When you think of the Olympics, your mind probably wanders to the grand arenas of Tokyo, the snowy slopes of Sochi, or the historic streets of Athens. But what if I told you that the spirit of the Olympics also pulses through the heart of Central Minnesota? Yep, right here in St. Cloud, MN! You might be wondering, “How on earth does this small city in the land of 10,000 lakes relate to the global spectacle that is the Olympics?” Well, let me take you on a journey to uncover this unexpected connection.
Gold Medals and Granite City
St. Cloud is affectionately known as the “Granite City,” a nod to its rich history in the granite industry. The granite quarries of St. Cloud have provided the material for countless monuments across the country, including some that have honored Olympic athletes. In a way, St. Cloud’s granite has become part of the very fabric of Olympic history.
St. Cloud’s Hometown Heroes on the World Stage
When the Olympic Games come around every few years, the world watches as athletes from across the globe compete for glory, including some from right here in St. Cloud, MN.
Alise Willoughby (Post): The BMX Phenom
When it comes to BMX racing, Alise Willoughby (Post) is a name that commands respect. Born and raised in St. Cloud, Alise’s journey to the Olympics began at a young age on the track at Pineview Park BMX.
Alise’s Olympic dreams came true when she represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics, again in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where she captured the silver medal, and most recently in Paris. Over the years Alise has dominated the sport, becoming a multi-time World Champion and one of the most decorated BMX racers in history. Her achievements have made her a hometown hero in St. Cloud, where she’s inspired countless young athletes to chase their own Olympic dreams.
Bret Hedican: A Hockey Legend
No discussion of St. Cloud’s Olympic athletes would be complete without mentioning Bret Hedican, a standout in the world of ice hockey. Raised in St. Cloud, Hedican’s love for the sport blossomed on the local rinks, eventually leading him to play for St. Cloud State University. His stellar college career paved the way for a successful stint in the NHL.
Hedican’s Olympic journey took him to the Winter Games twice—first in 1992 in Albertville, France, and again in 2006 in Turin, Italy. As a key member of Team USA, Bret brought the toughness and determination that St. Cloud is known for to the international stage. His legacy in both the NHL and the Olympics has cemented his status as one of St. Cloud’s greatest sports icons.
Anne Schleper: Leading the Charge in Women’s Hockey
St. Cloud’s connection to the Olympics doesn’t end with Bret Hedican. The city also boasts Anne Schleper, a trailblazer in women’s hockey. Born and raised in St. Cloud, Anne grew up playing hockey with a passion that would eventually take her all the way to the Olympic Games.
Anne was a key player for Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where she helped her team secure a silver medal. Her journey from local rinks to the Olympic podium is a testament to her skill, determination, and the strong support of the St. Cloud community. Anne’s success has inspired a new generation of girls in St. Cloud to lace up their skates and chase their hockey dreams.
Herb Brooks: St. Cloud’s Link to the Miracle on Ice
When you hear the name Herb Brooks, you might instantly think of the “Miracle on Ice,” that legendary moment during the 1980 Winter Olympics when the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team defied all odds and defeated the seemingly invincible Soviet Union with coach Herb Brooks at the helm.
While Brooks wasn’t born in St. Cloud, his influence on the hockey community here is undeniable. The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University is a testament to the lasting impact of Brooks’ philosophy. The arena, which has hosted countless thrilling games and produced some incredible hockey talent, is a place where the spirit of the “Miracle on Ice” still resonates. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, stepping into the arena is like stepping into a piece of hockey history, a place where the lessons of Herb Brooks are alive and well.
The Future of St. Cloud’s Olympic Dreams
St. Cloud’s Olympic legacy is already impressive, but the city isn’t done yet. With a strong focus on sports at both the community and collegiate levels, the next generation of Olympic hopefuls is already being nurtured right here in Central Minnesota. Whether on the ice, the track, or the BMX course, St. Cloud’s athletes continue to chase their dreams with the same determination and passion that propelled their predecessors to Olympic glory.