Olympic Medalist J.R. Celski recognized by King County Council

April 12, 2010

Summary

Story

This week King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer led a formal recognition of Olympian J.R. Celski. J.R. represented the United States of America at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and brought home to south King County a bronze medal in the 1500M Short-Track and a bronze with the U.S. men’s 5000m relay team.

“It is a privilege to recognize such a young man. At only 19 years of age, he is recognized around the world as a premiere athlete,” said Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember. “He is a not only a great athlete, but a scholar. His drive, ambition, and appreciation for his family will take him far in life.”

J.R. grew up in Federal Way with his parents Bob and Sue Celski and two older brothers David and Chris. Bob and Sue are Federal Way natives both graduating from Federal Way High School.

J.R.’s passion for skating started with a gift of plastic Playschool adjustable inline skates on his 3rd Birthday and grew at family outings to Federal Way’s Pattison’s West Skating Rink. At 13 years old he moved with his older brother, Chris, to southern California to pursue his short track ice career and take it to the next level. There is determination and sacrifice behind every Olympian. The Celski Family rallied behind J.R.’s Olympic goal and called their journey “The Family Project.”

“The best thing about the Olympics was having my family there to cheer me on,” said J.R. Celski, 2010 Olympian. “I love representing this area and my roots.”