As Hamlin completes her final run, friends and family back home continue their support
Story Created:
Feb 16, 2010 at 1:58 PM EST
Story Updated:
Feb 16, 2010 at 6:23 PM EST
DEERFIELD, N.Y. (WKTV) - Erin Hamlin has finished competing in the luge competition in Vancouver.
Those who couldn't be in Vancouver alongside her, continued to show their support with gatherings and parties in Hamlin's hometown of Remsen.
It's the second foray into the Olympics for Hamlin after finishing 12th in Torino, Italy four years ago. The Remsen native is coming off her best year as a luger, winning three medals. The biggest win came on her home track in Lake Placid, where she ended Germany's 12 year win streak that spanned 99 straight races in World Cup action.
No American has ever won an Olympic medal in the singles event of the luge. However, Hamlin's most recent success spurred speculation by many that she might have a real shot in winning a medal in Vancouver. Many outlets, including Sports Illustrated, predicted Hamlin to win a bronze medal.
However, as of Tuesday afternoon, it seemed a medal might just be out of Hamlin's reach this time around though she certainly doesn't appear to be giving up.
At 23, Hamlin is still quite young for a luger. With the next winter games in Sochi, Russia looming ahead in 2014, many wonder whether Hamlin will continue to compete when the time comes. Before heading to Vancouver, Hamlin's mother was asked whether or not her daughter will attempt to compete in Russia.
"She has that hunger to maybe put some more in," said Eilleen Hamlin, speculating about her daughter's future. "So if you have that hunger and drive still - okay, she's not ready to be done yet."
