Mirabella honoured for fair play

U.S. Olympic track cyclist Erin Mirabella was named recipient of the Jack Kelly Fair Play award for 2005. Mirabella placed fourth in the points race at the Athens Olympics, but was awarded the bronze medal when Maria-Luisa Calle produced a positive drug test. That positive was ruled to be false and overturned by the International Olympic Committee and Mirabella returned the medal without objection.

"USA Cycling is proud of Erin and the USOC's recognition of her as the recipient of the 2005 Jack Kelly Fair Play Award," said USA Cycling's CEO Steve Johnson. "As a talented competitor and role model on and off the bike, Erin has always exemplified a high level of sportsmanship and respect for her competition and the sport of cycling. Her actions following the 2004 Olympic Games were an inspiration for many."

"This is a real honor to be selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee and by a committee of my peers," said Mirabella. "As much as I and every other athlete would like to win a medal at the Olympic Games, the Olympics are a lot more than that. Fair play and being a good sportsman is really what matters."

Sandra Kelly will present the award that bears the name of her late husband to Mirabella at the 2006 U.S. Olympic Assembly in La Jolla, California in June.