PSU head coach Erica Walsh (middle, left) helped the US squad claim the gold medal in women’s soccer. Walsh was an assistant to head coach Pia Sundhage. The US women defeated Brazil in a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory to successfully defend the Olympic gold that they won in Athens in 2004.

The PSU soccer team begins their season Saturday in Williamsburg VA as the Nittany Lions take on William and Mary. Walsh is expected to take the long flight back from Beijing today and to meet up with her squad in time to lead them in the contest against W&M.

According to the Pittsburgh Press, Friedman and Lea got off to a good start but Lea’s legs just gave out on him in the 200km Madison race.

The United States women’s fencing team won the silver medal in the team foil competition after losing to Russia in the gold medal match Saturday at the Beijing Olympics.

In an outstanding performance, the US men’s gymnastics team overcame the loss of two of the star gymnast to claim a bronze medal in Beijing.

Coming into the last event, the US had a long shot at silver but Kevin faltered in his routine which eliminated their chance for the runner-up spot. Still coming from the early rotation in the preliminaries to medal was an incredible accomplishment for the team. Kevin led the team in scoring on the rings which was gave them a big lift in the scoring. Following their next event, the high bar, the US actually were in 1st place, although not for long since the Chinese and Japanese had their strongest events coming up.

Huge props to Kevin and his teammates.

The US men’s gymnastics team overcame the loss of the Hamm brothers to advance to the finals on Tuesday night as reported in this USA Today story.

Unfortunately, Kevin, who had never failed to score under 16.000 in all four Olympic qualifying rounds, stumbled slightly on his ring dismount and wound up with a 15.725. Tan, who was considered a possible medalist in this his favorite event missed out on making the finals by .025 but still led the team in scoring in the rings. He also failed to qualify in his other three event. He will however compete on Tuesday when the men try for the upset.

Kerry McCoy, Kevin Jackson, and Lee Kemp named by USA Wrestling as US Freestyle coaching staff. For Kerry, this will be his third Olympics, first as a coach.

According to this NY Times report, Mike Friedman and Bobby Lea, among others caused quite a controversy when they wore masks upon their arrival in Beijing.

They cyclists were surprised by the press reaction since a USOC official had recommended wearing them as soon as they arrived.

Friedman was quoted as saying “This is really a surprise, because I didn’t think it was going to be such a big deal. Why we wore the masks is simple: pollution. When you train your whole life for something, dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s, why wouldn’t you be better safe than sorry?”

Penn State assistant coach and former Nittany Lion standout Kevin Tan was named captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastics Team

Former Penn State Lehigh Valley Cyclist Mike Freidman joined his fellow PSU teammate Bobby Lea on the US Cycling Team that will compete in the Beijing Olympics.

Bobby Lea qualified for Beijing by successfully completing a 3000 meter test.. Lea is a Penn State Lehigh Valley grad and competed on the Penn State Cycling Team.

Penn State Nittany Lion women’s fencer Doris Willette (Lafayette, Calif.) will represent the United State is the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Willette will compete as a member of the U.S. women’s foil team.

The U.S. Women’s National Team- with Penn State head coach Erica Walsh on the bench as an assistant coach- qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games on April 9 with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.