May 9, 2006 — U.S. Olympic cyclist Erin Mirabella (Woodland Park, Colo.) was named the recipient of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Jack Kelly Fair Play Award for 2005. Established in 1985, and named for the late USOC President John (Jack) Kelly Jr., the award is presented to an athlete, coach or official for an outstanding act of fair play or sportsmanship displayed during the past year.

“This is a real honor to be selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee and by a committee of my peers,” said Mirabella. “As much as I and every other athlete would like to win a medal at the Olympic Games, the Olympics are a lot more than that. Fair play and being a good sportsman is really what matters.”

Mirabella finished fourth in the points race at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, but was awarded the bronze medal after it was believed that third-place finisher Columbian Maria-Luisa Calle Williams tested positive for a banned substance. However, the decision by the International Olympic Committee was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and Mirabella was asked to return the medal. Mirabella returned the medal without hesitation, stating; “I want to do what is right and what is fair. If the IOC thinks I should give the bronze medal back to my competitor that is what I will do. If due to a mistake made in Athens an innocent person was found guilty, then that wrong needs to be righted.”

“USA Cycling is proud of Erin and the USOC’s recognition of her as the recipient of the 2005 Jack Kelly Fair Play Award,” said Steve Johnson, USA Cycling Chief Executive Officer. “As a talented competitor and role model on and off the bike, Erin has always exemplified a high level of sportsmanship and respect for her competition and the sport of cycling. Her actions following the 2004 Olympic Games were an inspiration for many.”

An aspiring book author, Mirabella has been working on a series of children’s books about Olympic sports and sportsmanship fundamentals. She recently signed a contract to write her first book, ironically, on the same day she returned the medal back to the IOC.

Sandra Kelly will be on hand to present the award that bears the name of her late husband to Mirabella at the 2006 U.S. Olympic Assembly at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif., June 23-25.

For more information, please contact the USOC Media and Public Relations Division (719/866-4529).