Lawmakers recognize Idaho Olympians
The Idaho House is considering a concurrent resolution recognizing the Idahoans selected to represent the United States in the Winter Olympics.
Once it passes both houses of the legislature and gets the Governor’s signature, a copy of the resolution will go to each of the Olympic team members.
The resolution reads, in part:
“WHEREAS, on the snowy slopes and trails or on icy surfaces, approximately 240 extraordinary Americans will represent our nation with pride as members of the U.S. Olympic team; and WHEREAS, Idaho is internationally known as a winter sports destination with a rich winter sports history, including the nation’s first destination ski resort, and it is not surprising that five athletes from the Gem State are members of this impressive team.”
The five Idaho athletes included in the resolution include returning Olympian, slopestyle and big-air snowboarder Jessika Jenson of Rigby. Two-time Olympian and two-time ice hockey silver-medalist Hilary Knight of Sun Valley, and Chase Josey of Hailey debuting in the snowboard half-pipe event.
Two men with Idaho roots are part of the U.S. Bobsled team. They are two-time Olympian and former Boise State University track athlete Nick Cunningham and Olympic newcomer and former University of Idaho athlete Sam Michener.
A sixth athlete, Breezy Johnson of Victor, just missed a spot on the final team. She was ranked Number 5 in downhill skiing standings, but the U.S. team could only place four women in the Olympic downhill.
