Olympians got their start in Vermont

Two Olympic athletes who got their start in Vermont—at Okemo and Okemo Mountain School—will get a lot of cheers this week. Okemo skiers and riders will be cheering for first-time Olympian Julia Ford and Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Teter when they compete at Sochi as members of the U.S. Olympic Team. "At OMS we couldn't be more thrilled for Julia Ford to be named to the U.S. Olympic Alpine Ski Team," said OMS Head of School Mariel Meringolo. "Julia began her ski racing career in the Okemo Mountain Competitions Program and attended Okemo Mountain School in middle school. Though she moved onto Holderness School in N.H., where her father is the director of residential life, she has remained very connected to Okemo. Julia makes it a point to come back to Okemo and OMS several times each year - she can be found forerunning races, training with our athletes both on and off the hill, or giving inspirational talks. One of the most down-to-earth people I have ever met, she is an incredible role model and always so kind to the younger athletes. " Hannah Teter, a Vermont native, captured gold in the 2006 Olympic Games. "It's the syrup, baby," became the battle cry of her adoring fans, echoing Teter's endorsement for her family's lifelong avocation as sugarmakers. She claimed silver in 2010 and now has her sights set on Sochi. Known as well for her charitable endeavors as her halfpipe prowess, Teter, who is originally from Belmont, Vt., grew up riding at Okemo and attended OMS. "Diane and I are thrilled for Julia and Hannah," said Okemo Co-owner Tim Mueller. "They are both extraordinary athletes and wonderful young women. They have earned their positions as being among the best in the country at skiing and snowboarding and they are very generous in giving back to the sport and the young athletes. We are both very proud that they started their careers and training at Okemo."

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Olympians got their start in Vermont

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