Matthew Lambert: Thank you for tuning into the Generational Gauntlet Top 5 Faves. This is the podcast where we give you our top five on a topic with a generational twist to it. My name is Matt Lambert and I'm the host of this podcast. Each week, I bring in a guest who's from a different generation than me to discuss or debate our top five on a selected topic. So March is Women's History Month. And with that in mind, and from a listener requested topic, As today's episode wraps up, there's one other amazing fact about Vicki that didn't even pop up while we were recording. But I wanted to throw it in on the back end. When she made the 1988 Olympic basketball team, the city of Martinsburg, West Virginia named a street after her, which is amazing. So if you're ever in the Martinsburg area, go check out Vicki Bullet Street. And if you're looking for a recording software for podcasts, training, Today's topic is the top five female Olympians. And this topic is definitely timely. We just had the Winter Olympics taking place last month. And for these episodes, I try to select people that are either really interested in the topic or very versed in it. And if we were doing a topic on the Olympics, I needed to bring in an Olympian. With that today, I'm bringing in West Virginia's own, Vicki Bullitt, who is a Gen Xer. or anything in between, highly recommend Riverside. I have an affiliate link posted in this episode description. If I was able to hand out medals, they would be getting a gold medal from me. As always, thank you all for tuning in ⁓ hearing about an incredible athlete in person ⁓ listening to our top fives. If you haven't subscribed to the podcast yet, hit that subscribe button wherever you might be listening. Leave us a five star review. a one-time world champion gold medalist in basketball, a bronze and gold medalist in the Summer Olympic Games, one of, if not in my opinion, the greatest basketball player in Maryland history, a former professional basketball player, including the WNBA, and a basketball coach, which is an insane resume to have. So Vicki, thank you for coming onto the podcast. Absolute pleasure to get to talk to you today. and let someone know to check this podcast out. Today's topic was a listener suggested top five. So if you have a topic that you'd like to hear featured on this podcast, I take suggestions at generationalfave5 at gmail.com. That's generational, F-A-V-E, the number five at gmail.com. Thank you all for tuning in. Vicky Bullett: And Matt, thanks for inviting me. Matthew Lambert: Well, before we jumped into today's top five, I wanted the listeners to get to know a little bit about you and a little bit more about your accomplishments. And Vicki, just from that introduction, it's very clear you're an incredible basketball player. So I do have to ask, did you play basketball throughout your entire childhood? Vicky Bullett: Childhood, no, actually I played softball. Yeah, I love softball. Well, actually when I was eight years old, we didn't have any organization teams. I was a member of the time at the Boys and Girls Club. It actually was just a boys club. And I went with my five brothers every day, sneaking in because I wasn't allowed. So because they played, I played. But basketball and softball was my first top two. Matthew Lambert: Okay, when did you start playing basketball? Okay. Alright, and then you played for the Maryland Terrapins from 85 to 89, correct? If you don't mind, could you talk a little bit about your accomplishments as a college basketball player? Vicky Bullett: Correct. Well, it definitely wasn't easy. Not certain how I was going to be able to do both being a student and the athlete at a major division one school, but they had the resources and everything you could possibly need as a student to be successful. And I took advantage of every opportunity it was. It was important for me to work hard in the classroom. yes, Maryland was great. Basketball was great. I had great coaches, great teammates. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. You Vicky Bullett: And I just loved it. If I had to choose again, I'd go back to Maryland. Matthew Lambert: Well, Vicki, I hope you don't mind. I feel like you're underselling your career a little bit. So I've got some stats here and you can tell me if I'm wrong on any of these, but based on my research, you had set Maryland records for points scored, field goals made and rebounds at the time of your career. You led the Terrapins to three ACC titles, one NCAA Final Four. In 89, you were the ACC Tournament MVP, ACC Player of the Year and then All-American. and you were all ACC first team, I believe in 87, 88, and 89. And unless my math is wrong, I went and looked at Maryland's current records, I believe you are still Maryland's second all-time leading scorer in a season and have the highest scoring average in a season and also hold the record for fill goals made in a season at Maryland. Is that correct? ⁓ Vicky Bullett: don't even know. mean, I think it's been so long ago. I know that Crystal Langhorn actually broke the scoring