LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Erin Hamlin upon the occasion of captur-
ing first place in the 2009 Women's Singles Luge World Championship

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its full
recognition and grateful tribute to the athletes of New York State who
have dedicated their purposeful lives to athletic achievement and proud-
ly represented their great State and Nation in international sports
competition; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to join the
community of Remsen, New York, in honoring Erin Hamlin upon the occasion
of capturing first place in the 2009 Women's Singles Luge World Champi-
onship; and
WHEREAS, On February 6, 2009, Erin Hamlin, a 22-year-old native of
Remsen, New York, put together two first-place, track record runs,
totaling one minute, 28.098 seconds to win the Women's Luge World Cham-
pionships at the Mount Van Hoevenberg track in Lake Placid, New York;
and
WHEREAS, With her astounding victory, Erin Hamlin became the first
non-German to win a women's luge world championship since 1993, and only
the second American to ever win a medal in luging; it further paves her
way on the road to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver; and
WHEREAS, The superlative athletic achievement of Erin Hamlin in
capturing first place in the 2009 Women's Singles Luge World Champion-
ship ranks alongside of the famous United States Men's Hockey Team's
Gold Medal victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid; and
WHEREAS, Erin Hamlin learned to slide at the Mount Van Hoevenberg luge
run in Lake Placid as a teenager; she climbed the ranks of junior compe-
tition and unexpectedly raced her way onto the 2006 United States Olym-
pic team competing in Torino, Italy, finishing 12th; and
WHEREAS, A two-time Verizon United States Junior Women's Singles
National Champion, previously Erin Hamlin was on the Bronze Medal
winning Junior World Championship luge team; she is the 2008 Verizon
Women's United States National Champion in the luge; and
WHEREAS, Erin Hamlin's Luge World Championship was witnessed by her
parents, Ron and Eileen Hamlin, and her brothers, Ryan and Sean, as well
as by other members of her family, and dozens of Remsen residents; and
WHEREAS, A role model for all, Erin Hamlin is a talented, dedicated
athlete who has brought honor to her family, her coaches, and her commu-
nity of friends who have encouraged her progress and commended her hard
work; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Erin Hamlin's character and achievements
stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who would aspire to
such extraordinary success; and
WHEREAS, Many will only dream of competing in international sports
competition; this young gifted athlete from the great State of New York,
through her hard work and tenacious spirit, has made that vision a real-
ity, and has proudly represented her country, in competition among the
world's finest athletes, an honor that gives just cause for her family,
community and State to be exceedingly proud of her achievements; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Erin Hamlin upon the occasion of capturing first place in the 2009
Women's Singles Luge World Championship, and extend its heartfelt
congratulations on her athletic achievements, and wish her continued
success; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Erin Hamlin, Remsen, New York.