Athletes all around the world strive to represent their country in the Olympics. But unlike so many others, Penn State student Dave Loshelder is well on his way to achieving this goal.

Loshelder, a senior majoring in education, is currently ranked No. 1 in the 56-kilo (123-pound) weight class in the sport of judo.

To attain his lofty ranking, Loshelder won a silver medal in the 1992 U.S. Open. During this tournament he defeated competitors from Guam, Argentina and Brazil, before losing in the final match to an opponent from Puerto Rico.

This incredible showing pushed Loshelder ahead of Clifton Sunada in the ranking system of United States Judo Incorporated.

Impressive accomplishments are nothing new to him though. Loshelder has won various awards, including the Pennsylvania State Championship eight consecutive years and U.S. Open silver medals in 1991 and 1992.

Despite the tremendous success he has enjoyed, Loshelder does pay a price for his dedication to the sport. Four times a week he can be found working tirelessly in the gym to perfect his craft.

"I believe you can always improve," Loshelder said. "Learning and adapting are crucial in judo and in life."

It was this spirit that drove him to Europe last summer to train with participants in judo from Italy, Russia, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and Hungary. Loshelder's two weeks in Italy were not a vacation.

"I got beat up pretty good, but unless you compete against the best, you won't improve," Loshelder said.

Judo began for Loshelder as a means of self defense when he was 9 years old. Soon, though, his competitive spirit took over and for the next 13 years judo became a sport.

During this time, Loshelder has been coached by Nick Zaffuto and Colleen Murphy of the South Hills Judo Club in Pittsburgh.

"Dave is tenacious," Murphy said. "He has a little more talent than most people, but his guts and work ethic really set him apart."

Loshelder is extremely grateful for the contributions his coaches have made to his career.

"I have had the two most supportive, inspirational, believing coaches anyone could ever ask for," Loshelder said. "They're my second family."

Loshelder's father, Gil Loshelder, agreed with this assessment.

"Dave grew up with Nick and Colleen and they were great influences on him," Gil Loshelder said.

Dave Loshelder credits his parents with setting values that helped him as he grew older. His family was supportive by providing guidance for him as his career progressed.

While at University Park, Loshelder trains with Assistant Wrestling Coach Hachiro Oishi. Loshelder admires Oishi for his mental toughness and is appreciative of all the help he has given him.

Right now Loshelder is preparing himself for the Senior Nationals. This is a tournament in which competitors from all 50 states come to do battle. For the past three years Loshelder has won a bronze medal and is working hard toward another medal preformance.

Training for these events gets quite intense as the tournament draws closer. Just prior to competition, Loshelder usually has to lose about 12 pounds and his diet will consist mostly of carbohydrates, and very few fats and proteins.

As he continues to train and compete, Loshelder does not lose sight of his primary goal -- to be wearing the red, white and blue for the United States in Atlanta in the 1996 Summer Olympics.