record and the rebounding record. But yeah, those stats, you know what, you recall them. Yes, I remember. Sometimes I have to go back and say, wow, I did a lot. Matthew Lambert: I wasn't saying that... ⁓ So for people listening, when I say that you are, if not one of, I'd the greatest player in Maryland basketball history, I mean it. Like you've got the stats and the accolades to back that up. Vicky Bullett: ⁓ thank you. It was fun. I had great teammates to help that too. But yeah, it was fun doing it. just played. Regardless of the stats, you just love the game so much you just put it all on the court. Matthew Lambert: Yes ma'am. And you played in the 1988 Olympics in South Korea. You were part of the gold medal winning team. I'm a massive Olympics fan, but I've never been to the Olympics. So I do have to ask, what's that experience like playing for your country on the Olympic stage? Vicky Bullett: Well, first of all, was just nerve wracking trying to make the team out of so many great players that you either followed or played against. I was one of the youngest players that actually was invited to the trials in Colorado Springs. Wasn't really expecting to make the team just go to get the experience and you know, they select 12 and I happened to be one of those 12 and just the experience in itself, meeting so many competitors and you know, young women that, you know, Matthew Lambert: You You Vicky Bullett: did what I did, eat, sleep, drink and play the game and then have an opportunity to actually have your name called among all of those. It was definitely changed the mentality of this is what I love, not what I like, but what I love. Yeah, it was awesome. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. ⁓ That's awesome. And I know you also played in the 90 Goodwill Games, the 90 World Championships where you won a gold medal, the 92 Olympics where you all won a bronze medal. And can you just say, like, what is it like standing on that podium after winning a medal for your country? What's that experience like? Vicky Bullett: Yeah, I mean, it's overwhelming at the time because you just kind of reminisce from the time you started playing and you know why you practiced when you didn't want to. And it comes down to, know, sweat and all this. And you're there with your teammates and representing your country in such a way through women's sports, it kind of just makes you feel you have to pass it on. I hope somebody else is watching and hoping that their dreams come true. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: That for me was a dream come true. I have a little ritual every time I hear the national anthem. You know, I knock on my head a couple of times and knock on the floor and just to be grateful, you know, it's a superstition that I've had and I made it through the national anthem. So, you know, it took the blood and the sweat to get there, but it was just an honor. The honor is within yourself and, you know, wearing that red, white and blue and representing your country. It was a special moment. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure, I'm sure. And I know if you look at the history of the WNBA, the WNBA did not come around until 97. Between that time, so before the WNBA came around, I think you were still playing some professional basketball, correct? Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Yeah, spent nine, too many years, but it was wonderful years. After I graduated college, I went overseas because there's, you know, there wasn't anything for us to do. And I just knew I wasn't finished. I want to keep playing. And my dad would say, well, it's not a real job. I said, well, it is now. He'd always tell me, you better get a real job. I did have my degree to fall back on. So whenever the time to retire, I would have been OK. So spent nine years overseas and a couple Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: you know, three other years over in Brazil. So that was a great experience. yeah, played overseas for a total probably of 15 years after my college years. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. And now again, if I've got any of this research wrong, you can call me out on it. But I believe you were an All-Star four times in the Italian league and you won a championship in Brazil, correct? Okay. Vicky Bullett: Ha ha ha! Yeah, did. I too, because it depends up to your league and then you have your regular championship. So yeah, in Brazil we won a couple of championships and after we won the championship ⁓ in Italy. Well, I think it was my last year in Italy. We won too. So yeah, it was great. Yes. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Okay. ⁓ nice. Yeah, had a lot of success overseas and then you came into the WNBA 97, correct? What could you sum up for me like what your WNBA career was like? Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Well, first I didn't, I know for one thing I was overseas. Majority of the ladies were overseas when the ABL started. We didn't even know anything about it. I was like, what's ABL? And then some of the scouts came overseas and told us that the WNBA was going to start. And I said, really? But it was during the summer. So that worked out well. But the experience and the time, I'm just lucky enough that it started in a time that I was probably in the peak of my career, but close to the end. So I was only able to play Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: you know, six years, but that including after the summer season, I go back overseas. So for six years, there was probably two weeks between six years that I got to rest and transition one season to the other. And you know, if you were younger, you can do it, but I was getting older. was like, I don't know how long I could do this. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. And you played for both the Sting and the Mystics, correct? Okay, and I have some of your stats here. So the stats I had was that during your career you made more than 800 fill goals, you had more than 1100 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and more than 350 stills. Does that sound about right? That sounds phenomenal! what that sounds. Vicky Bullett: That sounds pretty good. Yeah, I track of those steps. I mean, I wonder how many minutes I played the whole time because I felt I never came off the court. Matthew Lambert: Did you know that you set a WNBA record for minutes played? So say I saw it was like July 2001, I think. So Vicki, I did some research before today. I wanted to come in prepared and everything I read, was more and more impressed by you. I was already impressed before I started, but it just grew. And then at some point you made the transition into coaching, correct? Vicky Bullett: Yeah, it was against Seattle. remember. I was going crazy playing against Lauren Jackson, trying to follow her everywhere. I remember that, yeah. ⁓ huh. Yep. Alright. ⁓ Yeah Yes, yes. Well, think it's, you know, after a while, obviously, I think my last year might have been in Brazil. And, you know, my parents were home. I missed them as much as whatever. But then, OK, I knew there was time, you know, not that because the injuries, just I wanted to continue to maybe go home and give back to my community as much as I could. coming home was important. Matthew Lambert: So when did you make that transition into coaching? Mm-hmm. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: as my parents were getting older. And it's like, I missed out a lot. Okay, now I can stop. And I was ready to let go of it. know, traveling and living in the suitcase got hard. So yeah, I decided to retire and I went home, got a teaching job at a middle school. I loved it, loved it, loved it. And it started from there. I loved teaching because I had great teachers. I always wanted to be an educator because I had good teachers that inspired me. So that's where I am and I still teach today. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: That inspired me and I love doing what I do, but I teach basketball during the summer. I stay close to it. Matthew Lambert: ⁓ nice! Now, where did you coach during your coaching career? Vicky Bullett: Well, actually, I started middle school and it was my first experience coach in middle school. were, I think we were one in 19. It was. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Hahahaha Vicky Bullett: These kids don't know what they're doing. So I was like, okay, then the next year, you you inherit a little bit more talent. So we ended up winning the first championship at the middle school where I was coaching. So then I was like, okay, I don't want to do this. It was too hard. And I think I had an opportunity to coach in the WNBA for one season. And that was not fun because the kids already, well, the women already knew how to play. So there was no teaching. So I quit and went back to middle school. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Vicky Bullett: It was rough. But then I got into junior college. So that kind of set the tone. And from there, I had an opportunity to go to West Virginia Wesleyan to coach a Hagerstown Community College. I actually was there for six years. And that was just a touch of the surface. But after West Virginia Wesleyan, I said enough is enough. Let me just go home and just teach fundamentals and develop the kids. So yeah, as long as I stay close to the sport, I was fine. Matthew Lambert: So Vicki, I know looking at your background, in 2011, you were inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. And what is that experience like to be acknowledged as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time? Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Oh, was just one, think it was the most impressed thing that just made it like, you know, like a real tearjerker. I had gone to, you know, be there in support of my head coach, Chris Weller at Maryland the year before. So I got there and, know, I was really excited. So Vivian Stringer, who was a coach and on the committee came up to me after the event and she took me in the auditorium. I was like, is she going to offer me a job? That's going to be great. was all, you know, coach Vivian Stringer is one of those, you know, female coaches that, ⁓ they were just, you know, if it wasn't coach Weller, it'd coach Vivian Stringer. And she sat me down and she said, well, Vicki, I just wanted to share with you, you know, face to face that you will be the next inductee to the women's basketball hall of fame. And I said, are you kidding me? And, you know, to have her tell me that, I cried and I laughed and I said, coach Stringer, I thought you was going to offer me a job. Matthew Lambert: Yes, ma'am. Vicky Bullett: One of the best days to be and to just remember how many other individuals who were, you know, selected to go in the Hall of Fame and then you get the opportunity and also by one of the community members, you know, to be the next one. was another overwhelming experience that's hard to talk about. Yeah. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Well, and that kind of leads me into my next question. This might be tough, but you've got a list of accomplishments that are a mile long. ⁓ I have questioned what I've done in life when I look at your accomplishments. They are vast. What would you say is your most cherished or biggest accomplishment of everything you've done? Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. ⁓ Well, people will probably say, well, she's silly. But it was when I graduated from the University of Maryland. It's always been a blessing. And for me as a student, I had to work really, really hard to apply myself. wasn't, not that I wasn't a great student. I didn't know how to study. You know, as a young kid, you learn to memorize. And I had two working parents and you know, my dad and my mom had, you know, 10th grade education, but Matthew Lambert: Yeah. haha Vicky Bullett: They provided resources. Vicki, if I can't help you here, then you gotta go there. That's why I respect my teachers so much when I was young and I wasn't afraid not to know. I was like, hey, I don't know. ⁓ Teach me. So I took pride in my education and after my sophomore year, it's like it got easier, got easier, I understand. So that's my biggest accomplishment. If I had to say it all again, was walking across that stage with Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: you know, a Division I diploma from a high institution. So yeah, my education is really, really important to me. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Well, the last question I have for you before we jump into these top five lists, and you know, it's Women's History Month, and you are a renowned female athlete. What would be the advice or words of wisdom you might give to those female athletes out there that are coming up, regardless of the sport? Like, what would be your words of wisdom to them? Vicky Bullett: Okay. Yeah. Well, I mean, just even for the youth, know, it's like you're going to first surround yourself with people who are going to raise you up. Okay. But you also have to surround yourself around people you trust who will not always tell you what you want to hear. You want to hear the truth, whether it's good or bad, and you have to be receptive of it. You know, okay, you didn't do that very well. ⁓ You got to apply and you know, in this way. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Vicky Bullett: like as an educator, we have, teachers, we have parents who coddle our kids. We have to be honest with them because you fail. How are they going to respond? You've got to sometimes, okay, you failed today, but tomorrow's another day. You have to rise above it. Find ways to be successful because, you know, today kids will cry and, even adults will cry and they want someone to help them. I was always the person that dig, dig, dig. Cause I had brothers who didn't, didn't let you fall, but Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: when they were there, so you would get up because I, if I mentioned I can't help you? So, ⁓ it's okay to ⁓ fail, don't be satisfied. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Mm-hmm. I love that. Vicki, it reminds me, don't know, are you familiar with Eric Thomas? The hip hop preacher, he's a motivational speaker. So he's very involved in sports. ⁓ Michigan guy talks a lot at Michigan State University and he has a speech he gives and he says, don't cry to quit, cry to keep going. He's like, so, and I love that. And that's what you just said reminded me of his speech on not crying to quit. Vicky Bullett: Eric, come. Okay. ⁓ yeah. Mm-hmm. Matthew Lambert: try to keep going, lock in, and he talks about that whole idea of just becoming your best self, having that beast in you, Vicky Bullett: Yeah Right, that's so influential to our young people because kids will cry and then say, okay, now what did those tears accomplish? Just a wet t-shirt, that's about it. So get up and keep moving. Matthew Lambert: Yeah, absolutely. Vicki, I need you to be like motivating me in my daily life here. So for those that have not listened to this podcast before, we're gonna transition into our top five lists here. And Vicki and I have