Focus on the Olympics: Sarah Hammer (Cycling Hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

22 May 2008 09:12 AM

Welcome to our first Focus on the Olympics article that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing this summer. Up first, we're going to look at cycling. This is a sport many of us are familiar with or as parents have taught to our kids.

Meet Sarah Hammer

Sarah's pursuit for perfection seems to go well beyond the number 1 world ranking she owns within the sport of cycling. She strives to live an all-around life. Hammer spends time developing her off the bike gifts as she diligently works to excel in her undergraduate studies. Hammer began her cycling career at age 8 when introduced to the sport by her father, Cliff. Four years later, she won her first Junior National title - the same year Rebecca Twigg won the last women's World Championship Track gold medal for the United States. Eleven years later, and 20 national titles later, Hammer put an end to America's gold medal drought by taking the win at the 2006 World Championships in Bordeaux, France.

Comeback Kid

Having quit cycling in 2002, Hammer never planned to race again. After being inspired by the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Hammer was working in a bagel shop in Colorado Springs, Colo., when she realized she wanted to return to the sport, and made a comeback in 2005.

Why Root For Her?

Cycling is something that Hammer loves. She started out, like most kids, riding a bike and then competing in it. She works to excel in all aspects of her life and though she left the sport behind, it inspired her to return once more. As world champion, she may seem like a shoo-in

Performance Record

• 2006 World Championships women's individual pursuit gold medalist • Seven-time World Cup gold medalist • 20-time National Championship cycling titles • 1995 Junior National Champion • Enjoys hiking with her two dogs and reading her free time

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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