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News Page
Salt Lake to re-examine security in light of attack
By Paula Parrish, News Staff Writer
September 13, 2001 Rockymountainnews.com
"We heard a loud boom, and the whole building shook like there was an earthquake."
Ed Gould, the volunteer New York state director for USA Wrestling, the national federation for the Olympic sport, was working in his office Tuesday on the 72nd floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It was the first building hit in the most deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
"We didn't know what it was," Gould said Wednesday. "We just saw debris go by the window. I picked up my suit jacket, and within 15 seconds, we were going down the stairs."
Gould, an engineering project manager for the New York Port Authority, said the plane crashed into his side of the building, possibly about eight floors above his office. It took about 30 minutes to reach the street, with people hurrying down the stairs three abreast. Another explosion -- the second plane slamming into the South Tower -- was felt as he climbed down.
"It was calm, no real panic," he said. "We let people above us get through first, the people who were injured, burned, the skin on their arms was peeled back."
Once on the street, Gould walked to his son's office on Wall Street and watched both towers collapse.
"Physically, I'm OK," he said by phone from his home in New Jersey. "Mentally, I'm not."
Gould was one of the few members of the Olympic family who were involved, either directly or peripherally, in the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
In the aftermath:
Olympic and government officials vowed the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics (Feb. 8-24) will take place.
Security measures for the Salt Lake Olympics will be re-examined.
International condolences poured into the offices of the national federations of Olympic sports in this country.
Members of the Olympic family, like other Americans, frantically tried to track down athletes, coaches, officials, family and friends.
Other Olympic individuals involved and/or touched by the attacks included:
Bill Hybl, former president of the U.S. Olympic Committee and current member of the International Olympic Committee, watched events unfold from his New York hotel room. Hybl, a resident of Colorado Springs, is in New York on assignment as a U.S. representative to the United Nations.
Mitt Romney, president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, was waving smoke out of his face as his car sped past the Pentagon.
By coincidence, Romney was in Washington to secure the final $12.7 million of the $200 million budgeted for security at the Salt Lake Olympics. In light of the terrorist attacks, Romney said the security plan for the Games will be "re-examined," including air safety.
The Utah Olympic Public Safety Command is coordinating security for the Games with several federal agencies, primarily the Secret Service, FBI and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, about $100 million was spent on security and 14,400 federal troops were on hand. For Salt Lake, only 1,400 federal troops are included in the security plan (Winter Olympics are about a fifth as large as Summer Olympics). Romney said the number of troops might be increased, as well as the budget, depending on the review.
"There's never even been a single suggestion other than to proceed with the Games," Romney said. "The message of the Olympics is even more important today than it was (before). We will make the necessary efforts to make sure the Games are safe and the Games are preserved."
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These messages speak for themselves but especially worth noting are the offers of assistance from Bosnia because of what USA has done for them and the message from the 'wrestling people of South Africa' to the 'wrestling people of the USA'.
UPDATED: Messages of condolence to USA Wrestling from FILA and the
international wrestling federations
9/12/2001
USA Wrestling staff/
FILA
Dear friends,
On behalf of all the National Federations and all members of the FILA Bureau, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the peoples of the United States after the tragic events which occurred yesterday in your country.
Milan Ercegan
President
Dear Mr. President, dear friend,
After the hideous attack directed against the United States, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I cannot find the words strong enough to express my incredulity.
My heart goes out to you after the tragic events suffered by your country. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my condolences to USA Wrestling family and to the American people.
Yours sincerely,
Michel Dusson
FILA Secretary General
_________________________________________________________________________________
AUSTRALIA
Hi to friends in the US wrestling family,
I can’t begin to express my shock and horror at what has happened overnight in NY. I was alerted to the tragedy by a fellow Olympic volunteer Arthur Tooby calling me from Western Australia and telling me to switch on my TV.
I hope that you and your loved ones are all safe and our thoughts andprayers are with you.
I am still hopeful of getting to NY but like everything its in the hands of God.
Kind Regards from all the wrestling community here in Australia.
