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Pa. Gold Medal Hopeful Headed To Beijing

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Jul 23, 2008 9:00 pm US/Eastern

Pa. Gold Medal Hopeful Headed To Beijing

Reporting
Anne Marie Green

BERWYN, Penn. (CBS 3) ―

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Rick Powell is "enthusiastically excited" at the thought of participating in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

"He's pretty dedicated," said Sandy Powell, Rick's mother "He's given up a lot although he thinks he gave up nothing. He thinks this is where he wants to be. He graduated high school early because he wanted to start training full time and so for him he's got this drive."

The teenager, who has been in a boat since he was 2-years-old, will be representing the United States in the white water slalom event. The white water slalom is one of the most grueling events of the summer games, combining elements of rapid rafting and slaloming while working with one other teammate.

A natural in the water, Rick was using a paddle in his kayak at age six.

"The first time I raced competitively on a national level was the first time I was really thinking about the Olympics," said Powell, he was ten at the time.

Olympic trials have been held over the last couple of months and Rick was among several athletes who received last minute team confirmations.

"We found out at 4:30 in the morning and I just screamed and then I just started crying, it was very emotional," Sandy said.

The health care center where his mother Sandy works was the locations of a emotional send off for the young Olympian.

Rick will depart for China Friday and is among 17 other athletes from our area headed to Beijing this summer.

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