USOPA
Once an Olympian or Paralympian, Always an Olympian or Paralympian. Never Former, Never Past®
Inspiration
"Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit."
- Mary Lou Retton, U.S. Gymnastics Olympian
Service
"Determination, it applies to all of us and when you tap into that, you're able to fly as far as you can go."
- Lex Gillette, U.S. Track & Field Paralympian
Community
"You show up at the Olympics, and you're no longer you; You're an american Olympian. You're part of this greater whole, and the individual doesn't matter."
- Shaun White, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Olympian
Jackie Washington
President
- Track & Field | 1984
Current USOPA President, earning three All-American honors while competing for the University of Houston and capturing three gold medals as part of the U.S. 4×100m relay team at the World University Games. She also represented the United States as a member of the 4×100m relay team at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984. Her leadership within USOPA has been distinguished, serving as president of the Houston chapter from 2014 to 2024 before being elected national president. Jackie’s career reflects both athletic excellence, a deep commitment to service and leadership in the Olympian and Paralympian community.
Michelle Finn-Burrell
4-Year Term
- Track & Field | 1992
An Olympic gold medalist and former standout sprinter from Florida State University, where she earned 12 All-American honors and set school records in the 100 meters. She represented Team USA at the Olympic Games Barcelona1992, competing in the women’s 4×100m relay and the 200m. Beyond her decorated athletic career, she transitioned into the health and fitness industry, building a successful 20+ year career in the Houston area. She has remained deeply connected to the Olympic and Paralympic movement as a committed member and Secretary of the Houston Chapter of USOPA, while also serving as a chapter mentor.
Sharon Jewell
4-Year Term
- Taekwondo | 1988
A taekwondo Olympic athlete who took home bronze in the middleweight division at the Olympic Games Seoul1988. She went on to serve in leadership roles with the U.S. Taekwondo Union, including on the Executive Board and Athlete Advisory Council. Within USOPA, she has been an active leader and member. Her lifelong commitment to athlete advocacy and governance reflects the same excellence that defined her Olympic career.
William “Billy” Lister III
4-Year Term
- Para Cycling | 2016
A Paralympic cyclist who overcame paralysis on his left side after a stroke at the age of 17, Billy represented Team USA at the Paralympic Games Rio 2016. He went on to win silver and bronze medals at the 2017 UCI Para-cycling World Championships in track pursuit and road time trial. Beyond competition, he serves as a spokesperson for Canine Companions, advocating for the life-changing partnership between people with disabilities and service dogs. His Executive leadership in nonprofit organizations mirrors his conviction that sport can change the way we see ourselves and each other.
Rory Cooper
2-Year Term
- Para Track & Field | 1988
A U.S. Army Veteran who earned a Bronze medal in the Paralympic Games Seoul 1988, Rory is recognized for advancing adaptive athletes’ excellence and professional development. At the University of Pittsburgh, he leads groundbreaking engineering research that improves mobility, manipulation, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Rory is a recipient of the International Paralympic Committee Scientific Award. Through his leadership with USOPA, he has guided initiatives that expand opportunities and elevate the voice of adaptive sports. His involvement in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Warrior Games reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering veterans and athletes with disabilities through mentorship, innovation, and competition.
John McArdle
2-Year Term
- Track & Field | 1980
A member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team and part of the largest boycott in Olympic history. Recognized for his achievements as an elite athlete at the University of Oregon, he was later named an alternate for the Olympic Games Seoul1988. Following his athletic career, he served as one of the longest-tenured Mayors in Oregon, leading the city of Independence with distinction for 26 years. Since 2018, John has continued his leadership as president of the Oregon chapter of USOPA, championing innovation, impact, and member engagement, and highlighting members’ contributions to their local communities beyond the field of play.
Bill Schuffenhauer
2-Year Term
- Bobsled | 2002, '06, '10
A three-time Olympian and Olympic silver medalist in bobsled, recognized for his perseverance and achievements on the world stage. Overcoming significant adversity in his early life, he has built a career dedicated to inspiring others through leadership, mentorship, and community impact. As part of his continued service, Bill plays an active role in USOPA and currently serves as president of the Utah chapter. In this role, he helps advance initiatives that strengthen member engagement and support Olympians and Paralympians.
Jesse Smith
2-Year Term
- Water Polo | 2004, '08, '12, '16, '20
A five-time Olympian in water polo, silver medalist at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008. Was inducted into the 2025 USA Water Polo Hall of Fame. Beyond his achievements in the pool, he has dedicated himself to leadership, mentorship, and building opportunities for athletes within and beyond sport. Through his active role in USOPA, Jesse champions initiatives that support Olympians and Paralympians while strengthening member engagement nationwide.
Aligned with their efforts, the WOA helps over 100 National Olympians Associations (NOAs) from across all five continents in spreading the spirit of Olympism in their country via the World Olympians Association Grants Program, which annually distributes funding under the following categories:
- The NOA Development Grant, which gives financial aid to the Associations so they can run their programs. The NOA Grant Fund helps pay for longer-term projects that benefit their local communities.
- The Service to Society Grant, which offers NOAs the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 to help drive sustainable, Olympian-led community projects and initiatives. All Service to Society Grant applications should be submitted to usopa.mailbox@usopc.org.
- The Service to Olympians Grant, which supports the ongoing development of Olympians, such as skill building and education workshops for Olympians (media training, resume/CV building, etc), reunion activities to celebrate Games anniversaries, or creation of digital platforms to engage NOA members. All Service to Olympians Grant applications should be submitted to usopa.mailbox@usopc.org.
To learn more about the WOA, visit https://olympians.org/.
- Year-round unlimited individual admission
- Discounts at The Museum Shop
- Exclusive, members-only hours and expedited entry
- Discounted tickets for your family and guests ($17.95-adults, $12.95-ages 3-12)
To plan your visit, please reach out to athletes@usopm.org. They will help you arrange your ticket reservation and will give you instructions on parking. You can also call 719-497-1234, ext. 12334. The ideal advance notice is 7-10 days; however, any advance notice is appreciated to plan for a great experience.
