Costco Connection - July 2012

Limited-edition Coca-Cola Summer Olympic Games-themed packages are now at Costco!

Get a jump on your dreams.

DAVID OLIVER - COCA-COLA GLOBAL OLYMPIC ATHLETE 110-METER HURDLES

David Oliver never imagined his silhouette would appear on cans of Coca-Cola.

“I can’t believe it; it’s like a dream,” says the Olympic hurdler of the honor.

“I figured I would be working a 9-to- 5 job after college, but instead I am leading a totally different lifestyle. I know it’s not my birthright to be an elite athlete and I don’t take it for granted at all.” Oliver won bronze in Beijing in the 110-meter hurdles, and no doubt has gold on his mind as he prepares for London. Yet just getting the chance to represent his country again is the ultimate prize. “When I put on my uniform at the Olympics, I have USA across my chest, so it’s less about having my name—Oliver—on the bib and more about representing the United States,” he says. “Looking around the stadium and seeing the American flags waving is incredible.” Oliver also appreciates the camaraderie that is unique to this global event. “I remember sitting down to eat in the Olympic Village in Beijing and being joined at the table by two guys I was competing directly against,” he says. “Somehow the spirit of the Games allows you to be competitive without being rivals. The world comes together for a few weeks and puts aside any differences.” Political differences are what kept his mother, Brenda Chambers, from competing in the Moscow Olympics in 1980, making his presence in the Games even more rewarding. “She was unable to fulfill her dream, so my participation closes the gap for her,” he says. “That is big for me. After all, she is the one who instilled life in me, helped me foster my gift and made me the man I am today. I like that I can bring her along for the ride.”