At 19 years old, modern pentathlete Margaux Isaksen has already achieved so much. And not just in one sport - Modern Pentathlon combines shooting, swimming, fencing, running and horseback riding. Raised on a farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Margaux had always shown an aptitude for sports including soccer, horseback riding, swimming, shooting and running. When she began fencing, coach Neal Pickens saw her talent and asked about her abilities in the other four Modern Pentathlon events. Right then, an Olympian began to take shape.

Coming on the scene in June 2007, Margaux immediately captured all three U.S. National Championship titles (senior, junior and youth). In 2008 she made her presence known to the world when she won silver at the second World Cup stop in Mexico City and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team by ranking second among women in the UIPM World Cup standings.

Margaux soon left her family and everything she had known to move to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in order to become the best pentathlete she possibly could. Because of the full immersion she experiences at the facility, Margaux is able to refine her already astounding skills. She is surrounded by coaches, nutritionists and staff who strive to improve the abilities of our Olympians so they can show the world the skill and character of our top athletes. Margaux is thankful for the commitment of those who financially support the facility. Without our amazing donors, Team USA wouldn’t be where it is today.

There are many young girls in the country who are fascinated with gymnastics. Who sit, transfixed, in front of the television watching the amazing feats of coordination. Natalie Burgener was no different; she began gymnastics training when she was young and continued through sixth grade. At that point, due to a growth spurt, the 5’ 3" athlete stopped her training and in 1998 was encouraged to begin weightlifting by her father. She was concerned about getting too bulky and agreed to it only to stay in shape. Before she knew it, she was outlifting her father, the head strength and conditioning coach at the United States Naval Academy.

She began competing at 14 years old and, in 2006, realized her talent and the possibility of making the U.S. Olympic Team. She won three consecutive national championships between 2005 and 2007, and in 2006 she won the USA Weightlifting Female Athlete of the Year. Natalie was ranked second across all weight classes and broke two American records. She decided to attend a Junior Squad Camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs and tasted her first Olympic training experience. She knew that this was where she needed to be to make her dreams a reality.

After refining her already impressive skills, Natalie became a member of the Olympic family and walked out with Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She came in 12th with a combined score of 211. Shortly after the Games, Natalie married fellow Team USA athlete Casey Burgener.

The two retired in 2008 but soon realized that their desire to compete and represent the United States was a passion they couldn’t ignore. In 2010 they moved back to the OTC in Colorado Springs, where they currently reside. Through the rigorous training and attention to nutrition, Natalie knows that she has come a long way in her abilities. The support of the staff and financial donations that are made to the U.S. Olympic Committee have allowed her to achieve her goals and be the best athlete possible.