[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATIONS TO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST NIKKI STONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, all of America watched last month as our 
Olympic athletes competed in Nagano, Japan. I would like to take just a 
moment today to applaud one of those athletes--Nikki Stone of Westboro, 
Massachusetts--for her gold medal performance in Aerial Skiing.
  Aerial skiing combines grace, speed and power at dizzying heights--
with twists, turns, flips and spins thrown in for good measure. 
Competitors race down a mountain, fly into the air, perform amazing 
feats of aerial artistry, and land on their feet, all with skis 
attached.
  Nikki Stone accomplished all of these things, and she accomplished 
them with the love of sport, love of competition and love of country 
that comes with being a champion.
  Growing up in Westboro, Nikki participated in local gymnastics 
programs, and was recognized from an early age as an exceptional 
athlete. She quickly turned to high-level competition, and despite a 
series of debilitating back injuries, continued to rise to the top of 
her sport. Nikki's life in aerial skiing reflects the courage, 
discipline, and go-for-it attitude that will continue to bring her 
success in whatever future challenges she faces.
  I know that America will never forget watching Nikki's final winning 
effort in Nagano--a gravity-defying jump in snowy, foggy conditions. 
And I know the people of Central Massachusetts will never forget how 
proud we were when we saw her on the medal stand, her arms raised in 
triumph after the playing of our National Anthem.
  Mr. Speaker, on March 21 the town of Westboro will honor Nikki Stone 
with a parade worthy of an Olympic champion. On behalf of everyone in 
my district, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Nikki Stone for 
all that she has done so well.

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