2004 Ad

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, August-Sept, 2004 by Wendy Pedrero

As the United States prepares to present its best athletes to the world, the invaluable contribution that diversity groups will give to the National Team becomes too strong and important to not mention. In this special, pictorial section we introduce you to some of the Latino athletes who will represent the US in the upcoming Olympic Games. They are but a small sample of all the Latinos who will help, through their talent, effort and dedication, to make America shine in the Olympic Games one more time. They have spent many years of their lives working hard for this moment, and for them the chance to put this nation's name on the top is not only special and humbling, but also sweet. More importantly, though, these men and women represent the essence of what makes the United States of America so great: they are the fusion, in perfect synchronicity, of two amazing cultures, and we're proud to introduce them to you. Without further ado, then: our Hispanic US athletes.

Sport: Diving

Mark Ruiz 3 Meters / Platform

Trips to the Olympics: 2nd Olympic Medals: 0

Achievements: 2000 Olympic Games seventh place in the 3-meter, sixth place in the platform, and seventh place in platform synchronized with teammate David Pichler; 3-meter gold medalist at the 2002 World Cup Trials, platform third place finisher; U.S. Diving Athlete of the Year in 1998 and 1999; the most decorated athlete at any U.S. nationals in history. 10 starts.

On being a Latino competing for the US: "This is my 2nd Olympic Team and it is a thrill and a dream come true, not only to represent the US but to also represent Puerto Rico. I am very proud and humbled knowing where I come from and so far, as a Hispanic, it is my honor to represent us in this way at the Olympics."

Caesar Garcia 1 & 3 Meters / Platform

Trips to the Olympics: 1st Olympic Medals: 0

Achievements: 2003 USOC Sportsman of the Year-Diving; Co-Platform Champion at the 2003 NCAA Division I Championships; 2002 Verizon Wireless Academic All American; 2001 SEC Freshman Diver of the Year,

On being a Latino competing for the US: "I am very proud to represent my family. This is an awesome opportunity to represent the US, especially as a Hispanic. It is such an honor to represent Hispanics, my family and my country."

Sport: Women's Softball

Crystl Bustos Short Stop

Trips to the Olympics: 2nd Olympic Medals: 1-Gold

Achievements: 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist; 1999 Pan American Games gold medalist; two time NJCAA first-team All-America selection while at Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth, Fla; led the 2000 Olympic team with 10 hits, three home runs and five runs scored; had 18 assists and a perfect fielding percentage during her 10 starts.

On being a Latina competing for the US: "It's awesome. I feel very proud to have the opportunity of representing the US Across the world. It's the most Amazing feeling".

Jessica Mendoza Outfielder (right)

Trips to the Olympics: 1st Olympic Medals: 0

Achievements: 2003 Pan American Games gold medalist; 2002 ISF World Championships gold medalist; 4 time first team All-American (1999-2002); first Stanford University player named to the Olympic first team; 2002 Japan Cup Best Batter Award; in 1998 led nation in hitting with 475 average; Led Stanford to its first Women's College World Series in 2001; named to the All-Tournament team.

On being a Latina competing for the US: "'It's awesome. To have [the initials] USA across your chest and be playing all those teams from across the world ... it's the most incredible feeling you can have. I get goose bumps every time I think about it".

Lisa Fernardez Pitcher (center)

Trips to the Olympics: 3rd Olympic Medals: 2-Gold

Achievements: 1996, 2000 Olympic gold medalist; Four-time ISF Women's World Championship gold medalist (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002); seven-time ASA Women's Major National Champion team member (1990-1992, 19961999); two-time Pan Am Games gold medalist (1991, 1999); two-time NCAA women's college world series Champion (UCLA-1990, 1992)

On being a Latina competing for the US: "I think it's amazing I'm half Cuban, half Puerto Rican, and it is an honor for me to be able to haw the opportunity to represent the United States in this world competition"

Sport: Tae Kwon do

Steven Lopez Lightweight/147-158 pounds

Trip to the Olympics: 2nd Olympic Medals: 1

Achievements: 2002 US Team Trials gold medalist 2001 World Championships go medalist (lightweight) Games gold medalist (featherweight) 1999 Pan American Games gold medalist (featherweight); 1998 US Olympic Weight gold medalist (featherweight).

On being a Latino competing for the US: "This is a proud moment for God, my family and Latin. Any opportunity to showcase my skills carries a big responsibility, and as a Hispanic, it is to be a person that young kids look up the way I looked up to athletes like Oscar De La Hoya."

Sport: Boxing

Devin Vargas Heavyweight/201 pounds

Trips to the Olympics: 2nd Olympic Medals: 0

Achievements: 2003 U.S. National Champion; Two-time Everlast U.S. Championships silver medalist / 2001-2002 Copenhagen Box Cup / 2nd; National Golden Gloves/3rd, U.S. Challenge / 2nd; Everlast U.S. National Championships / 2nd; Two-time National Golden Gloves gold medalist / 2000-2001.