[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 35 (Friday, February 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OLYMPIAN JAKE VEDDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 25, 2022

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jake Vedder, a 
young man of exceptional character and talent who valiantly represented 
his home town of Pinckney, Michigan and Team USA at the 2022 Winter 
Olympics in Beijing, China.
  At the Olympics, Vedder finished sixth out of 32 competitors in the 
individual snowboard race, and was first among the four Americans 
competing. This 23-year-old phenom was also named to one of the two 
United States tandems for the inaugural mixed team snowboard cross 
event, where he and his partner made it to the quarterfinals.
  Unlike many snowboarders, Jake wasn't born in the mountains and 
didn't grow up in a resort town. He's from Pinckney, population 2300, 
and he began his snowsports career at the age of two on the small but 
beloved ski hills in the neighboring town that were made with leftover 
material from the construction of the interstate.
  He was a kid with a dream, a family that supported it, and a 
community that nurtured it. And as his star has risen, from winning the 
state championship as a 10th grader, to winning a gold medal in the 
Youth Olympics at age 18, to competing on the world's biggest athletic 
stage at age 23, he's never forgotten where he comes from.
  Jake is known for spending whatever free time he has dishing out 
encouragement to younger athletes, giving tips on techniques, handing 
out gear, and just being present to offer support. In fact, just hours 
after returning home from the Olympics, Jake was back at Mt. Brighton 
where it all began for him, cheering on high school snowboarders who 
were competing in the state meet.
  No matter how high he jumps, how fast he races, or how far he 
travels, Jake clearly remains grounded. He is tethered by his hometown 
values, anchored by humility, and rooted in kindness. In an era where 
so many seek instant celebrity or viral fame, Jake's modest spirit and 
good nature are almost as impressive as his athletic accomplishments.
  On and off the slopes, he is a leader and a role model who has made 
Pinckney so proud. I have no doubt that whatever the future holds for 
him, he will conquer it with the tenacity, discipline, and humanity 
that have already taken him so far. It is my great honor to inscribe 
his accomplishments in the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________