Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia

By Alex Rodriguez | Chicago Tribune correspondent

MOSCOW — The cheering throngs in J.R. Holden's boyhood hoop dreams always roared in an NBA arena, not an Olympic venue.

Now 31, Holden never got that chance to don an NBA jersey, but in less than three weeks, the nimble-footed point guard from Pittsburgh will stride into Beijing's National Stadium to compete for Olympic gold.

That he will wear the colors of Mother Russia instead of red, white and blue won't trouble him a bit. Moreover, he says, it shouldn't trouble Americans back home.

"Whether you do it for the United States or another country, it's an honor and a privilege just to be at the Olympics, and I don't think people understand that," Holden said between swigs of water after a recent practice with his Team Russia teammates. "Some people get caught up with the patriotism aspect of it ... but I'm going to enjoy it and do the best I can to represent Russia."

The Summer Games in Beijing will mark the first time American citizens have competed for Russia in the Olympics, Russian Olympic Committee officials say. While Holden leads the Russian men's squad, WNBA standout Becky Hammon from South Dakota will play for the Russian women's basketball team. Authorities fast-tracked both of them for Russian citizenship.

Both athletes say their motivation is pure and uncomplicated: The Olympic experience has no peer as the ultimate crucible for athletic achievement—and as the world's greatest sports spectacle. A chance to take part can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back home, however, competing for a former Cold War foe may constitute a line in the sand for some Americans.

Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia....

Parker, Leslie among players chosen for Games

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Lisa Leslie will have help from Los Angeles Sparks teammate Candace Parker when the U.S. women's basketball team tries to win a fourth straight Olympic gold medal.

They were two of the nine players placed on the team Saturday. The announcement came before Los Angeles played Washington in a WNBA game.

Leslie won gold medals at the last three Olympics. Former U.S. star Teresa Edwards won four Olympic titles, but a bronze in 1992 interrupted her run from 1984-2000.

Also on the team for Beijing are Olympic veterans Katie Smith, Tina Thompson, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. This will be Smith's third Olympics. Cappie Pondexter, Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles will make their Olympic debuts.

"I'm just thrilled to have these nine players officially named to the team," U.S. Olympic coach Anne Donovan said. "It's such a great mixture of Olympic gold medalists with some really tremendous young talent."

The other three members will be announced by July 1. Possible candidates include Kara Lawson, Swin Cash, Lindsey Harding and, Lindsay Whalen.

MORE....