Return missionary going for Gold

Utah Diver Looks Towards Gold Aug. 22, 2004 Shelley Osterloh reporting Swimming at the Olympic Games has wrapped up with eight world records set in just seven days. Now divers take center stage. Utah's has two Olympic Divers in Athens: Rachelle Kunkle and Justin Wil**** We'll tell you about Salt Lake City's Rachelle Kunkle a little latter in the week. But right now, meet Justin Wil**** the 25 year old man from Smithfield Utah who says he's dreamed of going to Olympics since he was a little kid. Justin Wil**** has yet to win a major international diving competition. He thinks the Olympics might be the first. Justin Wil**** Olympic Diver: "My goal for Athens is to win a gold medal"" Wil**** says he always knew, somehow, he'd make it to the Olympics. He started gymnastics when he was seven just so he could someday compete in the Games. Justin Wil**** Olympic Diver: "...I've got a picture of a birthday cake from when I was 12 that said future Olympian, and in I think 6th grade, I did a report on the history of the Olympics.....you know, ever since I can remember." When he was 12, he switched to diving because he thought it improved his chances of becoming an Olympian. By Jr. High, his parents --- Scott and Cathy Wil**** --- would make the two hour drive from Cache County to Salt Lake City for training. Later, the family vacations were planned around Justin's competitions. Scott Wil**** Justin's Father: "For us, it's all about family, and our kids... When they're successful, we're successful" He's been rewarded with plenty of hardware. The BYU graduate has awards for academics as well as diving. He has had his sights on Athens since 1997 when he cut out a newspaper article about the Athens Games, and carried it with him. Then the college diving star chose to serve a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the Sydney Games, Justin was preaching the gospel in Italy. But when he returned, he jumped back on the board, and has steadily moved up the ranks. He says his faith gives him confidence that if he prepares, he can leave the rest to God. Justin Wil**** Olympic Diver: "What a great blessing it is to know that once I am there, all I need to do is turn it over to God, and let him take over from there, and whatever happens, happens." Justin and his family have great support from their home community of Smithfield. His dad, Scott, works at Pepperidge Farm, and the company has generously agreed to pay for the Wil****'s trip to Athens. Justin visited the plant to thank his supporters, and says his accomplishments will be shared with many. Justin Wil**** Olympic Diver: "I just want to stress and say again how grateful I am for everyone that's been here supporting me." Wil**** has battled some chronic back pain, and was diagnosed with minor stress fracture I his back, but he says it won't stop him from competing. Let's hope it doesn't limit him in any ways. He competes Monday in the preliminary competition of the 3-meter springboard.

Thanks for passing this along! -Sherrie

Melody! How did he do? I am not a sports minded person and don'****ch the Olympics. Grins, Kaye

I didn'****ch the entire diving sequence so I don't know how he did. The article also talked about Rachel Kunkle who was diving. I saw one of her dives. She did real well but I don't think she made it to the medal rounds. I wish there were an easier way for me to track the olympians. There's just so much going on that I miss most of it. Melody