Watkins Glen, N.Y., June 24—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) attended the Watkins Glen High School’s annual DubG Sports Awards last Sunday night to pay tribute to senior standout Madison Tuttle for her championship in the One-Mile Racewalk at the 2026 Adidas Indoor Nationals Track and Field Championships in March in Virginia Beach.

Tuttle won the event with a time of 8:39.24. The victory marked Tuttle’s second national championship in the Mile Racewalk, which she also captured in 2024. 

Tuttle’s second national championship continues to cap a remarkable comeback from a serious ACL injury she suffered in the spring of 2022.

On Sunday, O’Mara and Palmesano presented Tuttle with a Legislative Resolution (J2334/K1591) they sponsored recognizing her national championship. The resolution was approved by the state Senate and Assembly earlier this month.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “The Watkins Glen School District has a proud history of athletic excellence, competition, and achievement. We appreciate this opportunity to congratulate and pay tribute to Maddie Tuttle as one of the school’s most accomplished and highly decorated champions. It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor her dedication, excellence, hard work, perseverance, and success. She is among the very best of our region’s remarkable student athletes who help our school communities stand out. Maddie’s career represents an inspiring story of overcoming injury and emerging as a source of enormous pride and amazing success for the entire Watkins Glen school community, as well as for her family and friends, the community at large, and our entire region.” 

The O’Mara-Palmesano resolution reads, in part, “Family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported Madison Tuttle throughout her journey as she continues to improve her overall record and add to her impressive achievements. In a sport such as racewalking, which demands athletic prowess, speed, and agility, Coach Erin Taylor-Talcott has worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching her lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off track. Coach Erin Taylor-Talcott and Madison Tuttle have clearly utilized dedication, determination, and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of this sport.”

Watkins Glen Superintendent Kai D’Alleva said, “It has been our honor to watch Maddie grow into the student-athlete that she has become. That work ethic will do her extremely well as she pursues collegiate athletics.”

Watkins Glen High School Principal Marcy Brubaker said, “Maddie’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to improvement have set the pace for others to follow.”

Athletic Director Erich Kramer said, “Over 97% of students that participate in sports in the United States have a terminal experience with athletics upon graduation.  While Maddie is one of the fewer than 3% that will endeavor to compete at the collegiate level, it is not for her athletic achievements alone that I think of Maddie Tuttle. A young woman who overcomes ACL injuries, in consecutive years, the relentless pushing of herself, and ease with which she shares a smile are first in my thoughts of Maddie. That dedication, drive, and perseverance will all be tools in her toolbox as she continues on in the field of competition and in life. Congratulations Maddie, and good luck as you chase your dreams.”

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