WHEREAS, J.R. Celski was raised in the city of Federal Way and has
been a long-time Federal Way, Washington resident; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski started his illustrious career of inline speed
skating when he was four years old, skating for Team Extreme at
Pattison's West in Federal Way; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski suffered an injury on the last day of the 2009
Olympic trials that was seemingly career ending; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski made one of the most amazing comebacks of any
professional athlete by going through four months of strenuous rehab
and conditioning to be in peak athletic form just in time for the
Olympic opening ceremony in Vancouver; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski won his first two Olympic medals within a span
of two weeks at the 2010 Vancouver games in both the 1500 meter and
5000 meter short track speed skating relays respectively; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski won the U.S. Single Distance Championships in
September of 2012 to earn a spot on the Fall World Cup Team that would
go on to compete in World Cups 1-4; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski set a world record while winning a total of 7
medals during the 2012-2013 World Cup season, including 3 silver and 1
gold; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski competed in the 2014 XXII Winter Olympic games
in Sochi, Russia, honorably representing his country and community; and
WHEREAS, On February 21, 2014, J.R. Celski and his team won a
silver medal in the short track speed skating 5000 meter relay; and
WHEREAS, J.R. Celski is a perfect example of a true winner,
combining an unparalleled drive to succeed, a dedication to his craft,
as well as humility in victory that has made him a great role model for
all of us;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
Representatives honor J.R. Celski for his passion, diligence, and
dedication to being an exemplary Olympic athlete and citizen; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be
transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to J.R.
Celski.