Vermonters making history at the 2022 Winter Olympics
A winter scene from Starksboro, Vt. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)
Not everyone gets to witness a home-spun connection when it comes to the Olympics, but Vermont is making it an historic year at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
This week, Vermonter Ryan Cochran-Siegle won the silver medal in the super-G, becoming the first Vermonter to medal in Alpine skiing since his mother, Barbara Ann Cochran, took home the gold in 1972.
On that same day, Tuesday, Jessie Diggins, who lives in Stratton, became the first American woman to win an individual cross-country skiing medal, taking the bronze in the 1.5km sprint.
A day later, the winning ways continued, when Lindsey Jacobellis from Stratton won the USA's first gold medal of the 2022 Winter Olympics, competing in the snowboard cross.
Some members of the Vermont Army National Guard are also competing in Beijing, and one of them, Jericho resident Deedra Irwin, finished seventh in the 15k individual Biathlon. That's the best Olympic result ever by an American biathlete.
Irwin's history-making moment on Monday came just a couple days after Team USA's best-ever Olympic finish in the Biathlon mixed relay. Surging into seventh place were Vermonter Susan Dunklee and teammates Sean Doherty, Clare Egan and Paul Schommer.
Olympic glory indeed has its brightest and most memorable expression on the snow and ice. But the impact moves far beyond that, into the hearts of athletes and the many fans around the world. The greatest Olympic feat is the unity of purpose that expels any sense of division when athletes gather for these amazing, unforgettable events. And that resonates with people.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott captured this spirit well, in his recent video remarks congratulating the Vermonters competing in the 2022 Winter Games.
"Every four years, athletes from around the globe show the value of preparation, perseverance and patriotism," Scott said. "No matter what's been happening politically, the Olympics have always been a beacon of hope, pride and unity. During these times of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to show the world all the good we have to offer."
— Gareth Henderson
