[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO BONNIE BLAIR

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS W. EWING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise and honor the greatest 
career of any American winter Olympic games athlete and any U.S. woman 
Olympian ever--Champaign, Illinois' own Bonnie Blair. On Wednesday, in 
Lillehammer, Norway, Bonnie skated to victory in the 1,000-meter 
speedskating event--for her second gold medal in Lillehammer and a 
recordbreaking fifth gold medal overall. She has one bronze medal to go 
with her five golds--and she twice finished fourth, just missing two 
other Olympic medal opportunities.
  On her most recent visit to the medals podium, Bonnie proudly sang 
the ``Star Spangled Banner'' and skated her victory lap waving the 
American flag. I do not think it would be inaccurate to say that Bonnie 
Blair is truly an all-American athlete.
  But there is another story behind Bonnie Blair and her Olympic 
triumphs--and that is the story of Bonnie Blair 12 years ago when she 
fought and scratched for local financial support to further her 
speedskating career. The story of her family who never doubted Bonnie 
and her dreams to be an Olympic champion. And the story of a young lady 
who has stolen the hearts of not only those in central Illinois--but 
the entire world as well.
  Bonnie Blair will be remembered as the greatest women's speedskater 
ever, perhaps one of America's finest athletes ever. But most 
importantly, Bonnie Blair represents the hopes and dreams of every 
American, because she overcame countless obstacles--including injuries, 
financial hardships, and worldwide competition--to become the best ever 
in her field.
  That is what America is all about--hard work, commitment, sense of 
purpose, and discipline. That is the formula Bonnie Blair used. I 
salute her for the honor and glory she has brought herself, her family, 
her hometown of Champaign, IL, and America.

                          ____________________