USA Karate is proud to announce that Mr. Brian Mertel has been elected as the USA Karate Representative to the US Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Committee.

This important role serves as the primary representative for USA Karate athletes to the Olympic Movement, as well as serving on the USA Karate Board of Directors.
 
To be eligible to run for the position, an athlete must have represented the United States at either the Pan American Games or the World Karate Championships.  Brian has represented the United States at every level of major international karate competition, most recently being a part of the 2011 Pan American Games Team in Guadalajara, Mexico and the 2012 Pan American Championships Team in Managua, Nicaragua.  He also served as an Assistant Coach for the Junior Pan American Championships recently in Cancun, Mexico.
 
“Brian will be an excellent representative for USA Karate and our athletes,” said Jake Lease, USA Karate Chief Executive Officer.  “He has big shoes to fill, and I know he will fill them admirably.”
 
Brian is replacing Dr. Clay Morton, who has served in the AAC Representative role for ten years.  Dr. Morton completed a vacated term before being elected to the AAC position for two additional terms.  “The Federation owes Dr. Morton a great debt of gratitude for his years of work and dedication,” said John DiPasquale, USA Karate President.  “As our AAC representative, and as a Board member, Clay has always put the best interest of the athletes first.  I know Brian will follow his example and represent all athletes well.”  
 
The Athlete Advisory Committee Representative position is a four year term that concludes in the year of each Summer Olympic Games.  Only USA Karate members who have competed in the Pan American Games, the World Championships, and the World Games can vote for the position.
 
For more information about the US Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Committee, please visit www.teamusa.org.