each put together our own list for the top five female Olympians. I do not know a thing about her list. She does not know a thing about mine. She's gonna give her number five and why, I'll give my number five and why, and we'll continue until we get to each of our number ones. So Vicki, with that. Vicky Bullett: Okay. Mm-hmm. Matthew Lambert: I will hand it over to you. Who is your number five female Olympian? Vicky Bullett: Okay, Cheryl Miller. Matthew Lambert: Ooh, okay. Vicky Bullett: Because Cheryl could probably play one through five. She was such a versatile player before versatility actually happened. If you look at Candace Parker, she could probably play one through five. I think, yeah, and Cheryl Miller, even though she was more like a guard type, she could play everywhere. I've watched her play. She was one of those players that you admire. And she was fun to watch, you know, before basketball really. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: you know, she's celebrated. It's just so funny to watch clips of her and watch her brother because their mannerism was the same. And I remember, and I think I might, I can even say this because it's just probably true. I probably was a member of that Olympic team in 88 because she was injured. But even though we're not in the same position, but I was one of the youngest players. So it was between me and Bridget Gordon probably, cause they, they, fits that mold. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: She just wasn't available because of an injury. But yes, Miller was one of my all time tops for the Olympians, yeah. Matthew Lambert: Okay. All right. So Vicki, I'm gonna be honest with you. I cheated on my list today. So the Olympics are tough. if you, especially if you got like the summer, the winter, there's a lot of events. So here is how I made it easier for myself. I had to watch them compete. That's on my list. So I do have one honorable mention. I don't do this often, but my honorable mention was Jackie Joyner-Kersey. And sadly, I only recall seeing her in 96. That's why she's not on the top five. Vicky Bullett: Yeah, they are. Yeah. Okay. ⁓ Okay. Okay, okay. Matthew Lambert: But in 96 she got a bronze in the long jump, a silver medal in the heptathlon in 84, gold medals in 88 in the heptathlon in the long jump, gold in the heptathlon and bronze in the long jump in 92. Yeah, listed her because she's a legend. But my number five, I went basketball. And that is, I went with Diana Tarassi as my number five. And I went with Tarassi because she's the only male or female to win six Olympic gold medals in basketball. So from. Vicky Bullett: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah, she was fierce. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Yeah, she broke Teresa Edwards record, ⁓ Matthew Lambert: She did, she did. you know this, from 04 to 24, she went undefeated in Olympic play, won 61 consecutive games. She's one of only three women in history to win six gold medals in the same event. And I know her role changed over time. I think that happens, and that's okay. As you get a little bit longer in the tooth, your role might change. But it's still 20 years of winning, it's unmatched, and... Vicky Bullett: Uh-huh. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Did you get over? Ha ha ha ha ha. Yeah. Matthew Lambert: I won't say a whole lot more about her because she's probably gonna be in a top five for other lists I have in the future, but she's my number five. So I'll hand it over to you for your number four. Vicky Bullett: Okay. Number four was Teresa Edwards. Matthew Lambert: Okay, what's your thoughts on Teresa Edwards? Vicky Bullett: Well, mean, Teresa was the leader without a doubt. Um, when I was on the Olympic team in 88, she was one of those older players that set the tone for the team. Um, yeah, she's the one that had played the longest before Donna Taurasi had had, had beaten her record. And it's just, she was just a good human. I haven't come across too many players that would stop, look and listen and guide. I mean, just Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: Besides her accolades, she was just a good human. She knew how to be a leader without anyone telling her. It just came natural to her and, you know, and younger players cling to that. They want to know more. They want to sit and listen to her voice because she had so many, you know, positive things to say when you, you know, when you're going through whatever you're going through. Teresa was very knowledgeable of tapping into those types of things. And I was grateful for having her as a teammate. