Kimiko Hirai Soldati

New Business:

Paul Herschell 503-227-3449 ext. 103

---

Following a road paved by perseverance and dedication, Kimiko Soldati’s journey to the top was one of the most inspiring stories in the run-up to the Athens games.

After a series of injuries forced her early retirement from gymnastics at age 14, Kimiko made the difficult transition to diving. Just as her career was beginning to take flight, Kimiko lost her mother to breast cancer. Shortly after her mother’s tragic passing, Kimiko began to struggle with body image and self esteem, developing a compulsive addiction to exercise - a condition known as anorexia athletica. Refusing to let these challenges stand in her way, Kimiko drew inspiration from her mother’s life and focused on pursuing her dream of becoming an Olympian.

Kimiko's preparations for the 2004 Athens Games were overshadowed by serious injury after serious injury. But in June 2004, Kimiko captured national media attention when she demonstrated incredible heart, courage, and determination to win the U.S. Olympic Trials and qualify for Athens as U.S. national 3m champion. Kimiko went on to realize her dream of representing the U.S. as an Olympian.

Representing the United States was especially meaningful to Kimiko, whose own father was born in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Raised as an Asian American, and with her family embracing their new lives in the U.S. without resentment, Kimiko was intensely proud to represent the liberties and freedoms of the United States.

Drawing on her incredible journey of passion, faith, determination, and heart, Kimiko delivers a special message of overcoming adversity to become a champion.