WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State House of Representatives to recognize the achievements and hard work of Olympic athletes representing Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, Brian Gregg, Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen and Torin Koos competed for the cross-country program of the United States Nordic Ski Team during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Krasnador Krai, Russia; and
     WHEREAS, These four North Central Washington area natives set high goals and overcame adversity in order to qualify for and compete in the 2014 Olympic games; and
     WHEREAS, These athletes deserve recognition for the hard work and dedication they have displayed over the years to achieve this high honor; and
     WHEREAS, Brian Gregg, a Winthrop native and distance and freestyle specialist on the 14-member cross-country skiing team, placed 47th in the 30k skiathlon and the 15km classic, and 51st in the 50k mass start free style; and
     WHEREAS, Sadie Bjornsen, also of Winthrop, competed in her first Olympic event and placed 31st in the cross-country ladies skiathlon 7.5km classic and in the 7.5km free skiathlon, 18th in the 10km classic, and 9th in the 4X5km cross-country relay; and
     WHEREAS, Erik Bjornsen, Sadie Bjornsen's younger brother and making his debut on the national team, placed 42nd in the skiathlon 15km classic and 15km free skiathlon, 38th in the 15km classic, 11th in the 4X10km relay, and 6th in the sprint free classic; and
     WHEREAS, Torin Koos remains the reigning United States national freestyle sprint champion, winning his eighth national championship at the 2014 United States Cross Country Championships in January; and
     WHEREAS, Koos has competed in a total of four Olympic events – Salt Lake City, Utah; Turin, Italy; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Sochi, Krasnador Krai, Russia; and
     WHEREAS, Gregg and the Bjornsen siblings are alumni of the Methow Valley Nordic Team; and
     WHEREAS, Koos is a long-time participant of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club; and
     WHEREAS, This body recognizes that these Washington-raised Olympic competitors are outstanding examples of the many opportunities provided by communities within the 12th Legislative District; and
     WHEREAS, Cross-country skiing is a proud tradition in both the Methow Valley and Leavenworth communities and is significant to these communities' identities; and
     WHEREAS, The accomplishments of these four athletes raise awareness of the recreation opportunities these communities have to offer and that outdoor recreation contributes to both fitness and tourism;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and honor Brian Gregg, Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen, and Torin Koos, who represented our communities, state, and country in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Krasnador Krai, Russia, and acknowledge them for their endurance, determination, and hard work as they tirelessly pursued their sport. The House of Representatives further recognize that these Olympic athletes are deserving of their many achievements and accolades and should be honored for these accomplishments; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives immediately transmit copies of this resolution to Brian Gregg, Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen, Torin Koos, the Board of Directors of the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club.