FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USSA
February 24, 2015
Let's Celebrate
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This morning, cross country fans and kids around our nation woke up and watched live as Jessie Diggins and Caitlin Gregg made U.S. history, winning silver and bronze in the women’s 10k freestyle cross country race at the nordic World Championships in Falun, Sweden. This result marks the first-ever distance medal for the U.S. women at the World Championships or Olympics. Jessie and Caitlin’s results showcase years of hard work, dedication and believing that athletes can turn their dream of reaching the podium into a reality.
With the help of their teammates, coaches and technicians, these remarkable athletes achieved their dreams. It is with great joy that I congratulate Jessie and Caitlin on their unprecented performances!
Their medals will have a lasting impact on cross country sking in America. Jessie has long been a pied piper for the sport, her personality captivating for kids. In schools around Minneapolis today, the hundreds of kids in Caitlin’s own Loppet Nordic Racing program will speak with pride about their coach and mentor. Coach Matt Whitcomb said it best tonight in Falun when he exclaimed, ‘the group I’m most happy for today are all the nine year old kids in America who will be motivated by these medals.’
Today, Jessie and Caitlin were given an opportunity with fast skis and falling snow. They capitalized! As their supporters, let’s also capitalize on this opportunity on behalf of the next generation by using this medals day to ignite a new wave of support for our athletes.
No athlete reaches the podium alone. It takes the support of the skiing community, friends, family and fellow fans to help them reach the pinnacle. Throughout the duration of the 2015 Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, all funds raised on RallyMe will go directly to supporting our nordic athlete programs. Go to ussa.rallyme.com to support our nordic athletes to be Best in the World and join me in celebrating our team!
Tiger Shaw
President and CEO
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association