ST. PAUL, Minn. – With 12 Minnesota athletes in the Paris Olympics, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Friday as Minnesota Olympians Day. Athlete with Minnesota ties:

> Sarah Bacon, diving. From Indianapolis. Schooled at University of Minnesota.

> Naphessa Collier, basketball. From Jefferson City, Missouri. Schooled at University of Connecticut. Played with Minnesota Lynx.

> Lara Dallman-Weiss, sailing. From Shoreview, Minnesota.

> Anthony Edwards, basketball. From Atlanta, Georgia. Schooled at University of Georgia. Played with Minnesota Timberwolves.

> Sunisa Lee, artistic gymnastics. From St. Paul. Schooled at Auburn University in Alabama.

> Dakotah Lindwurm, marathon. From ST. Francis, Minnesota. Schooled at Northen State University in South Dakota.

>Payton Otterdahl, shot put. From Rosemount, Minnesota. Schooled at North Dakota State University.

> Cheryl Reeve, Team USA’s women’s basketball coach. From Sewell. New Jersey. Schooled at LaSalle University n Pennsylvania.

> Regan Smith, swimming. From Apple Valley, Minnesota. Schooled at Stanford University and Arizona State University.

> Jordan Thompson, volleyball. From Edna, Minnesota. Schooled at University of Cincinnati.

>Matthew Wilkinson, 3000 steeplechase. From Minnetonka, Minnesota. Schooled at Carleton College and University of Minnesota.

>Alise Willoughby, BMX racing. From St. Cloud, Minnesota. Raced in the National Bicycle League and American Bicycle Association.

SIEBAR

Verbatim

Walz: “For decades, Minnesota athletes have excelled on the Olympic stage with record-breaking performances and inspiring achievements. I am immensely proud of the passionate, hard-working, determined individuals who will be representing Minnesota in the Paris Olympics. Regardless of the hardware brought home, Minnesota has a lot to celebrate this Olympic season.”