About the Author

Tracy Mattes has been part of the Olympic Family for more than 25 years. Her passion has always been to share the values of sport with young children. Mattes was Director of Global Programs for the World Olympians Association and served in nine Olympic Games in various capacities within the organization. She also worked for sport National Governing Body Foundations, including seven years as Executive Director for the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation. As a competitive athlete, Mattes, a five-time All American, specialized in the 400-meter hurdles, ranking 7th in the world and was inducted into three Halls of Fame. Mattes' career has taken her to more than 74 countries around the world. In 2005, she was selected as a United Nations Special Representative specializing in the advancement of young children through the values of education and sport. This unique global perspective comes through in her writing. She also has worked as a news producer and editor at three NBC affiliates. In 2010, Mattes won one of the top prizes at the 28th Milan International FICTS Film Festival for her documentary film "The Power of Education through Sport" which she produced, edited and narrated. For her efforts as a world class athlete and her humanitarian work, Mattes was honored by being inducted into the World Sport Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2009. She received her bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Arizona State University and her master's degree in International Business from the International University of Monaco in 2006 and was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Tracy has always shared her strong Christian faith throughout her career and she currently serves in a leadership position at Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration, Florida, the picturesque town that Disney built. Mattes lives there with her two Maltese dogs, K'noot and Marshmallow, who can hear the Church bells from their balcony.