AEHS recognizes 2006 Olympic bronze-medal performance of Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards

Editor’s note: During the 2007 Jaanipäev celebration at Lincoln Hall, Bob Kingsep recognized Mellisa’s achievements on behalf of the Society. Mellisa is the 2006 women’s world cup champion in Skeleton and the 2006 Olympic Winter Games Bronze medalist.

Mellisa, please accept this token on behalf of the AEHS as recognition of your achievements as a world-class high performance athlete.

Estonians tend to strive for perfection and, as such, we can appreciate your commitments to being the best. Naturally we presume your Estonian Pioneer Heritage plays a role in your success!

We congratulate you on your accomplishments and assure you that our hearts will be with you on every high-speed split-secondrun you take on the World Cup circuit and the road to Vancouver 2010!

All the best
Bob Kingsep
President, AEHS

Mellisa was unable to be present in person because of prior commitments to her sponsors; however, her aunt Jean Maki gratefully accepted the award on her behalf and read out a message of thanks from Mellisa:

Thank you for the special recognition. I am a 5 th generation Estonian on my mother’s side. It took me 10 years to accomplish my dream of standing on the Olympic podium. There were many trying times where I could have very easily given up, but I continued to strive for excellence and stay determined. I’m sure my ancestors could identify these struggles as they ventured into the unknown promised land of Canada. I’m so grateful to my ancestors that I was given the opportunity to grow up and live in this wonderful country.

In 3 years time, I can’t imagine anything more exciting than to compete at home with family and friends all supporting and encouraging me to do my best, which could possibly be standing on top of the podium at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.

Thank you for your support
Sincerely,
Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards

Note: Skeleton involves racing a sled down an icy track. Unlike luge, skeleton sleds are ridden in the prone position, face first, on the stomach.

Late news flash!

November 29, 2007. At the season-opening Skeleton World Cup event in Calgary, Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards won a silver medal!! We wish Mellisa continued success on the World Cup circuit in the months and years ahead as she prepares for the 2010 Olympics.

Compiled by Dave Kiil