7/28/08
By Thomas Emerick, USA TODAY

Dan O'Brien has been an Olympic, world and national champion. He was also once the world record holder for points in the decathlon (8,891). He says he owes a lot of success to the people who mentored and trained him, which is why he was involved in announcing the Goodyear "Get There" Award, which honored the following people with supporting Olympic athletes: James Ravannack of Metairie, La., for his support of wrestler Daniel Cormier; Brian Barker of Monroe, Conn., for his support of tennis player James Blake; and Jim Pedro of Salem, N.H. for his support of judo competitor Ronda Rousey.