A sense of satisfaction was Steven Penland’s reaction after his former prize student, Emery Lehman, won a bronze medal in speedskating at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
“I’m very happy for Emery,” said Penland, head coach of the Franklin Park Speedskating Club, where Lehman perfected his craft as a teenager.
“Whenever an American skater wins a medal, I’m ecstatic. All of our winter sports people are doing it because they love the sport, but they’re also going up against professionals (from other countries).
“Emery did take time off to go to college. Our athletes also have to find a job and support themselves. In our sport, we’ve seen a number of promising skaters say they can’t afford it, and must quit.”
More Top Picks Best Angle Grinders For Cutting
The years have gone by quickly since Penland chauffeured Lehman and other top skaters to long-track workouts in downtown Milwaukee.
“They were just little kids when I met them, and now I’ve seen them grow up,” he said.
Lifelong Oak Park resident Lehman, 25, won his first Olympic medal in the team pursuit competition on Feb. 15. It was his third Olympics. He will not rest after the conclusion: he was scheduled to go from Beijing halfway around the world to Norway on Feb. 21 for the World Championships, and then to the Netherlands for the World Cup final.
Only after that endurance test will he get a chance to rest and perhaps see the home folks for a short time before workouts begin in April for the next competitive speedskating season.
Lehman will get exercise greeting everyone who wants to meet him and check out his medal when he comes back to Oak Park.
The one official recognition already planned will be from the Village Board.
“We will host a proclamation in his honor at a future Village Board meeting when it can be presented to him in person,” said Village President Vicki Scaman.
“We are extremely proud and excited for Emery and his family for this huge accomplishment. I have seen posters around town. Oak Parkers have been rooting him on all the way.
“I am blown away even attempting to comprehend the level of hard work and self-discipline coupled with passion and love of a sport that carries you to the Olympics. Emery has served our nation proud and Oak Park even prouder.”
Lehman does not crave ceremony. Instead, he most loved dropping by the Paul Hruby Ice Arena to meet younger skaters and sign autographs. That was the arena where Lehman played youth hockey and developed his love for speed on ice.
– Original Credit:
“He is a great role model to young athletes and, over the years, has visited our youth summer camps and sports classes sharing his Olympic journey and encouraging kids to work hard and pursue their dreams,” said Ann Marie Buczek, spokesperson for the Park District of Oak Park.
Hruby, who might be called Mr. Oak Park Hockey, directed the youth program during Lehman’s days on ice. He still will step in to coach a class if needed at the arena.
“Emery was a model athlete,” Hruby said. “He was dedicated, always on time and very much interested in improving his skills. His parents were very involved in our program, too. They were always at the rink to support him and help us manage the players.
“I am proud to know that we were a part of Emery’s development. How fortunate we are that the Park District provided an ice arena where many residents were and still are able to develop life-time skills.”
The Park District’s top officials celebrated one of their program’s alumni having medaled in Beijing.
“We wish Emery a heartfelt congratulations on winning a bronze medal,” said Executive Director Jan Arnold. “We are beyond thrilled to have one of our very own park district kids go on to compete on the world stage doing what he loves.”
Added Bill Hamilton, superintendent of special facilities, which includes the Hruby Arena:”It’s a pretty amazing feeling when you know that a kid who was active in our programs, skated on our ice, has gone on to accomplish such great things.”
When Lehman left for his first Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, as an Oak Park-River Forest High School senior, the school had a sendoff ceremony in its lobby. In 2014, Lehman was the school’s 12th Olympian.
“Oak Park and River Forest High School congratulates Class of 2014 graduate Emery Lehman and his teammates on their bronze medal win at the Beijing Olympic Games!,” said school spokeswoman Jackie McGoey.
“Emery’s hard work, perseverance and pursuit of Those Things That Are Best makes him a role model for all Huskie students. We couldn’t be more proud of Emery as he celebrates this memorable moment in his speedskating career.”
Now the kids who have come up behind Lehman will have a certified role model to follow.
More Top Picks Best Camping Cots For Adults
“If he’s back in town, he will stop at the (speedskating) club and say hi to the kids,” Penland said. “He’ll bring his medal, and all the kids will ooh and aah.”