
Alaskan Olympians
Every four years, we get to watch world-class athletes and hear their heart-warming stories in the Olympics. Part of the fun is rooting for athletes with ties to home. We’ve had our share of Alaskans competing over the years.
The site Ranker.com lists these former Olympians from Alaska:
Alan Alborn, ski jumping
Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, snowboarding
Hilary Lindh, alpine skiing
James Southam, Nordic (cross country) skiing
Jay Jakkinen, biathlon
Jeff Pain, skeleton
Jessica Schultz, curling
Kikkan Randall, Nordic skiing
Pam Dreyer, ice hockey
Rosey Fletcher, snowboarding
Scott Gomez, ice hockey
Sports-Reference.com also lists:
Barbara Britch, Nordic skiing
Kelsey Campbell, wrestling
Don Clary, 5000 meter running
Sue Forbes, Nordic skiing
Megan Gerety, alpine skiing
Peter Lash, Jr., handball
Margie Mahoney, Nordic skiing
Diana Olson, rowing
Bill Spencer, Nordic skiing
Ryan Stassel, snowboarding
Kirsten Thorsness, rowing
Lynn von der Heide-Spencer-Galanes, Nordic skiing
Kerry Weiland, ice hockey
And we have a great group in our current Alaskan Olympians:
Corey Cogdell-Unrien won a bronze medal in trapshooting. Alev Kelter’s team (the first women’s rugby team at the Olympics) came in fifth place. Janay DeLoach is competing in the long jump, and Matt Emmons is competing in riflery later in the games. We are proud of all of them for their dedication and the inspiration they give us. May we all use their example as motivation to meet our own goals in life, whether athletic or otherwise.
lynnlovegreen
I love to share my passion for Alaska and its history in my writing for young adults and their grown ups.
