On the recordApril 12, 2010
I wish to recognize the athleticism of the Alaska members of the 2010 U.S. Winter Olympic team. These six outstanding Alaskans represent not only some of the finest and most skilled athletes in the United States but are also incredible examples of Alaska's grit and determination. Alaska is very proud to have these six outstanding athletes competing in this year's Winter Olympics. Callan Chythlook Sifsof of Girdwood, AK, competed in the snowboard cross competition. Callan is the first Alaska Native to make the U.S. Winter Olympic team. She grew up in a part of Alaska known as 'the Bush' and spent her first years in a village along the Bering Sea. Before moving to Girdwood, Callan never imagined herself as an Olympian. She holds the double title of 2007 U.S. national champion and junior national champion in boardercross. Jeremy Teela's home town is Anchorage, AK. He finished ninth in the 10-kilometer biathlon sprint during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the best American result to date in biathlon. A member of the 2002, 2006, and 2010 U.S. Olympic teams, Teela's career has spanned more than a decade of impressive finishes. He has been a member of the U.S. national team since 1996. Jay Hakkinen, of Kasilof, AK, is a three-time Olympian, and his 10th place finish in the Olympic 20-kilometer individual biathlon competition in 2006 solidified his reputation as one of the top biathletes in the United States.
