"It means so much to my mom to win the O.C. Tanner Inspiration award," Baumgartner said. "Just to see the excitement in her eyes and be able to give her something that truly celebrates her sacrifice and love for our family is unbelievable. I m so happy that so many people appreciate her amazing example and influence as much as I do."
A first-time Olympian who competes in snowboardcross, Baumgartner's tribute to his mother was one of 40 athlete tributes posted to Facebook, a page that generated more than 850,000 total votes and more than 1,700 fans. Describing the significant sacrifices she made to raise him as well as several foster children, Baumgartner wrote, "It is my mother who built my character, taught me through her example and lead me on the journey to reach my goals. With four boys to raise while my father was working on the road, she had her hands full. Our financial resources were limited but my mother s resources of kindness, generosity and love were limitless. Our lives changes when we adopted our little sister Ida. My parents then decided to become foster parents for other children who needed stable and loving environments. While providing for these children, my mother took it upon herself to help the parents of these kids overcome their drug and alcohol addictions. The loving and supportive environment I grew up in has made me who I am today. My parents taught me that money isn t everything. Love is. Share the love you have and help others. Fight for what and who you believe in. Give of yourself, your time and talents. Help others. Thank you mom, you truly are one of a kind."
Nodding to the influence of mentors for Olympic athletes in ancient Greece, the Inspiration Award features a laurel crown and the words "Inspire, Olympian and Mentor" in Greek. The memento will serve to spread appreciation and acknowledgement to those who will likely never receive Olympic medals of their own, but who made it possible for someone else.