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Yeah, awesome. My number four, I went to the track. I went with Faith Kipyugon, Faith is the gold standard in women's distance running. So beyond the Olympics, she's the world record holder for the 1,500 meters and the mile. Vicky Bullett: name. Okay. Mm-hmm. Matthew Lambert: She's the former world record holder for the 5,000 meter. And Vicki, I will not ask you to give this, but I will give it. So my fastest mile I ever ran was 4.45, was the fastest I ever, which was not on the level of winning any state titles. But Faith has run a 4.07 in the mile, so she would have smoked me in the mile. At the Olympics, she's a beast. The only one that people would say was a disappointing performance, 2012, she went 16th in the 1500. Vicky Bullett: Wow Uh-huh. Matthew Lambert: I don't like to call that a disappointment, you're 16th in the world, but you know, that's just me. But in the next three Olympics, she won the gold in the 1500, becoming the first female in history to win three consecutive Olympics in that event. In 2024, she added a silver in the 5,000 meter before taking home her 1500 gold. And in the 2024 Olympics, Faith set the Olympic record in the 1500 with a three minute and 51 second 1500, which is just wild. Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Right. Wow. Mm-hmm. Wow. Matthew Lambert: And I feel like anytime she touches the track, it's history. For somebody that's a former distance runner, I absolutely love Faith. So that's my number four. I'll hand it to you for your number three. Vicky Bullett: Okay. All right, Michael Phelps, the swimmer. Man, amazing, amazing. that he, I like him and I got to watch all of his race, his meets and what made him special. And I mean, he could have been up there with, know, Tresa Evers ⁓ and fact that he, ⁓ I the fact that his story of his disability made no difference than his success. And now he struggled. Matthew Lambert: Alright. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: But this, what he accomplished, relates to a lot of the students that I may have in class ⁓ and, give a sign. You know what? This was an Olympic swimmer who has things that you're going through, whether it's ADHD, you have a disability. ⁓ And, thanks to his mom, was also an educator, helped him get through that. You know, she didn't feel sorry for him. you got to find ways to be successful. So Michael, through sport, found, Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Vicky Bullett: those type of things and you know maybe if he was teased I bet they don't tease him now. He accomplished a lot so I can I can always feel for students that ⁓ struggle yet he found what he was good at and he made it big so yeah that's that's ⁓ good. Yeah. Matthew Lambert: That's a good point. That's a good point. Mm-hmm. Yeah. I love that one. My number three, I went with Allison Felix. And if I was just talking just my favorite track athletes, so not even the best, if I just said my favorites, she would be at the top of that list or in contention. This woman is a long-term dominant force in track. In 04, she won a silver in the 200. Vicky Bullett: ⁓ yeah! Mm-hmm. Okay. Matthew Lambert: In 08, another silver in the 200, gold in the 4x400. 2012, gold in the 200, gold in both the 4x1 and 4x400 relays. In 16, gold in both relays again, a silver in the 400. And in 2020, gold in the 4x4 and a bronze in the four. And Allison is the first female track and field athlete to win seven Olympic gold medals. She is the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history. Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. ⁓ huh. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Matthew Lambert: and the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history. And if you go to world championships, she is the overall most decorated athlete in track and field history. And one of the things I love the most about her is, I think it was the 2020 Olympics. She had, well actually I go back to the 2019 world championships. She returned after having an emergency C-section. I think it was eight months maybe, eight to 10. Vicky Bullett: Yeah. Mmm. Uh-huh. Yeah, Matthew Lambert: and she came back and she broke Usain Bolt's gold medal record that he had for world championships. ⁓ She had a dispute with Nike, so she dropped Nike, started her own shoe line, and I think for just women, we're in Women's History Month, she is such a role model for women. I'm a dad, I watched my wife go through having our daughter, and I cannot imagine just that idea of your body going through all that, and then you're like, Vicky Bullett: Yes. Right. Matthew Lambert: but I'm gonna lock in and I'm gonna go win eight months later. So she's number three, incredible athlete, incredible person. I will stop gushing, she's just incredible. So, yep. Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. No, it's true. I agree with that one. That's a good one. Yes, it was. I mean, we followed her, but I just feel that she didn't get enough PR. I think she should have gotten more. Matthew Lambert: She didn't. Yeah, I think we, I personally think that people sleep on women's track. They focus on the men and ⁓ there are some women that are just powerhouses and she's one of them. Vicki, who's your number two? Vicky Bullett: Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah, that's awesome. Okay, I'm gonna say Mary Lou Retton. She was one of that little teeny, teeny, teeny, itsy beeny West Virginian from Fairmont. Gotta take care of my West Virginians. There's the gymnastics. I think when she participated in the Olympics and won all those gold medals, I think I liked gymnastics. It was just awesome. I think that's the first time I... Matthew Lambert: Alright. Yes, ma'am. Vicky Bullett: was really tuning in. know, the fact that being a West Virginian, you get to hear about this West Virginian. So I just think she was so courageous in her sport. And I liked the stories that she told about how much she had to work and not having confidence as an early age. But then once she hit the mat or whatever event she was doing, you know, she zoned everybody out. So, she was just her and her bar or her and her floor. