#Olympian August 24

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In August 2025, many of us are participating in the 30-Day Governors Coach4aday Challenge. Each day, we highlight one of the 2,300+ U.S. Governors—past or present—sharing insights into their achievements, controversies, or unique aspects of their careers. For today my choice is on a Governor who was an OLYMPIAN.

Thinking about athletes my curiosity turned to if any Olympian had ever been elected as a US Governor. Thought about Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura but they never competed in the Olympics. The only one I could discover was Judy Martz. She served as the 22nd Governor of Montana from 2001 to 2005. Before her political career, she was a competitive speed skater who represented the U.S. in the 1964 Winter Olympic Games.

Governor-30 Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to sharing something about a Governor in August.

1. Record something about a particular US Governor. Make sure you include what US State and years that he/she served. Try to highlight an achievement, controversy, or some unique aspect of their career.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.

August 24-Judy Martz Olympian and Governor

Judy Martz was elected as Montana’s first female Governor on November 7, 2000. Just four years earlier, she was elected as the state’s first female Lieutenant Governor when she ran with Governor Marc Racicot. So being the only Olympian elected to the position of Governor was just another first for her.

Judy Morstein was the name of that speed skater who would become Governor prior to her marriage to Harry Martz.