Jean and Steven Lopez

Key Note Speakers at the 117th Annual

AAU National Convention in Stamford, CT

On October 2, 2004 Jean Lopez, the American Olympic Taekwondo Coach at the 2004 Olympics in Athens Greece, lead off the key note address at the annual AAU Convention.  Jean was warmly received by over 400 attendees who represent all the sports in the AAU family.  The AAU is the organization that prior to the Sports Act of the 70s, selected the Olympic Teams and Individuals in all sports from Track and Field, Swimming, Basketball, etc to represent America in Olympic Competition.  The AAU is now the leading Amateur Sports organization in the country with over 500,000 athletes competing in over 30 sports.  Many of those in attendance were vaguely familiar with Taekwondo, but have never had the opportunity to experience it first hand.  Jean began his address with a short video showing highlights of his brother Steven's Olympic competition in Athens.  The video was an amazing introduction to Steven Lopez.  The film reflected the bond between Jean and Steven and the joy they both shared from their experience.  The film and words spoken by Jean set the stage for Steven to speak.  Steven was inspiring!  He shared with those in attendance his experiences as a youngster who started Taekwondo at the age of five and by the time he was nine his goal was to compete in the Olympics.  That goal became clear to Steven upon watching Taekwondo in the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea.  From then on training took on a new meaning.  With the guidance of his brother and the support of his family, training became the focal point of his life.  'The Garage', where his family's training has become legendary, was the no frills environment that helped create the only American two time Olympic Gold Medal winner in Taekwondo. 

Steven spoke for 45 minutes and inspired all those in attendance.  For the rest of the day and at the Convention Dinner that evening, it was a part of everyone's conversation to comment on the humility, character, class, family bond and that million dollar smile that put him in People Magazine as one of the '50 Most Eligible Bachelors in America'.  Steven concluded his talk at the AAU convention with the Announcement that a third Gold Medal is his goal for 2008 in Beijing, China. 

From AAU Taekwondo and the entire AAU Family we again express our appreciation for Jean and Steven's efforts and support of the AAU.