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: So Mary Lou Retton is one of my tops. Matthew Lambert: Vicky, it's funny that you mentioned her because I think I shared with you, I don't remember if we were recording yet, but there are only three people from West Virginia that I was readily aware of that had went to the Olympics and it was her, you, and I'm probably gonna mess up his name. I think it's James Jet. I know he went for, is he really your neighbor? Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Uh-huh. Right. Yeah, he's my neighbor. Yeah, James is my neighbor. Yeah, actually, well, neighbor in sense of I'm Berkeley County. He's Jefferson County. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He's well, I haven't seen him in a while, but he's he's in this area. Yes, he is. Matthew Lambert: Okay, okay, I thought you meant like side-by-side houses and I was like that is wild. I saw his name on every running list I ever looked at when I was growing up. All the records in West Virginia. Vicky Bullett: Yes. ⁓ And the ironic thing that his last name is Jet is because he's really fast. Isn't that crazy? I'm not fast even though my last name is Bullet. Matthew Lambert: He is really fast. You know, you and him both might have the coolest names from West Virginia. Well, it's funny that your number two is a gymnast, because mine is as well. ⁓ I went with Simone Biles for my number two. And some people might not realize that she is actually not the most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time. She's tied for second. But if you throw in her world championships, Vicky Bullett: I know, like, I like mayonnaise, yeah. It is cool. ⁓ Hmm. Okay. Mmmmm as true. Decorate. Matthew Lambert: She is the most decorated gymnast of all time. Burst onto the scene in 2016, winning a bronze in the balance beam and a gold in the vault, the floor exercise, the individual all around and the team title. I know some people probably remember 2020 when she got the twisties. I know there was a lot of discussion about that. Even with the twisties, she still got a bronze on the balance beam and a silver as a team. And then in 24, she came back and I think it's one of the greatest comeback stories. Vicky Bullett: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Matthew Lambert: overcame what happened at that Olympics to win gold in the vault, the all around it as a team. And Biles isn't just the best at most events, she's actually created the most difficult skills on women's vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. And she's so far, she's the only gymnast to even attempt those techniques. So to me, when you're so much better than everyone else, that you invent moves that no one else can safely do, you have to be on my list. So. ⁓ Vicky Bullett: Right. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Right. ⁓ yeah. Doubt about that, yeah. Matthew Lambert: Yeah, so she's won awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, comeback athlete of the year in 2024. So for me, just her and she's such a powerhouse. She's so small in terms of height, but in terms of just her impact is so massive. She's number two for me. Vicky Bullett: Yeah. And bye. Yeah, that's a good one. That's a good choice too. Okay. ⁓ this is so hard. I mean, I figured, you know, I don't know. There's just so many athletes you see and you call. ⁓ The ones that I enjoy, I think I do it by, you know, just because you hear so much about them. I can't, I've got it here on my list. can't. Matthew Lambert: Vicki, I'll hand it to you. Who's your number one? Yeah. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: I can't I know. ⁓ Actually, I'm going to say Flojo. Flojo, yeah. Because I just admired her femininity as an athlete. Just, you know, her femininity, the way she dressed as an athlete, it was just so feminine. You know, it helps bring out some young ladies who have self-image and always just connect to those type of things. Matthew Lambert: You can name a couple people, that's okay. Okay. