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Soldier-athletes in Athens

Aug-19-2004 » Filed Under: General Military

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By Mark Sappenfield, The Christian Science Monitor

ATHENS – Like all the American athletes who have come here for the Olympic Games, Michael Anti has made enormous sacrifices for his country. Unlike all but a handful, though, there is a chance that one day he could be called on to make the ultimate sacrifice.

As one of the 17 athletes who is also an active member of the US armed forces, Mr. Anti came to these Games with a unique perspective - and a peculiar fire.

When he peers down the barrel of his rifle Sunday morning in the opening round of the 50-meter three-position competition, the surrounding world will melt away in the utter absorption of Olympic concentration. The rest of the time, however, the servicemen and women in Iraq will be with him.

For him and his fellow soldier-athletes, the flag is more than just a point of pride; it is a way of life. And in this time of international engagement, when so many soldiers have been called to serve in the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Olympics are more than a chance at personal glory. They are a chance to pay tribute to those friends and colleagues who have put themselves in harm's way.

"A lot of the motive to win is dedicated to the soldiers in Iraq," says Anti. "It's because of them that I am able to do this."


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