Randy Anderson, president of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, probably said it best when referring to Fredonia native Jenn Suhr’s athletic impact on this region and Chautauqua County. After Suhr won the gold in the 2012 Olympics, Anderson reaped praise on one of the greatest athletes to ever come from Western New York.

“As far as an individual sport, I honestly can’t think of anyone who has achieved anything greater,” he said. “Mount Rushmore? Maybe they are going to have to build a separate mountain for her.”

For the last 15 years, we have all taken pride in her accomplishments. Who could have ever imagined the heights she would reach after graduating from Fredonia High School and Roberts Wesleyan where she was known more for her abilities in basketball. But in 2004, she began to pole vault and quickly succeeded.

More than once during that time span, our communities came together to cheer her on during 2008, ’12 and ’16 as signs of support filled the lawns of northern Chautauqua County. She responded to that support, always graciously, by returning here to hold pole-vaulting events in the village’s Barker Common that drew crowds as well as Steele Hall at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Besides all the records — including 17 U.S. championships, a feat no other American pole vaulter has ever done, and 12 American records — she gave us a reason to cheer like no other. Those three Summer Olympic games — and her efforts — will never be forgotten in her hometown.

Her journey has been phenomenal. We’re all so lucky to have been a part of those championships.