March 17, 2003  Statement From America's Athletes:    As the elected leaders of the organizations representing America's active Olympic, Paralympic and Pan American athletes, as well as the thousands of Olympic alumni in this country, and in light of recent events surrounding the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), we wish to state the following:    The events of recent weeks have demonstrated the need for change within the governance structure of the USOC.  We are encouraged by the appointment of two task forces - one by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the other by the USOC - to recommend changes that will lead to a more streamlined and efficient organization, and reflect the ethical standards embraced by America's athletes.    Furthermore, we believe it is important that all Americans recognize the vital role the USOC and our National Governing Bodies (NGBs) have played - and continue to play - in supporting the dreams of America's athletes.  USOC and NGB support comes in many forms - world-class coaching, sports science and medicine, training facilities, nutritional guidance, financial assistance, and opportunities to compete in national and international events - and this support has been consistent and uninterrupted. Indeed, the unfortunate events of recent weeks have had no impact, to date, on athlete performance.     As the USOC - with representation from athletes - members of Congress and other parties move forward in addressing issues of governance and structure, we encourage them to conduct their work in a manner consistent with the Olympic ideals of friendship, solidarity and fair play. We are confident that they will show ongoing respect for universal fundamental ethical principles described in the Olympic Charter both in their work and their work product.      Americans should be proud to know that the talented and hard-working individuals who are America's Olympians or Olympic hopefuls continue to perform exceptionally well.  Johnny Spillane recently won the gold medal in Nordic Combined at the World Championships in Italy, becoming the first American ever to claim top honors in this event in World or Olympic competition.  Stacy Dragila recently reclaimed the world indoor record in women's pole vault and captured her 13th overall U.S. title.  Weightlifter Shane Hamman thrilled the crowd at the Titan Games in San Jose, California, with a lift of more than 500 pounds.  And America's premier figure skaters are preparing to take the ice at the World Championships in Washington, D.C., later this month.  These individuals and hundreds of others like them are the reason that we are committed to the concept of making the USOC the best National Olympic Committee in the world, as reflected not only by athletic performance, but personal conduct as well.      None of this would be possible without the combined support of the United States Olympic Committee, the National Governing Bodies, corporate sponsors, private donors and, of course, the American public.  On behalf of the athletes who have benefited from the myriad contributions of each of these entities and individuals, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude.        The U.S. Olympic Movement and its underlying ideals are resilient.  Our athletes - the very reason the USOC exists - are strong and performing well, setting new records on the field of competition and continually striving to make America proud, not only by their athletic excellence, but also by conducting themselves with honor and integrity.  America's athletes take pride in their efforts and hope that the American public will as well.  We remain confident the ongoing reform process will create a United States Olympic Committee that is capable of enabling American athletes to reach their full potential. Further, we intend to hold ourselves and the USOC responsible to be ever-mindful of the higher level of conduct expected of our athletes and those that are placed in positions of leadership within the Olympic movement.    Submitted on behalf of America's Athletes by,    Rachel Mayer Godino  Chair: U.S. Olympic Committee Athletes Advisory Council (representing current and active Olympians, Pan American athletes, and Paralympians)    John Naber  President: US Olympic Alumni Association (representing Olympians from