On the recordMarch 1, 2018
I rise today to congratulate Team USA and to recognize the contributions of so many Minnesotans at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. I am happy to be joined here by my Senate colleague from Minnesota, Senator Smith. Why are Senator Smith and I here today? We are here because we had an incredible Olympics, with Minnesota really leading the way when it came to the gold medals. Of course, our State is no stranger to the Olympics. We have sent athletes to compete in women's basketball and cycling. But it shouldn't be a surprise that it is the Winter Olympics where the bold northern State really shines. We have a couple of things going for us. The weather is kind of cold. There is snow, so people are able to practice. We also have a great athletic program at our high schools, and we have a lot of team spirit, which is especially helpful in the teams we were a part of that won the gold, including men's curling and women's hockey. Of the 243 athletes who were on Team USA, 23 have ties to Minnesota, making it the third highest represented State. These athletes competed at the highest level and showed the world just what our State could do. If Minnesota were competing as a country, it would be tied for 12th, globally in the number of gold medals won. But we are not a country; we are a proud State. This success is something all Minnesotans can celebrate. Mr. President, here are some examples for you.…
