From the Olympic trials to the torch relays, the opening ceremonies, the Games and finally to the closing ceremonies, the Olympic Games are a world-wide event that bring a competitive spirit to the world along with uniting the world through this competition. The 14-day games consist of various winter sports including curling, snowboarding, speed skating, ice hockey, figure skating and many more. The 2018 Winter Olympics will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea (about two hours away from Seoul). The event’s estimated cost is only $10 billion. While that seems expensive, in comparison to the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, it is five times less expensive. Keep Reading
This past 2016-17 school year was one to remember. Take a trip down memory lane as the Green & Gold staff looks back at some of the most memorable events of the year! August: The Rio Olympics was a huge success for the United States, with 46 gold medals, 37 silver medals and 38 bronze medals. The 2016 Summer Olympics also featured countless historic and memorable moments such as gymnast Simone Biles’ breakout performace with the “Final Five” women’s gymnastics team and Michael Phelps’ final Olympic Games and record breaking accumulation of his 23rd gold medal. On Aug. 8, Freshmen and Seniors ventured to Carolina Point for the pre-school Freshman Retreat. New students were introduced to Wesleyan culture and get to know new friends and peer leaders. Keep Reading
Newlywed and new, full-time teacher Mrs. Alexander was eager to prove herself a part of the Wesleyan community. So this past summer, she embarked on the most dangerous mission of her entire life. In fact, right after getting married, Mrs. Alexander skipped her honeymoon and used that money to purchase 500 buckets of green food coloring. Why, you may ask? Well, little did we know she was scheming something big, something no one had ever seen before. She wanted to turn the diving pool at the Rio Olympics green—in honor of the Wolves of course. During the Rio Olympics, Mrs. Alexander—disguised as a coach named Coach Brad—proceeded to dump all 500 buckets of green food coloring into the pool. How she got away with it, no one will ever know.
Alex Bufton
Alex Bufton shows off her mad gymnastics skill
Many are aware of Ms. Bufton’s extraordinary double life, Spanish teacher by day, CrossFit queen by night (or on the weekends depending on how busy her schedule is). But, it may come as a surprise to many that Ms. Bufton is actually an Olympic gold medalist! Back handsprings and double layouts are second nature for this Wesleyan teacher. In fact, some students claim they’ve seen her sport some of her fancy moves right here on campus! However, to protect her identity as an accomplished gymnast she often goes by the name Balex Aufton.
Chris Cleveland
Chris Cleveland has the time of his life life-guarding in Rio.
Mr. Cleveland’s summer was filled with endless excitement as he worked as an Olympic Lifeguard. He sure had his work cut out for him as he constantly had to save the drowning Olympians. I heard he even had to save Michael Phelps during warm ups once, because his goggles fell off (and nobody can swim without their goggles). After each of Cleveland’s shifts he would sleep for hours and drink plenty of Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy to make sure he never dozed off when he was on guard.
Brian Krehmeyer
Brian Krehmeyer scores a grand total of zero points, while diving in Rio.
What started off as the most talked about underdog story of Rio, ended in sheer embarrassment. After months of practice and hours of training, the spotlight was on Mr. Krehmeyer during the preliminary rounds of the diving competition at the Rio Olympics this summer. With no formal training whatsoever, Krehmeyer proved that his amateur skills could rival the best. As he stepped up to the diving board and prepared for his dismount, all he could think about was that gold medal. It was so close he could practically taste it. Unfortunately, Mr. Krehmeyer did not achieve his Olympic dreams that day. As his back flopped against the water, his dreams were shattered. With a grand total of zero points, he was unable to advance to the next round. But this isn’t the end, Krehmeyer plans to practice even harder over the next four years with his eyes set on Tokyo.
The Social Science department at Wesleyan influences students in various ways, including in the classroom or through extra-curricular activities. Every
There is a Wesleyan Alumni that has made a big progression in his athletic career. Nick Salyers, class of 2012, has made an Olympic Trial cut in the pool and will compete at the Olympic Trials in June. The trials are held a month before the Olympics in Omaha, Nebraska. The top swimmers from around the country come and compete at the fastest and most competitive meet of the year. It is difficult to gain a cut for the trials, as they require not only speed, but endurance and grit.
When asked about his training regiment, Salyers said, “Currently, my main focus is on having my best year in the pool for the Bulldogs. So my schedule and training is not unlike my previous years at Georgia. We have however thrown in a few more long course (50 meter pool) meets into our typical schedule, like our dual meet against Florida which is normally short course (25 yard pool), in order to prepare for Olympic Trials. Also during the fall semester and over the breaks we did a lot more long course training in preparation for the Trials this summer.” Salyers had a good year for the Bulldogs, being one of the top contributors to the team.
In addition,he said, “I swim from 5:30-7am then have weights from 7:45-9 and then swim again in the afternoon from 2:45-5pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And then we have drylands from 2:15-3pm and then swim from 3:15-5pm every Tuesday and Thursday. We swim once for approximately 2 hours every Saturday and have Sunday off. The NCAA limits us to 20 hours of training per week. And we hit 20 hours exactly every week.” Swimmers all around can attest to the fact that it is a harsh and exhausting training schedule.
Finally, I asked Salyers about his coaching staff and how they have helped him in his progression towards the trials. He said, “Our coaches at Georgia are world class, but then we also have strength and conditioning coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and access to everything we need to succeed in the pool, classroom and life beyond sports.” Coaches are so important towards a strong training program, and Salyers is the first of many to say that the coaches are top notch at UGA.
When asked about how balancing studies and time in the pool worked out, Salyers said, “It can be difficult at times. You really do have to sacrifice a lot at times in order to maintain the kind of schedule that I keep. But I thrive in that sort of challenge. It has been very rewarding to take on the challenge of swimming at UGA. Swimming has opened up many doors for me and taught me a lot about myself and a lot about hard work.”
Salyers is still looking to shave time of his 100 meter Backstroke, which is the event that he will be swimming in Omaha this June. His training will continue until then, as he looks to attempt to make the Olympic team as a senior in college.
