[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S8154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC GAMES

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President. I take this opportunity to join my 
colleagues in recognizing the 1996 Centennial Olympic games to be held 
in Atlanta beginning Friday, July 19, and running through August 4.
  The modern Olympics have seen a century of athletes from countries 
around the world coming together in the original spirit of the games--
``international understanding and peace through sports.'' In 1896, 
Athens hosted the first modern Olympics, with 13 nations sending 311 
athletes. The opening event was the triple jump, which was won by an 
American, James B. Connolly, after he arrived in Greece only 12 hours 
before the start. This young athlete led America to win the first title 
at an Olympic games in more than 1,500 years, when the ancient Greeks 
last awarded Olympic medals in 393 A.D.
  The 1996 Olympic games is expected to be the largest and most widely 
attended in history. With 197 delegations being represented by almost 
11,000 athletes, this games is 40 percent larger than the 1992 Olympics 
in competitors alone. Over 1,900 medals will be awarded during 271 
events in 26 different sports. It is estimated that the between 1991 
and 1997 the build-up to the games and the event itself will pump over 
$5 billion into the economy.
  The Olympics hold a special place in my heart, as I was fortunate 
enough to represent our country in the 1964 games as captain of the 
U.S. judo team, a sport offered for the first time that year. Although 
I suffered injuries throughout the course of the games, it was an honor 
to carry the U.S. flag during the games' closing ceremonies. I am 
thrilled to know that my teammate from the 1964 games and fellow 
Coloradan, Al Oerter, will be carrying the Olympic flame into the 
stadium during the opening ceremonies in Atlanta. Al is the only 
American ever to win gold medals in four consecutive Olympics in the 
discus. He competing in 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968.
  There is no question that making a serious commitment to a sport at a 
young age gave my life purpose, channeled my energies, and taught me 
self-discipline. I was lucky to have had great coaches and mentors to 
nurture my love of judo and help me achieve my Olympic goals. For all 
of the athletes who strive to heights worthy of Olympic stature, I 
commend you. I urge all of you to represent our country with dignity 
and respect, and the sportsmanship that has brought you to Atlanta.
  In particular, I would like to name for the Record the athletes 
representing Colorado. These are a varied group, with unique talents 
and skills. I join with all Coloradans in saying how proud we are of 
you.
  Mark Coogan, Boulder, marathon; Anthony Washington, Aurora, discus; 
Rich Weiss, Steamboat Springs, slalom men's kayak; Susan DeMattei, 
Gunnison, mountain bike; Alison Dunlap, Colorado Springs, women's road 
race; Juli Furtado, Durango, mountain biking; Jeanne Golay, Glenwood 
Springs, women's road race.
  Ned Overend, Durango, mountain biking; Elaine Cheris, Denver, women's 
fencing; Rebecca Snyder, Grand Junction, women's air pistol; Eric 
Uptagraff, Lake Wood, prone rifle; Amy Van Dyken, Highlands Ranch, 50m, 
100m free, 100m fly, 400m relay in swimming; Laura Coenen, Peyton, team 
handball; and Mujaahid Maynard, Denver Greco-Roman wrestling.
  I would also like to offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Todd 
Riech of Montana. Todd is the only Native American representing the 
United States in the 1996 games. After overcoming potentially career-
threatening injuries, he won his qualifying event for the javelin. Todd 
is setting an example of perseverance and commitment for all young 
Native Americans to follow. He is already a winner.
  I wish all the best of these and the other athletes representing us 
at these centennial summer games.

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