Post by schlager7 on Jun 5, 2007 17:11:56 GMT -6
Olympic fencer Romary dies at 79
Information from: Herald and News
www.heraldandnews.com
6/4/2007, 12:01 a.m. PT
The Associated Press
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Janice-Lee Romary, who competed as a fencer in six consecutive Olympics and was the first woman to carry the U.S. flag during the opening ceremonies, died recently at her home in Klamath Falls, She was 79.
Romary died Thursday from complications related to Alzheimer's disease and was buried Saturday, the Herald and News newspaper reported.
Romary competed in the Olympics from 1948 until 1968, finishing fourth in 1952 and 1956. Her total of 10 U.S. foil championships is the most of any man or woman.
Romary carried the flag at her final Olympics, the 1968 games at Mexico City. That year, she and another athlete found a malnourished dog that became a rallying point for all U.S. athletes.
"Part of the thing mom was good at was unifying people," said her daughter, Lisa Romary-Mosher. "Part of her thing was to bring athletes and sports together."
After her Olympic fencing career, she was the women's administrator for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, responsible for all U.S. women competitors. She was also the commissioner of fencing for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Romary was born in Palo Alto, Calif., to Jeanette and Shelby York on Aug. 6, 1927. She went to high school in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and graduated from the University of Southern California. She spent most of her life in Los Angeles.
Romary was one seven U.S. athletes to participate in six or more Olympic games, and the only woman. She was also the first female athlete from any country to participate in six Olympics. Swedish fencer Kerstin Palm later eclipsed Romary's mark, appearing in seven Olympics from 1964-1988.
"She always said her claim to fame was her longevity," her daughter said.
She also had dedication. Romary had won eight national championships in 13 years when she missed the 1959 championships because of a pregnancy.
"I can remember when she took lessons sitting on a high stool when she was pregnant so that she wouldn't have to stand on her feet," said her husband, Charles, also an elite fencer.
After giving birth, Romary went on to win two more national titles and a gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games.
Information from: Herald and News
www.heraldandnews.com
6/4/2007, 12:01 a.m. PT
The Associated Press
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Janice-Lee Romary, who competed as a fencer in six consecutive Olympics and was the first woman to carry the U.S. flag during the opening ceremonies, died recently at her home in Klamath Falls, She was 79.
Romary died Thursday from complications related to Alzheimer's disease and was buried Saturday, the Herald and News newspaper reported.
Romary competed in the Olympics from 1948 until 1968, finishing fourth in 1952 and 1956. Her total of 10 U.S. foil championships is the most of any man or woman.
Romary carried the flag at her final Olympics, the 1968 games at Mexico City. That year, she and another athlete found a malnourished dog that became a rallying point for all U.S. athletes.
"Part of the thing mom was good at was unifying people," said her daughter, Lisa Romary-Mosher. "Part of her thing was to bring athletes and sports together."
After her Olympic fencing career, she was the women's administrator for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, responsible for all U.S. women competitors. She was also the commissioner of fencing for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Romary was born in Palo Alto, Calif., to Jeanette and Shelby York on Aug. 6, 1927. She went to high school in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and graduated from the University of Southern California. She spent most of her life in Los Angeles.
Romary was one seven U.S. athletes to participate in six or more Olympic games, and the only woman. She was also the first female athlete from any country to participate in six Olympics. Swedish fencer Kerstin Palm later eclipsed Romary's mark, appearing in seven Olympics from 1964-1988.
"She always said her claim to fame was her longevity," her daughter said.
She also had dedication. Romary had won eight national championships in 13 years when she missed the 1959 championships because of a pregnancy.
"I can remember when she took lessons sitting on a high stool when she was pregnant so that she wouldn't have to stand on her feet," said her husband, Charles, also an elite fencer.
After giving birth, Romary went on to win two more national titles and a gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games.