Utah Legislature honors Olympians Ryan White and University of Utah Red Rocks team

The Utah House of Representatives celebrated the remarkable achievements of local Olympians during a recent session, highlighting the pride these athletes bring to the state. Representative Perucci took the floor to honor Ryan White, a swimmer from Utah who made history as the first swimmer from the state to compete in the Olympics. White earned a silver medal in the 4x100 medley relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and also placed fourth in both the 100 and 200 meter backstroke events. Her dedication to the sport continues, as she recently won a gold medal in the 200 meter backstroke at the 2021 World Short Course Championships.

The recognition didn’t stop there. Representative Hawkins also acknowledged members of the University of Utah Red Rocks gymnastics team, including Mikaela Skinner, who won a silver medal in vault at the Tokyo Olympics and is a two-time NCAA champion. Other team members, Kara Eacker and Amalie Morgan, were also celebrated for their impressive accomplishments, including their contributions to Team USA and the UK Olympic team, respectively.

The House presented citations to these athletes, expressing gratitude for their hard work and the pride they instill in Utah residents. The event underscored the importance of community support in the athletes' journeys, with family members present to share in the celebration.

As the session continued, the focus on these young athletes served as a reminder of the potential and talent emerging from Utah, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond.