[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E54-E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING TRISTEN VIDLUND AND TORREY COOKMAN FOR COMPETING AT THE 
                    NATURAL LUGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 17, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, It's my honor to recognize Tristen Vidlund 
and Torrey Cookman for their participation in the Natural Luge World 
Championship. Through their perseverance and determination, Tristen and 
Torrey have distinguished themselves as members of the U.S. Natural 
Track Luge Team.
  Tristen, 17, and Torrey, 13, are both natives to the Upper Peninsula 
of Michigan and have

[[Page E55]]

competed in Natural Track, or Naturbahn, Luge for several years. They 
departed Michigan on Christmas Day for the World Championship series, 
which was held in Austria and Italy in early January. There they raced 
against world-class competition and represented Michigan and the United 
States with pride and dignity both on and off the track. Additionally, 
following this series, Tristen was requested by the International Luge 
Federation to stay in Europe for further competitions.
  Tristen and Torrey are both members of the Upper Peninsula Luge Club. 
The UPLC's 800 meter, 32-turn track is the only natural luge track in 
the United States and one of only five lighted natural tracks in the 
world. The club hosts community events, luge instructions, and 
international competitions--including the 1995 Naturbahn World Cup. 
Their coach, Keith Whitman, is a native of the Upper Peninsula, a 40-
year veteran of the sport, and a former National Luge Champion. The 
International Luge Federation is in the process of petitioning the 
International Olympic Committee to make Naturbahn Luge part of the 2022 
Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
  Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Tristen Vidlund and Torrey 
Cookman for their participation in the Natural Luge World Championship 
as members of the US, Natural Track Luge Team. Michiganders can take 
great pride in knowing the First District is home to such talented and 
dedicated individuals. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Torrey and 
Tristen all the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________