Clark family represents again at Olympics

They may not be the first family of the American Olympic effort, but they aren't far from it. Four members of one Knoxville based family account for 13 Olympic appearances in the last 20 years.

Tennessee Lady Vols track and field coach J. J. Clark is officially making his first Olympiad as an assistant coach for the U. S. team. Unofficially, he's been to the last five Olympics with his wife, Jearl Miles-Clark, his sister Joetta made four Olympic teams, and sister Hazel Clark-Riley will be competing in her third Olympics in Beijing.

J. J. is Hazel's coach and this will be the first time he officially coaches the US Olympic Trial 800 meter champion and defending Gold Medalist at the Games.

Hazel said their mother calls her regularly with reports about the air pollution in Beijing, but she said since it is something she can't control, she isn't going to worry about it.

Clark-Riley will have to leave someone behind when she makes the trip to Beijing; her three year old chihuahua, Pluto.