Frank Cinquegrana
Media Monitors Australia Pty Ltd
_________________________________________________________________________________
BELARUS
To: USA Wrestling
Dear Sirs:
Belorussian Wrestling Federation, National Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Feminine wrestling teams of the Republic of Belarus present their sincere condolences to you and all the American people.
All of us were shocked, having known about yesterday’s horrific tragedy in New York and Washington.
We are grieving about the victims and would like to express our sympathy to their families.
We couldn’t but understand that this catastrophy will entail definite changes concerning the World Wrestling Championships. We shall be very grateful to you if you inform us about the situation as soon as something will be known.
Let us again present our condolences.
Sincerely yours,
Alexandre Medved
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
BOSNIA AND HERZOGOVINA
USA Wrestling
Mr. Bruce Baumgartner, President
Dear Mr. President,
Having in mind terrible tragedy that has just reached friendly American Nation, we do find us in the opportunity to take part in any action that could be needed. Our sympathies to the U.S. people allow us to help in the way we could be most helpful. This way we certainly can express our sadness caused by cruel and mindless tragedy.
If you think we could give You a hand in any case or anytime, please let us know ASAP in order to involve all of our modest potentials to, at least partly, express gratitude for all United States have done for Bosnia during recent cruel aggression over friendly Bosnian people.
With all do respect, compliments and sympathies,
Mirsad M. Ibric
President of the Wrestling Federation of Bosnia
_________________________________________________________________________________
BRAZIL
Rio de Janeiro, September 11th, 2001
Dear friends from USA Wrestling,
We from the Brazilian Wrestling Federation would like to join the American people in their feelings of deep sadness, due to the recent facts that have been occurring in the City of New York in the last hours. We are really shocked with the situation and we will be praying that you, with the help of God, can overtake all the terror you have been going through.
Sincerely,
Pedro Gama Filho
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
CHILE
Our federation deeply laments the sinister attack of the terrorism that you have suffered.
Receive our support at so difficult moments.
Sincerely,
Teobaldo A. Dias U.
Secretario General
Federación Chilena de Lucha
_________________________________________________________________________________
DENMARK
From: The Danish Wrestling Federation
To: USA Wrestling, att: Bruce Baumgarten
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the Danish Wrestling Federation, I want to express my deepest respect and sympathy with the American people. We are really shoked over the tragical and brutal acts of violence and terroisme.
Please accept my my deepest condolences.
Yours sincerly
Allan Bo Jakobsen
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
ESTONIA
To: USA Wrestling
Attn: Mr. Bruce Baumgartner, President
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the Estonian wrestling family and on my own behalf, I wish to express our most sincere condolences to the United States of America for the terrible attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and against Pentagon.
Our thoughts are with the injured and families of the dead.
Sincerely yours,
Johannes Kert
President of the Estonian Wrestling Federation
_________________________________________________________________________________
FRANCE
Le Président, les membres du Conseil d’Administration ainsi que la Direction Technique Nationale on appris avec forte émotion l’attaque effroyment perpétree au sein même de votre grande nation.
Nous nous associons de tout coeur avec les familes de toutes les victimes et vous assurent de leur parfaite solidaritê en ces instants douloureux.
Soyez assuré de toute nous sympathie et de notre soutien moral.
Jean-Michel Brun
Président
_________________________________________________________________________________
GERMANY
To: USA Wrestling
From: German Wrestling Federation
We condemn these terrorist attacks.
Our thoughts are with you in these times.
German Wrestling Federation
Karl-Martin Dittmann
General Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________________
GREECE
Dear Mr. President,
We would like to express our revulsion and our deepest sympathy for yesterday’s hideous incident. The family of wrestling feels for the families of the innocent victims and the whole American community.
Yours sincerely,
Th. Hamakos
H.W.F. President
G. Tzias
Sec. General H.W.F.
_________________________________________________________________________________
HUNGARY
Date: 11.09.2001
From: Hungarian Wrestling Federation
To: USA Wrestling
Attn: Mr. Bruce Baumgartner, President
Dear Mr. President,
On behalf of the Hungarian Wrestling Federation and the whole Hungarian wrestling family, let me express you my deepest feelings of sympathy and condolences over the tragical and brutal acts of violence and terrorism.
We are extremely shocked and fully share the grief and sorrow of all victims. This was an attack not only against a city but against the whole human race.
