Member News

September 1 , 2006

USA Judo Selects Leo White as Team Leader for U.S. Olympic Team

(Harlingen, Texas) - USA Judo is pleased to announce Leo White (Lilburn, Ga.) has been chosen as the Team Leader for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that will compete in Beijing, China.

White, a 1984 and 1992 Olympian, has extensive experience working with athletes in the Olympic movement, including serving as the Athlete Services Coordinator at the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival, 1995 Pan American Games and 1996 Olympic Games.

"I am honored and deeply humbled to be named the Team Leader for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Judo Team.  Reaching the Olympic level of competition and meeting up with the best of the best in one's sport is the aspiration of anyone that pursues excellence in sports," White said. "I appreciate being entrusted with the position of assisting our athletes in their endeavors.  Our United States judo athletes have great potential and I look forward to helping our Olympians reach the medal stand."

Leo White celebrates win over France's World Champion Stephane Traineau in the 95kg division at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

White, the chief instructor of the Atlanta Judo Club and a coach of the Waka Mu Sha Judo Club, also has been selected to serve as the 2007 Pan American Games Team Leader in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Once again, USA Judo reaches out to the ranks of Olympians to nominate as 2007 Pan American Games and 2008 Olympic Games Team Leader someone who has meant so much to the sport of judo in the United States," said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez (Colorado Springs, Colo.)  "Leo White has worked from within the sport as an athlete, coach and administrator to achieve this prestigious position of Team Leader.  In teaming up with our Head Coach Jason Morris, Leo White will provide Team USA in these Games with a wealth of experience; this experience will be invaluable in making sure that our teams will have the best of logistical support working closely with the USOC."

USA Judo will announce an assistant coach that will further support the team in early 2007.

"Again, USA Judo is leading the way in using former national champions and judo Olympians to lead our teams and organization, "Rodriguez said. "USA Judo is fortunate to have someone of the experience that Leo has and wishes both Leo and our Head Coach nominee Jason Morris much success in these upcoming Games."

White's nomination as Team Leader has been forwarded to the U.S. Olympic Committee for final approval.