[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              ETNA SWIMMER WINS GOLD IN PAN AMERICAN GAMES

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Barbara (B.J.) Bedford of Etna, NH for capturing three gold medals for 
swimming in the women's 100 meter and 200 meter backstroke, and as a 
member of the 4 x 100 meter medley relay, at the Pan American Games 
held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, March 11 to 26, 1995.
  The U.S. Olympic committee sent 800 athletes, including 159 current 
Olympians, to compete in the 12th Pan Am Games--its largest contingent 
ever. B.J.'s performance was remarkable and one for which she can be 
very proud.
  B.J. has not only excelled at the Pan Am Games, but she was the 
bronze medalist in the 100 meter in the 1994 World Championships and is 
the 11th fastest woman in history in the 100 meter backstroke. At the 
1994 Goodwill Games, she won two gold medals in the 200 meter 
backstroke and 400 meter medley relay and a silver medal in the 100 
meter backstroke. She is a three-time U.S. national champion. 
Currently, B.J. is training for the 1996 Olympics in Gainsville, FL.
  B.J. is the daughter of Frederick and Jane Bedford of Etna. She 
attended Hanover High School and Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire 
where she swam with the North Country Aquatics Club. She graduated from 
the University of Texas in 1994 with a degree in Art History.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Granite State, congratulations to 
Barbara Bedford for a job well done. We are very proud to have this 
world-class competitor represent New Hampshire at the Pan American 
Games and look forward to following her future successes. It is an 
honor to represent Barbara and her family in the U.S. Senate.


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