“When I needed a dignitary from our sport to represent us articulately and to a wide audience there was one individual that stood out. Lee Kemp is universally respected as a person and as a communicator. His record as an athlete in a sport that attracts the most competitive athletes is sterling... but his reputation as someone that understands how to motivate others in all walks of life is equally impressive. Last May, in the run up to the 2008 Olympic Trials, I chose Lee Kemp to be on a press conference panel held at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Media covering the event included the New York Times, Forbes, The Star Ledger, ESPN, CBS and others. To hear Lee Kemp speak about overcoming disappointments and challenges was inspiring. As three-time world champion, but also a victim of the 1980 U.S. boycott of the Olympic Games, Lee was not afforded the opportunity to represent America on the Olympic stage. To me that IS the definition of disappointment. Lee has a platform few others can speak to. Hearing Lee Kemp express how he was able to overcome the anger and frustration is a story that cannot be forgotten. This is just one example of a life filled with unusual circumstances. What is refreshing is that Lee assumes everyone has unusual circumstances... which they do... which is why when he speaks he is so unanimously effective. Once our Olympic Team was selected in June, USA Wrestling flew our three Olympic Teams to NYC for the Fuel the Dream media tour. There are nine coaches assigned to these three teams... but we only needed one to represent our great sport in the public eye! For two days it was a constant series of interviews and appearances. After each interaction with the media or institution (Lee rang the NYSE Closing Bell among many other things) one common theme was heard, Lee Kemp is a genuine and impressive human being!”