Please accept again my condolences.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Csaba Hegedus
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
INDIA
Dear Sir,
We are sorry to hear that thousands lives had been lost in New York and Washington. This is totally inhuman and we Condemn these activity of terrorism. We pray to God for early recovery of persons fighting for the life in hospitals.
Further we wish to know whether the World Senior Wrestling Championships would be held as scheduled or there may be any changes. So, please do let us know all details.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rajender Chaudry
Asst. Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________________
IRAN
Sept. 12 2001
President of the USA Wrestling Federation
Dear Mr. President,
We regretfully received the tragic news of the catastrophe in New York and other areas.
I would like to hereby express our deepest sympathy and great sorrow with all Americans in general and the families of the innocent victims in particular.
Please accept our message of condolence and convey it to the U.S. sport society and the sport authorities concerned.
Sincerely yours,
Khadem, A.R.
President
Dear USA Wrestling,
The news of an inhumane terrorist act causing explosions in New York and Washington by the collision of hijacked aircraft which claimed the sweet lives of many innocent people was shocking and saddening.
As a nation long victimized by terrorist acts, the Iranian people condemn this unforgivable act with the strongest feelings. It is a matter of great regret that the perpetrators of such animalistic acts usually make innocent people a target for their ferocious intentions.
On behalf of the Iranian Sport Community, I wish to express my heartfelt sorrow on this occasion and pray to Almighty God to grant patience to the deceased families of this criminal act.
Yours sincerely,
Bahram Afsharzideh
Secretary General
National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran
_________________________________________________________________________________
JAPAN
Dear President Bruce Baumgartner,
Japanese nations were really shocked to know the unprecedented show of terrorist horror happened in the United States by emergency television news.
We express our sincere mourn over many American victims.
If there is anything we could do for you, please let us know, we gladly assist as much as possible.
And now we would like to receive the following information about the World Wrestling Championships which would be held in Madison Square Garden:
1. to be calls off; 2. to be postponed; 3. to be held at different place, if so, time and venue
Under the disorder circumstance but please responded as soon as possible. The first group of our Japanese member is preparing to arrive in New York on September 20. Your prompt reply would be really appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Shozo Sasahara
President
Japan Wrestling Federation
_________________________________________________________________________________
KOREA
To: USA Wrestling Federation
From: Korea Wrestling Federation
Dt: 12/9/01
We are very sad to hear that the New York City has been damaged from the Terrorism. We hope that New York City will recover soon. On the other side, we are wondering whether the 2001 World Wrestling Championships will be held on time or not.
Best Regards,
Korea Wrestling Federation
_________________________________________________________________________________
MEXICO
We send our considerations and my back for what happened in Nueya York and to their countrymen, it is humiliating and painful for us, all my support receive and have all that you need.
Attentive And Respectfully
Artemio Izquierdo Tena
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
RUSSIA
11.09.2001
To: USA Wrestling
Dear friends,
Wrestling Federation of Russia expresses its sincere condolences connected with that terrible terrorism acts which have happened today.
Mikhail Mamiashvili
President of Russian Wrestling Federation
Acc: George Brioussov
Executive Director
_________________________________________________________________________________
POLAND
The Polish Wrestling Federation would like to present condolences in regards to tragic events in your country. We are really shocked.
However, we must know the decision of your federation concerning the World Championships in New York. Are they going to take place or not?
With best regards,
Eugeniusz Najmark
Secretary General
_________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH AFRICA
The President
USA Wrestling
Dear Sir:
The President of the South Africa Wrestling Federation, Mr. Dave Van Der Merwe, the Executive Committee, and the wrestling people of South Africa want to send you and the wrestling people of the USA our deepest sympathy with what happened in your country yesterday.
We hope that there was not any of your wrestling people that was injured in the attacks.
If there was any, we send our sympathy, and we will pray for them. We want you and your wrestling people to know that all of you will be in our prayers.
Everything off the best.
Kind regards,
H.N. Van den Berg (Sec. Gen.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
TURKEY
FROM :Turkish Wrestling Federation
TO: USA Wrestling Federation
Dear Mr.President BRUCE BAUMGARTNER
Dear Mr.MARK SCOTT,
We condamned this out of humanity terrorist attack. We are fully share and sorrow of all of victims.
