Rebecca Ward Named Athlete of the Month

[nahouw]

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2006

U.S. Olympic Committee Honors Fencer Rebecca Ward, Archer Reo Wilde and U.S. Synchro Team for October Accomplishments

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.- The U.S. Olympic Committee today announced fencer Rebecca Ward as its October 2006 female Athlete of the Month for her
achievements at the 2006 Senior World Championships.

Ward was named alongside archer Reo Wilde (as male October Athlete of the
Month). The USOC Team of the Month was awarded to the U.S. Synchronized
Swimming Team.

On October 2, 16-year-old Ward became the new World Champion of women's
saber. Ward (Beaverton, Ore.) beat 2004 Olympic gold medalist -- and Oregon
Fencing Alliance clubmate -- Mariel Zagunis, 15-11, in the final for the
win.

Ward therefore became the first fencer in history to hold the Cadet, Junior,
and Senior World Championship title in a single season. She won the World
Under-17 and World Under-20 titles in April.

This is the first time a U.S. fencer has brought home an individual women's
saber World Championship gold medal.

[T H U G]

Rebecca be in da house! props out to ya, girl!