[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1480-E1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO STEIN ERIKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to a renowned 
ski racer from Aspen, Colorado. Stein Erikson has been a great 
ambassador for the sport of skiing and inspires many Americans and ski 
enthusiasts around the world. I am privileged to stand before this body 
of Congress and this Nation to recognize his accomplishments and 
commitment to the sport of skiing.
  Initially Stein moved to Aspen from Norway in 1958 and has been 
racing and instructing skiers ever since. Stein won a gold and silver 
medal in the giant slalom, and slalom for the Norwegian ski team in the 
1952 Oslo Olympics and several medals from the 1950 and 1954 World 
Championships. He is best known however for his ski school instruction. 
He began teaching at Boyne Mountain, Michigan and then moved to 
Heavenly Valley, California before landing at Aspen Highlands in 
Snowmass ski school. Recently Stein was inducted into the Colorado Ski 
and Snowboard Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the sport over 
the years.
  Stein is famous for his execution of an aerial somersault that has 
since been dubbed the X games of the early days in Aspen ski history. 
He was the first skier to perform a forward flip or Moby flip that 
helped to usher in the beginning of freestyle skiing. Stein, who was 
knighted by the King of Norway in 1997 for his contributions to his 
home country's favorite sport remains an active fixture in the American 
skiing scene. Not only did he ski every day last ski season but he can 
outpace many skiers half his age and his trademark Norwegian sweaters 
that he made popular fifty years ago continue to warm skiers today.
  Mr. Speaker Stein Erikson is an internationally accomplished skier 
that has been a great ambassador for his sport and inspired many 
Americans to chase after their dreams. He has enriched the lives of the 
members of his Aspen community and I am honored to recognize his 
achievements before this body of Congress and this nation today. 
Congratulations on your induction Stein, and I wish you all the best in 
your future endeavors.

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