Ruggiero learns diplomacy on the fly

President Barack Obama couldn't bring Olympics back to the U.S., but maybe Angela Ruggiero can, writes Neal E. Boudette in a story posted by the Wall Street Journal (linked here).

Ruggiero, who grew up in Simi Valley learning to play hockey and has become a four-time U.S. Olympic women's team member, was picked last year as one of 12 elected members on the International Olympic Committee's athlete's commission. The eight-year appointment also makers her an IOC member.

Last September she was named to the IOC committee evaluating sites for the 2018 Winter Games. Several weeks ago, as the athlete's commission was choosing a location for its quadrennial forum scheduled for this fall, Ruggiero presented the USOC's pitch for Colorado Springs, Colo., and prevailed.

As she continues to stay in shape to make the 2014 U.S. team in Sochi, Russia, Ruggiero says she thinks she's up to helping her country back to a place of greater influence.

"I'm a multi-tasker. I love to have a lot of things going on," she said. After pause, she added, "I see how important it is if the United States is ever going to host the Olympics again."