Women's Sports Foundation's Travel & Training Recipients Gear up for the Olympic Trials
Christina Loukas Sets Out for the Perfect Dive:
Christina Loukas, a 26-year-old Greek American and recent University of Miami graduate, grew up doing flips off of her couch. Now, she is a 3-meter springboard diver who is fighting for a spot to compete in the London Olympics.
Four years ago at the Beijing Olympics, Loukas finished ninth. Unsatisfied, Loukas is thriving to nail the perfect dive and win the gold medal for the USA team in London. To do so, Loukas must qualify first. On June 17, 100 of the best American divers will compete for 14 roster spots on the US Diving Team.
With the help of our Travel & Training grant, Loukas will be given a chance to fulfill her goal of nailing the perfect dive in the London Olympics. We wish her the best in the qualifiers and hope to be cheering her on in the upcoming Games.
Mallory Weggemann Succeeds in and out of the Pool:
Mallory Weggemann, a vital asset to the Paralympic Swimming National Team, spoke to Apollo Middle School students about steering clear of underage drinking on Monday. Weggemann stood in front of 400 students on behalf of the “Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix” program to promote healthy lifestyle choices for kids.
In 2008, Weggemann was given an epidural injection to alleviate back pain, which in counter left her paralyzed from the waist down. Four years later, she can be credited for breaking world records and bringing home World Championship gold medals.
We are honored to have supported Mallory Weggemann through our Travel & Training program and will continue to support her as she competes in the London Paralympics this summer, as well as advocate for healthy lifestyles for kids.
Stephanie Brown Trafton Gets Another Shot:
Stephanie Brown Trafton always dreamed of competing in the Olympics after watching her hero, gymnast Mary Lou Retton, win the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. However, she was not built exactly like Mary Lou Retton. At 6-foot- 4 inches and 225 pounds, Trafton was not going to be an Olympic Gymnast. Rather, she found a niche in shot-put and discus.
At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Tafton fulfilled her dream of becoming an Olympian and finished 22nd.
Although Brown Trafton wanted nothing more than to win gold at the 2008 Olympic games, she did not know how to pursue her dream while maintaining financial stability. In 2008 with the help of a WSF Training Grant, Stephanie Trafton accomplished what no other American woman has since 1932 by winning the Olympic gold medal in the discus. She has continued to train for the London Games in the hope of defending her title.