[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BONNIE BLAIR

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to congratulate Bonnie Blair--an exceptional woman from my 
home State of Illinois who became the most decorated woman in U.S. 
Olympic history today by winning her sixth Olympic medal.
  Bonnie Blair surpassed the ranks of swimmer Janet Evans, sprinter 
Evelyn Ashford, and diver Pat McCormick by winning the gold in both the 
500 meter speed skating event on February 19, and in the 1,000 meter 
event today at the 16th Olympic winter games being held in Lillehammer, 
Norway.
  On skates since the age of 2, Ms. Blair's life has been an exercise 
in perseverance, determination, dedication, and achievement.
  When no company would endorse her, Ms. Blair went door to door in her 
hometown of Champaign, IL, asking for donations to help finance her 
Olympic dreams.
  With the support of her family and community, Ms. Blair has set 
American records in both the 1,000 and 1,500 meter speed skating events 
and a world record in the 500 meter event.
  Mr. President, Bonnie Blair has exemplified the spirit of 
sportsmanship as a representative of the United States in the last four 
winter Olympics.
  She has met her victories as well as her defeats with grace and 
integrity.
  At a time when the Olympic games have been overshadowed by 
controversy, Ms. Blair has risen to the ideals of the Olympic games.
  In fact, Ms. Blair has become a role model for our Nation's youth by 
volunteering with the national committee of the Leukemia Society of 
America and the Women's Sports Foundation and by showing them that they 
can succeed if they follow their passions and strive to do their best.
  We in Illinois thank Bonnie for giving her time, her energy, and her 
talent to her country.
  We are proud that she is one of our own and we wish her the best.

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