Air Force athletes chasing Olympic dreams in between serving the nation in a critical time

As U.S. airmen carry out combat operations in the war with Iran, a small group of service members is representing the Air Force in a different arena: elite international sports.

Through the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, Air Force athletes can train full-time while remaining on active duty.

Their assignment is to compete at the highest level, promote the service and attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games.

When their athletic careers end, they return to conventional military roles.

The program’s mission has taken on added weight since U.S.

Central Command (CENTCOM) launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Feb.

28.

An April 6 CENTCOM fact sheet said American forces had struck more than 13,000 targets using bombers, fighters, tankers, surveillance aircraft, electronic-warfare platforms and airlifters.

The conflict remained unresolved in August.

TRUMP HONORS TWO RECORD-BREAKING ATHLETES AT US COAST GUARD ACADEMY GRADUATION CEREMONY Against that backdrop, Airman First Class Anita Alvarez, 2nd Lt.

Texas Tanner and 1st Lt.

Wyatt Hendrickson are training toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Retired Air Force combat rescue officer Chad Senior offers an example of how an elite athlete’s experience can eventually translate into operational military service.

Their circumstances are not identical.