[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 37 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ``RECOGNIZING VETERAN OLYMPIAN AMY PETERSON''

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 27, 1998

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to 
recognize one of my constituents, Amy Peterson, who deserves a standing 
ovation from our nation for her magnificent achievements as a member of 
the U.S. Olympic speed skating team. Amy has endured an impressive 
battle to become the most decorated Olympian in Minnesota history!
  Amy is from Maplewood, Minnesota and attended Johnson High School, 
graduating in 1990. She began competing in the Olympics in the 1990 
Albertville Games, taking home a silver medal on the 3000 meter relay 
team. In 1994, she returned to Lillehammer to take home the bronze 
medal in the 500-meter race, and another bronze in the relay event.
  Amy was diagnosed in 1995 with chronic fatigue syndrome, which 
severely hindered her energy level and limited her training. As we are 
all aware, Olympic training requires an intense athletic and mental 
commitment of no less than 100%. Amy struggled through her condition 
for 18 months until 1996, all the while training to the best of her 
abilities. For the first time in years, Amy again felt comfortable on 
the ice at the Olympic trials in January 1998, enough to win first 
place in the short-trials in all four of her races. Amy went on to take 
4th place in the 500 meter race this year in Nagano, and 5th place with 
the U.S. Team in the 3000 meter relays.
  I personally greatly admire Amy's incredible grit and determination. 
Amy's life story and experience captures the true meaning of the 
Olympics, the power of the human spirit demonstrated in this special 
competition. Amy has proven to the world, and especially to herself, 
that she can beat the odds to surpass all limits. My congratulations to 
Amy Peterson for her extraordinary achievements!

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