This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A trio of Olympic gold medalists heralded Mitt Romney's role leading the scandal-plagued and financially troubled Salt Lake Olympics in 2002 and said his leadership could turn around the country.
Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey team that beat the Soviet Union, said the games were in jeopardy, but Romney was able to "salvage the situation" and impose high ethical standards.
In all, 13 Olympians were on stage during the convention.
"His vision and commitment got the games back on track and gave me the opportunity to recognize my athletic dream," said speed skater Derek Parra. "Today our country is struggling but the right leaders can inspire us to push on, overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, and accomplish great things. Mitt Romney is that kind of leader."
Kim Rhode, a skeet shooter, said that she believes the country is faltering and needs strong leadership to put it "back on target."
"We need the leadership of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to turn the country around," she said.
Robert Gehrke