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: The way she ran was beautiful. It was so unique. I think she was a courageous individual. And to see her pass so fast after that, I think she was, she's my number one. Yep. And I got to meet her, so that helps too. Yeah. ⁓ my goodness. Yes. It was one. And got to see her race. So I remember having practice and coach let us go out a little early so we can go see. Matthew Lambert: Mm-hmm. Yeah. She... ⁓ you got to meet... ⁓ yeah, cause she was at the 88 Olympics, right? Ugh. Vicky Bullett: You know her and Carl Lewis, it's all please go just five minutes. Come on, we'll come early next day. And then she let us go out and you know, see her compete in her event. So I'm going to say Flojo. Yeah. Matthew Lambert: I that one. That's why I had to say people I've watched in person because I don't feel like I know how great she is, but I don't feel like I can appreciate the greatness because I didn't get to watch it. it felt insincere for me to put her on the list. Vicky Bullett: Hmm Yeah! Mm-hmm. ⁓ she was great. It was great. ⁓ Matthew Lambert: ⁓ she's, yeah, the things I'm aware of her is just phenomenal. My number one, I went to the pool and I went with Katie Ledecky. And my reason is she's the most decorated female swimmer in history, the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. And from 2012 to 2024, she's been a beast. I think people forget in the 2012 Olympics, she was only 15 years old and she won a silver in the four by 200 meter free relay. Vicky Bullett: Yeah. ⁓ yes, that's a good one. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yes, yes. Matthew Lambert: and a gold in the 800. In 2016, she won the gold in the four by 200 meter free relay, the 400 free, and the 800 free. She left that Olympics as the most decorated female athlete of the game, and she set two world records. In 20, she added another silver in the four by 200 meter free and the 400 meter free, and she won gold in both the 800 meter free and the 1500 meter free. And in 24, she won bronze in the 400 meter free. Vicky Bullett: ⁓ Mm-hmm. I'm nervous. Matthew Lambert: silver in the 4x200m free, and gold in the 8 and the 1500m free events. She is the current world record holder in the 800 and 1500m freestyle long courses. If you throw in world championships and pan pacifics, she's got 40 gold medals and 17 world records. And her list of awards is about as long as her margin of victory. In 2024, she won by more than 10 seconds in the 1500. Vicky Bullett: You are. Yes. Mm-mm-mm. my That's crazy. Matthew Lambert: She's won events by half a lap. And for anybody listening, just think about that. She's so good that she's going up against the best in the world and she's beating people by half a lap. And when she competes, I'll be honest, during the Olympics, the three sports that we watch the most in my house, it's basketball, it is the track and field, and it is swimming. And when she is on, we stop everything we're doing. Vicky Bullett: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Mm-hmm. That's crazy. Mm-hmm. and swim. Yeah. everything. Matthew Lambert: We grabbed my daughter and we're like, come in here, you need to watch history unfold. And she is just an absolute beast. So she takes my list just because if you can beat your opponents by that much at the Olympics, you're doing something right. Yes, ma'am. Vicky Bullett: That's true. Yeah. You're untouchable. And then to start at 14, know, that age is, how do you do that? mean, we've burned in competition at that age, at that level. You know, we're playing middle school basketball. She's playing for the Olympics, United States at 14. Incredible, incredible. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. I just, yeah, I can't imagine for any of these. But Vicki, I'll ask you before we wrap up today, any closing thoughts from you on our lists or anything we've chatted about today? Vicky Bullett: ⁓ I just love to hear you be so fluent with these statistics. It's awesome. You know, it's like you remember certain things. You remember all of these numbers statistics, which is great because some people won't know that and think, you know what, I'm great. said, but listen, look at these lists of individuals who have dedicated themselves to a sport they love. And it's going to take years for people to accomplish what Katie Ledecky did. you know. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Vicky Bullett: There's time, there's a period of time that will, but it takes a long. And my brother used to say, well, records are made to be broken, but they didn't say when. Yeah. Matthew Lambert: Yeah. Mm-hmm. That's a good point. And Vicky, with that, you still got some records that you've got. So, ⁓ Vicky Bullett: Yeah, I got little bit, yeah. I think, you know, basketball may be a record you can easily, you know, you can tap into because kids are really starting young and you've got some trainers to help, but swimming and all of those things at the age of 14 and, you know, the gymnast, those are tough. That's the toughest difference for, but accomplishments are accomplishments. You gotta take them in to give them. Matthew Lambert: Yeah, that's true. Yeah. Well, Vicki, I thank you so much for coming on here today. It was a joy getting to talk to you, somebody who is just as renowned of an athlete as you. I really appreciate your time today. Vicky Bullett: Well Matt, thanks for having me. It was a joy and a pleasure.