Loree Smith, an Elite Athlete Grantee Biography

LOREE SMITH

HOMETOWN: JULESBURG, CO
CURRENTLY RESIDES IN PHOENIX, AZ
SCHOOL: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ('05)
EVENT: HAMMER THROW

Career highlights: 4th at 2008 Olympic Trials; 2005 NCAA Outdoor champion; 4th at 2005 USA Outdoors; 2005 NCAA indoor weight throw runner-up; 2004 NACAC U23 champion

CLICK HERE FOR LOREE'S DETAILED PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.

VISIT LOREE AT HER WEBSITE & YOUTUBE: www.loreesmith.com & www.youtube.com/trkgal08.

In Loree's words:

"For me the grant is more than just money to help pay the large costs associated with training, but it is also hope and encouragement. Once you graduate college you no longer have the financial nor the moral support of a team. It can get lonely and depressing, especially when things are not going well and you are struggling to make ends meet. I first received the grant before making the team and it not only helped financially, it also told me there are people out there who believe in what I am doing and believe in me. Making the Olympic team was the hardest thing I have ever accomplished in my life and unfortunately, cleaned my life savings and maxed my credit cards because of medical treatment and time away from work. When I received the grant that year, it was so amazing. It allowed me to continue training and focus on the important things, and keep my body healthy. I just want to personally say thank you to all who make these grants possible. I know from a thrower's perspective, there is not much help or reward for the long hours we put in. The Foundation has helped many throwers and that help is making a difference. We will see not only more post collegiate participation, but if all goes to plan, more medals in 2012 (and hopefully, one of those will be mine). Thank you."

I was born in Melbourne, FL and raised by my mother, Sherry along with my younger brother, Jeremy. We also have a very close extended family of uncles, aunts, and cousins. When I was six, our family moved to Denver, CO where we moved all over within the metro area before settling in the small rural town of Julesburg where I graduated high school.

I had always been an active kid growing up, but it wasn't until late jr. high and high school that I was able to compete in organized sports. While at Julesburg, not only did I excel academically with a 3.8 g.p.a., participate in student council as the Vice President as well as other clubs, I also excelled athletically with many honors in volleyball, basketball, and yes... track. I was recruited by Colorado State University, a school with a great history of success in the throws. It was there I was first introduced to my now obsession, the hammer throw.  Under Coach Brian Bedard's effort, I was able to become a 6 time All-American, multiple conference champion and record holder, school record holder, NCAA Champion and collegiate record holder (just to name a few).

Once graduating, I spent a little time everywhere trying to find the perfect place to train that not only I could afford, but would prosper. I've moved several times and trained at several facilities since 2005, including the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA, and at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, under Stewart Togher.

My largest accomplishments to date in my event is gold medalist in the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Under 23 Champions 2004, NCAA Champion and record holder 2005, 2008 Olympic team member, and in 2009 I had a PR of almost 232 ft, making it the 2nd best throw by an American that year with a series of successful meets in the US (beating 2008 Olympic gold medalist) and in Europe.

Currently I have just relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where I am training at John Godina's World Throws Center at Athletes' Performance and working technically with College Coach of the Year, Dave Dumble. The weather is great and I am loving the positive, professional environment.

Thanks,

Loree Smith, Hammer Throw

CLICK HERE FOR LOREE'S DETAILED PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.