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August 26, 2004 7:25 pm

Gold medal is payday for Mitts family

By MARIBEL VILLALVA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece — Cincinnati’s Heather Mitts didn’t get a chance to play in the gold-medal soccer match between the United States and Brazil, but from her family’s perspective, she is the star on the team.

With his face painted in red, white and blue and the word "Mitts" written on his forehead, stepfather David Peck held back tears as he talked about the woman he helped raise. Cheering alongside was Mitts’ mother, Jan Peck.

"In order to come here, the parents have to go through sacrifices, too. Most parents never see a payday. But today is our payday," he said.

The United States defeated Brazil for the gold medal, 2 to 1.

Peck said he had several conversations with Mitts leading up to the final game.

"We’ve told her, ‘If you don’t play, it’s OK. You helped this team get here. But if you do play, just be yourself and trust your instincts.’ We can’t tell her not to be nervous. That would just be wasted breath," he said.

After an hour-long celebration in the locker room, the 26-year-old Mitts emerged and said she would have liked to play in Thursday’s game.

"Sure, it’s a little disappointing, but I know what my role is in this team. My role is to fill in whenever I can," she said.

In recent years, Mitts has received attention for her appearance as well as her moves on the field. Sports Illustrated named Mitts the Hottest Female Athlete of 2004.

"We’re obviously honored by that, but it’s been both a blessing and a curse," Peck said. "Because she’s attractive, most people don’t think she’s serious about soccer. But, soccer is her passion."

Mitts said her parents have been her biggest support system.

"Now, with this, I can finally give something back to them," she said.

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