and drive home to get some rest and do it all over again ! Tuesday 4:00pm Training, will consist of 3 exercises and remedial exercises. Following training I will eat dinner and then go home. Thursday This is our day off for rest and recovery ! I will run errands, and work 2:30pm-7pm at 24 Hour Fitness. Saturday Consists of 3 exercises, or technique sessions, it varies through out training cycle. Sunday Another day of much needed rest :) My husband and I have dinner at my parents house for our weekly Sunday family dinner. This pretty much sums up a week for me !

All About Me

2008-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

All about me Name: Carissa A. Gump (formerly Gordon) Hometown: Born in Kingston, New York, moved to Essex, Vermont when I was 10. Marital Status: Married Parents: Marty and Kathie Gordon Siblings: Jennifer Gordon-Christiano Pets: 1 cat, Feyna Height: 5'1 Weight: 138lbs., 63 kg. weight class College: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Hobbies: Cooking, reading, traveling Coaches: Chris Polakowski, Bob Morris Team: East Coast Gold (formerly a member of Team Vermont) Favorite Movie: To many ! Favorite Book: Nickeled and Dimmed on how to not get by in America Hero: My sister Something People don't know about me: I played piano for 6 years prior to lifting weights