EP87: West Point Olympians

Join us for an inspiring journey as we sit down with Tom Lough class of and Craig Gilbert class of ‘78, two Olympians, who share their remarkable paths to both athletic and military excellence!

Tom, discovered modern pentathlon at the academy, leading him to compete in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His career includes service in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany, earning him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. 

Craig, transitioned from football and basketball to team handball while at West Point, and became a member of the 1984 Olympic Handball team. His  Army service includes a deployment to Afghanistan.

We explore the unique bonds formed among West Point Olympians and their ongoing contributions to the academy and the nation. The two discuss the influence of West Point, the Olympic display in Arvin Gym, and their involvement with the US Olympians and Paralympians Association. These efforts help maintain a strong support network for current cadets, ensuring the legacy of excellence and service continues. 

We also touch on the challenges West Point cadets and graduates face balancing military commitments with Olympic dreams, showcasing their remarkable resilience and dedication. Through personal anecdotes, including the story of Captain Sammy Sullivan, we highlight the support needed from the academy and donors and the inspiration these cadets provide to the West Point community. We wrap up with a celebration of team spirit, expressing our hopes for future victories, particularly against Navy, as we look forward to the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics.

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Key Quote:

“In a way, we can regard our West Point graduation as the achievement or the final step in a long, arduous journey and then we springboard into the future, but then the opening ceremony of the Olympics is just the beginning of a fabulous competitive experience. You see, that was still ahead of us, our challenge was still ahead of us.”

 - Tom Lough

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Episode Timestamps:

(00:38) Journey to West Point

(03:12) Olympic Aspirations and Achievements

(07:03) Creating Support Systems and Finding Inspirations

(11:14) West Point's Legacy and Influence

(23:48) West Point Olympians and Their Contributions

(31:07) Challenges and Support for West Point Athletes

(42:31) The Role of Donors and Personal Achievements

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Links:

Learn more about Tom

Learn more about Craig