MEDIA CONTEST: Dyess Airman trains for Olympics through World Class Athlete Program

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  One Dyess Airman is scheduled to leave Monday for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base,
N.C., to participate in the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, a two-year program that provides active duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve Air Force personnel the opportunity to train and compete at national and international sports competitions with the ultimate goal of selection to the United States Olympic team.

Senior Airman Lynn Stewart, 7th Component Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental flight, has been running in 400-meter and hurdle competitions since his junior year of high school in 1993. He then attended East Carolina University on a running scholarship, graduating in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Upon graduation, the six-year-running All-American track and field star was sponsored by a running shoe company and spent a full year training, but because of repeated injuries decided to spend some time in his career field, counseling delinquent youth at a private human service organization near his home town of Fayetteville, N.C. During those two years, he continued training before joining the Air Force in December 2003.
The six-year enlistee said he felt joining the Air Force - even though he already had a degree and a job - was something he just "had" to do.

"I come from a strong military background," Airman Stewart said. "I have family in the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, and I've always known it was something I have to do."
Upon his arrival at Dyess, Airman Stewart began competing in local races, both in Abilene and across the Big Country. He then attended the Air North Track and Field Championships in London, and took first place in the 400-meter hurdles, second place in the 400-meter dash, and first place in the 4x400-meter relay. He then ran the anchor leg, holding off Germany with the fastest split of the meet, setting a new Air Force National Record. He was named the Air North Track and Field Most Valuable Performer in both 2005 and 2006. In 2006, he became an Air Force level Track and Field Athlete of the year. But the stresses of military life didn't allow him as much time as he needed to train.

"I knew with the job I have - working 12-hour shifts on a regular basis - I didn't have time to train the way I need to if I'm going to go to the Olympics," Airman Stewart said. "Now that I qualified for the (WCAP), I'll transfer to a services squadron and work three days per quarter, training the rest of the time."

"Airman Stewart is an exceptional worker and a great asset to the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Garrison, his supervisor. "His work, ethics are unmatched, so I'm sure he will go far in any avenue in his life. Airman Stewart is a great all-around role model and a perfect selection to represent the Air Force as one of our best world-class athletes."
Airman Stewart said what drives him is the fact that he wants to be able to tell his own children some day that he truly was the "best" at something. His faith in God and the support he's received from his fiancée, Staff Sgt. Shari Crawford, have carried him through the difficult spots.

"Don't let other peoples' disbelief in you force you to quit, ever," Airman Stewart said. "If you have a goal and you want to do something, stick with it. I'm thankful to Dyess for all the support it's given me. The 7th (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) allowed me to come to the 7th CMS so that I'd have more time to train. Major (John) Nelson (7th CMS commander) and (Senior Master) Sgt. (William) Yarbrough helped me through the application process and were very supportive. The whole electric section has been great. I'm excited to start this program, and hopefully you'll see me at the Olympics!"