Bill Text: VA HJR924 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Michael Wardian.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-23 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ924ER) [HJR924 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HJR924-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Michael Wardian of Arlington, an American marathoner and ultramarathoner, set a new world record when he ran and won seven back-to-back marathons in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge; and
WHEREAS, Michael "Mike" Wardian was one of 32 men and women to finish the World Marathon Challenge in January 2017, a whirlwind trip around the globe for seven marathons on seven continents in seven days; and
WHEREAS, Mike Wardian not only won all seven marathons but he also broke the three-hour mark in each of the races in Union Glacier, Antarctica; Punta Arenas, Chile; Miami, Florida; Madrid, Spain; Marrakech, Morocco; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Sydney, Australia; and
WHEREAS, Mike Wardian shattered the previous World Marathon Challenge record by more than 45 minutes with an average time of 2:45:57 for all of the 26.2-mile races; his slowest time was in Antarctica, where wind chill temperatures were 22 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit); and
WHEREAS, following his performance in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge, Mike Wardian was named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week; he was previously honored by USA Track & Field as the Men's Master Ultra Trail Runner of the Year in 2014 for both roads and trails; and
WHEREAS, Mike Wardian is a graduate of Oakton High School in Vienna and Michigan State University, where he played Division 1 lacrosse; he began to run competitively only after graduating from college; and
WHEREAS, Mike Wardian's most recent record-setting performance, and his marathon and ultramarathon career, would not be possible without the love and support of his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Pierce and Grant; and
WHEREAS, while at times the 2017 World Marathon Challenge pushed Mike Wardian to his limits, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he will always cherish; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael Wardian on winning and setting a new record in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael Wardian as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his awe-inspiring determination, endurance, and stamina in the field of competitive long-distance running.