Photo:  U.S. Army Vet Lillian Pfluke oversees the challenging Giant Merkado Obstacle at the 2024 Olympic Men’s and Women’s Mountain Biking Course.

Since the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, more than 45,000 volunteers from 155 countries have worked tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for visitors. Out of over 30,000 applicants, only 15% were selected, including US Army veteran and world-class cyclist Lillian Pfluke.

Lillian, a member of the first gender-integrated class at West Point and a retired US Army officer, is no stranger to breaking barriers. Fluent in English and German, she also honed her French skills during her military service and further advanced them when she attended the prestigious Institut des Hautes Etudes de Défense Nationale at the Ecole Militaire in Paris as part of her War College level education.

Lillian has repeatedly showcased her athletic prowess by winning nine masters world champion titles in various cycling disciplines in mountain biking, cyclocross, and track cycling. She continues to compete internationally across Europe, Asia, and the United States in the 65-59 year old age group.

When the opportunity arose to volunteer for the 2024 Olympic Games, Lillian’s leadership experience, multilingual proficiency, and elite athletic background made her an ideal candidate. She was assigned to lead efforts for the Olympic men’s and women’s mountain biking competitions.

Reflecting on her experience, Lillian described it as, “A great opportunity to give back and be part of something extraordinary.”

To read more about this remarkable officer, veteran, and elite athlete, visit news.va.gov/87234/lillian-pfluke-champion-cycling-service/