LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Olympian Erin Hamlin of Remsen, New
York, upon the occasion of capturing the bronze medal in women's singles
luge at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its full
recognition and grateful tribute to the outstanding athletes of New York
State who have dedicated their purposeful lives to athletic achievement
and proudly represented their great State and nation in Olympic competi-
tion; 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 Olympian Erin Hamlin upon the
occasion of capturing the bronze medal in women's singles luge at the
2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi; and
WHEREAS, On February 11, 2014, Erin Hamlin, a native of Remsen, New
York, set a blistering pace during the women's singles luge competition
at the Sanki Sliding Center in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia, opening the
race with the second fastest heat, and then turning in the third fastest
times in each of the remaining legs to complete the race with a four-run
total time of three minutes, 21.145 seconds; fast enough to claim a
long-coveted spot on the Olympic podium; and
WHEREAS, Erin Hamlin's bronze medal victory has made United States and
Olympic Games history; it marks the first time any American singles luge
athlete has earned a medal in the 50 years since luge became part of the
games; and
WHEREAS, A woman of great skill, personal courage and unparalleled
dedication, 27-year-old Erin Hamlin has an extraordinary record of
accomplishment in the luge; her character and athletic achievements are
world-renowned; and
WHEREAS, The most successful singles racer in United States Olympic
history, Erin Hamlin is a three-time Olympian; she finished 12th in the
women's singles event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, and
she was selected in December 2009 to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics
in Vancouver, Canada, where she placed 16th in the luge competition,
coming in as the highest placed American in the event; and
WHEREAS, In February 2009 she became the first American to win the
Women's Luge World Championships in Lake Placid, New York, and the
second American to ever win a medal in luging; and
WHEREAS, Erin Hamlin is a two-time Verizon United States Junior
Women's Singles National Champion, and the 2008 Verizon Women's United
States National Champion; she has also won three World Cup bronze
medals, as well as gold, silver and bronze World Cup medals in team
relay; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Eileen and Ronald Hamlin, Erin Hamlin began
her luge career at the age of 12 in Lake Placid, New York, on the same
track where she earned her world title; and
WHEREAS, In winning the bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Erin
Hamlin has not only brought honor to her family, her coaches, and her
community of friends, she has inspired the next generation of athletes
to break barriers and push beyond their perceived limits to reach for
excellence; and
WHEREAS, Many will only dream of competing in the Olympic Games; this
gifted athlete from this great Empire State, through hard work and a
tenacious spirit, has made that dream a reality; she has proudly repres-
ented 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 athletic achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Olympian Erin Hamlin upon the occasion of capturing a bronze medal
in women's singles luge at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, to
extend its heartfelt congratulations on her outstanding accomplishment,
and to wish her continued success; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Erin Hamlin.