Gov. Shumlin thanks Vermont’s 2014 Winter Olympians for ‘making your state proud’

MONTPELIER – Joined today by lawmakers and others who supported Vermont Olympians at the 2014 Winter Games in February, Gov. Peter Shumlin hosted five athletes in his State House Ceremonial Office and thanked all 19 Vermont Olympians for their strong performance in Sochi, Russia.

“You made your state proud,” the Governor told the five — Hannah Kearney of Norwich,  Ida Sargent of Orleans, Sophie Caldwell of Peru, Liz Stephen of East Montpelier, and Susan Dunklee of Barton. “We cheered for you, celebrated your performances, and were thrilled that such outstanding athletes represented Vermont in the Winter Olympics.”

The athletes were also recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Legislature, and presented medallions created by Simon Pearce artisan glassblowing  company headquartered in Windsor, Vermont.

“As Vermonters and Olympic athletes, you all help shine a global light on our little state’s world class ski areas,” said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. “Ski Vermont and our alpine and Nordic resorts owe you many thanks and we couldn’t have been more proud watching you all compete during the Sochi Olympics. You have not only enhanced Vermont’s rich ski culture and history, but you act as an inspiration to the youth of our state and beyond.”

Vermont’s delegation included:

(In attendance)

Hannah Kearney

(Norwich, VT)

2014 Sochi Olympics: Took home bronze medal in the Women’s Freestyle Moguls

History: Hannah was the defending Olympic champion in women’s moguls, after winning gold in Vancouver in 2010. She is a two-time world champion and four-time national champ, who has also dominated World Cup competition to the tune of three overall moguls crowns and a pair of overall freestyle titles.

Ida Sargent

(Orleans, VT)
2014 Sochi Olympics: Cross country, 19th in Women’s Free Sprint; 34th in Women’s 10k Classic
History: Sargent enjoyed a strong competitive season in 2013 on the World Cup circuit, with three top-10s in team sprints, two top-10s in individual sprints and two top-20s in distance races. She competed in college at Dartmouth, where she helped lead the Big Green to undefeated seasons in 2009 and 2010.

Sophie Caldwell
(Stratton Mountain School; Peru, VT)
2014 Sochi Olympics: Cross country, 6th in Women’s Free Sprint; 32nd in Women’s 10k Classic; 8th in Team Sprint Classic
History: Placed 20th in the individual sprint at the 2013 World Championships. Was a  five-time All-American at Dartmouth.

Liz Stephen
(Burke Mountain Academy; East Montpelier, VT)
2014 Sochi Olympics: Cross country, 12th in Women’s Skiathlon 7.5k; 9th in Women’s 4x5k Relay
History: Ended 15th in the 2013 World Cup distance standings and was 4th in the 4x5km relay, which was the highest of any U.S. women’s relay team in history and 5th in the 10km freestyle at 2013 World Championships. Stephen won her first U.S. championship at age 19.

Susan Dunklee
(Barton, VT)
2014 Sochi Olympics: Biathlon, 14th in 7.5k Sprint;18th in 10k Pursuit; 34th in 15k Individual; 12th in 12.5k Mass Start; 9th in Mixed Team Relay; 7th in 4×6 Relay
History: 2012 World Championship fifth place for individual race. Missed a sprint medal at 2014 World Cup event by sixth-tenths of a second. An alumna of St. Johnsbury Academy, Dunklee helped Dartmouth win its first NCAA ski championship in 31 years in 2010.

(Not in attendance)