In name of Turkish Federation and whole Turkish wrestling family please accept our condolences.
We deeply share your saddness. We are next to you anytime and in any case.
Your sincerely,
Osman Sansal
President
Date: 12 September 2001
To: USA Wrestling
From: Turkish Wrestling Federation
Dear Friends,
It is with great sorrow to hear and see the horrible attack to your nation.
We are sharing your sadness.
Please accept our condolances to you and your nation.
I remain, sincerely yours
Bekir Dogan
General Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________________
UKRAINE
Dear Friends!
Ukraine Wrestling Association expresses our solidarity with American people in the big misery which has overtaken your country.
We are deep indignant by the actions of the terrorist as regards peaceful population.
Please accept our deep regrets on behalf of all Ukranian wrestlers.
Y. Dumov
Vice-President of Association
L. Gadaychuk
General Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________________
UZBEKISTAN
To: USA Wrestling
Attn: Mr. President
12/09/01
We present our condolences to you on occasion of cruel terrorist attack. We are mourning together with you.
Warm regards,
A. Ruziev
President
_________________________________________________________________________________
USA WRESTLING RESPONSE
Dear Wrestling Friends,
We thank you very much for your kind words during this most tragic time for our beloved country. We will remain strong and will persevere, even though there are those that wish to break our spirit.
We remain sincerely yours,
Bruce Baumgartner
President
Rich Bender
Executive Director
9/12/2001
USA Wrestling staff/
Dear Sir or Madam,
First of all I want to say that I am truly sorry for what happened in New York and in the United States and if there is anything I can do, please let me know and I will. Then I am really in need to know whether the world championships in wrestling will take place in New York or not - or if they will take place at all, somewhere else or in another city. I understand that it can take a while for you to answer but I hope you can tell me more. I hope you and your friends didn't lose any friends or members of your family, it is a tragedy.
Yours sincerely,
Benedict Rehbein
www.ringerforum.de
__________________________________________
Dear Mr. Gary (Abbott):
I am horrified by the news on the terrorist attacks. My deepest sympathies are with you.
I pray that your family and friends are not affected by further immediate grief.
Kind regards.
Ali Gumus
Chairman
AIPS wrestling commission
__________________________________________
I was surprised at the terror in New York and I am worried about you. Where are you now? Are you OK?
Ikuo Higuchi (Japan)
__________________________________________
Hello USA Wrestling
I was shocked to hear about the tragedy in New York this morning (NZ time).
I hope that everyone at USA Wrestling and your families are safe and well. Please extend my sympathy to anyone who has lost friends/relatives.
At this stage I'm assuming air travel will be back to normal by the time of the World Champs and definitely still intend to come up for the event. If there is anything extra you need me to help with (either here in NZ or when I get to the States) please don't hesitate to ask.
Yours in wrestling.
Frank Shanly
Mat Chat (New Zealand)
__________________________________________
Watching the TV, at first I couldn't believe my eyes.
What a terrible terrorism it is! Are the all members of USA Wrestling and their families safe? Championship will be able to be held?
Kimura Yoichiro
(public relations photographer of All Japan Female Wrestling Federation}
__________________________________________
The tragedy that has occurred yesterday is hard to comprehend and will be even harder to forget. The pictures of yesterday's events will be replayed over and over in our heads for years to come. Words do not begin to convey the sadness that I have for the families of victims of this terrible crime against America.
I hope and pray that USA Wrestling is giving the guidance and support in such a tragic time in world history.
Sincerely
Leslee Laverdure (Canada)
__________________________________________
We at Iran Sports Press would like to send our deepest regards and condolences to USA Wrestling and its staff. Our thoughts are and will remain with friends and family members of those affected by this horrifying event.
As a member of the press we condemn this and all acts of terrorism against any nation. We grieve at the loss of any life.
We hope that USA Wrestling considers the safety of all participants in the World Championships. If there anything we can do to help please do not hesitate to ask!
Yours sincerely,
Behrang Sohrabi
Media Relations
Iran Sports Press
