Brian and Kristi-Hall of Fame Finalists

[mr pru]

I saw that Mr. Boitano and (Mrs.) Yamiguchi are among 15 finalists for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2006.

I'd say that they both are very deserving.

The induction is December 8th, so we'll see!!

[GardenKitty]

Fans can vote for the Hall of Fame finalists at the USOC site:

www.olympic-usa.org/ (http://www.olympic-usa.org/)

Here are the list of individual finalists:

Individual Finalists – Five (5) to be inducted
Evelyn Ashford (Track & Field)
Greg Barton (Canoe/Kayak)
Bruce Baumgartner (Wrestling)
Joan Benoit (Track & Field)
Jeff Blatnick (Wrestling)
Brian Boitano (Figure Skating)
Valerie Brisco (Track & Field)
Rowdy Gaines (Swimming)
Bob Hayes (Track & Field)
Roger Kingdom (Track & Field)
Mary T. Meagher (Swimming)
Shannon Miller (Gymnastics)
Darrell Pace (Archery)
John Smith (Wrestling)
Kristi Yamaguchi (Figure Skating)

Carlo Fassi is also nominated as a coaching finalist.

[iloveskating]

Thanks for the heads up. I voted!

[Eeyora]

I'll be sure to vote they are two of my favorites.

[Krista]

I voted for them, and Rowdy and a couple of others. For Coaches I voted for Carlo Fassi :)

[SingAlto]

It's about darn time! Especially for Brian.

[honey827]

Why do fans get to vote them into the Hall of Fame? That's not done in other sports like footballand baseball is it?

[AZSkateFan]

Also, vote for Shannon Miller as she is the most decorated gymnast in American history. She is the first American gymnast to win a gold medal in a non-boycotted Olympic Games.

[iloveskating]

I am surprised it has taken this long for them to be nominated for this honor. For Brian it's been 17 years since his OGM. Anyone know what the criteria and waiting periods are?

[berthesghost]

From the website:

"How members are inducted
A 10-person nominating committee consisting of athletes, distinguished members of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, media, historians and USOC representatives select finalists for the online ballot at usolympicteam.com. Voting weight is divided among U.S. Olympians, select U.S. Olympic family/media and fans."

and

"Individual Sport/Event -- Finalist must be retired from Olympic competition for at least four years following the last Olympic competition to qualify. Five individuals will be inducted in each Hall of Fame Class."

and

"Every Olympic year, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame will induct a new class.* Past Olympic athletes, teams, paralympians, coaches, veterans and special contributors will gather to welcome in the newest members of the hall.

Charter Class Enshrined in Chicago
The charter class was enshrined in 1983 in Chicago, with such Olympic legends as Bob Beamon, Cassius Clay, Peggy Fleming, Al Oerter, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Mark Spitz, Jim Thorpe and the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team.

Annual additions continued through 1992, adding Olympic legends such as Bart Conner, Donna de Varona, Dorothy Hamill, "Sugar Ray" Leonard, Carl Lewis, Greg Louganis, Phil Mahre, Debbie Meyer, John Naber and Mary Lou Retton. After a 12-year absence, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame returned to the City of Chicago in 2004, which featured an Olympic Class as high a caliber as the charter class."

so....I'm not sure if he qualified for 92 yet or not, but apparently didn't make it. Then there was no other election until 2004 which he apparently didn't make either. This is possibly only his 3rd chance, so it's not so hard to understand why he didn't make it yet if you look at it that way.

[kwanette]

Thanks for the info..I voted, too..Glad to see Evelyn Ashford's name there...One of my favorite athletes...It was tough voting, so many worthy folks...

[TarotX]

Skaters also can only really win one medal a year unlike other sports. Non fan voters probably look at #'s.

:SE

[iloveskating]

Thanks BG. I didn't realize they inducted so infrequently. I hope both Brian & Kristi make it.

[DCSkate]

I did my part and voted for Kristi and Brian.

[luenatic]

I voted for Brian and Kristi as well. But more importantly, I voted for Carlo Fassi. He's my coach's coach.