How the U.S. Army Trains Olympic Athletes

In Paris this month, SSG Leonard Korir competed in the challenging Men’s Marathon event at the 2024 Olympics. He completed the August 10th race with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes and 45 seconds. Also fortunate to take part in the 2016 event in the 10,000-meter category, this year’s Olympic qualification is the culmination of an impressive career that’s taken him from Kenya to Iona College and now the Army’s World Class Athletic Program. Host LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith sits down with SSG Korir to discuss what it takes to become an Olympic athlete, how his career was influenced by strong mentors and coaches, and why he’s committed to the U.S. Army and a life of service.   Guest: SSG Leonard Korir, U.S. Army Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern  You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at [email protected]. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.