Orinda Olympian Has New Goal: Keeping Kids Active

Heather Petri says she can't imagine her life without sports.

So, the four-time Olympic water polo star from Orinda is trying to spread that message and that enthusiasm to children.

"I'm passionate about what sports can do for people," said Petri. "We need to inspire young people now."

Petri, 35, who retired from competitive water polo after winning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, was recently named as one of the celebrity ambassadors for PHIT America.

The non-profit organization was formed in January to combat the nation's obesity and inactivity crisis.

Petri, a 1996 Miramonte High graduate, said she believes in the organization's goal of making young people fit through exercise.

"It's something we need to change in the world," she said.

Petri said health is the number one reason to encourage children to be active, especially in today's world where video games and fast food dominate.

However, she said physical activity and sports in particular are also great learning experiences for young people. It teaches them dedication, patience and resiliency.

"Sports gives you so much more than a place to compete," she said.

Besides speaking on behalf of PHIT America, Petri is also a strong supporter for PEP grants, which help fund physical education programs.

The former Olympian said she was stunned to discover that only six states require P.E. in school.

Petri has been physically active since she can remember.

She swam competitively as a child, but then got hooked on water polo because of the team aspect.

"I love being part of a team," she said. "I love having a goal and have everybody working together to achieve it."

Petri played on the boys' water polo team when she first arrived at Miramonte because there was no girls' team. She helped form that squad in her later years in high school.

She also played water polo at U.C. Berkeley and was selected for the 2000 U.S. Olympic women's water polo team. That squad captured a silver.

She also earned a bronze in the 2004 Games, another silver in the 2008 Games and finally the gold medal at the 2012 Games in London.

Petri said participating in the Olympics is difficult to put into words.

"It's the purest joy of sports you can have," she said.

Petri, who recently moved back to Orinda, spoke earlier this year in Congress as part of National Health Through Fitness Day.

She hopes to do more to spread the joy of exercise and competition.

"I got some much out of sports that I want to give back now," she said.