[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 24, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1889]]



                         HONORING STEVEN LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DeLAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to join others in saying ``Hat's 
off to Steven Lopez for his great victory in Sydney.'' Steven's 
determination and tenacity has made his family, Texas, and our country 
very proud. And since his victory, he has carried himself like a 
champion. Steven, keep up the good work.
  Although Steven won the gold medal, a lot of the credit for his 
gritty victory in Sydney belongs to his parents. Julio and Ondina Lopez 
set high standards for the son and the rest of their family. Not only 
did Steven set records on the mat, but he was also an honor student at 
Kempner High. We're proud of Steven for hanging tough and overcoming 
adversity at the Olympics. First, he had to fight through an injury. 
Then, he had to battle an Australian on his home turf. And, finally, he 
had to best another opponent in front of a large crowd of the 
opponent's supporters to win. Steven pulled it off. He was behind, but 
he kept fighting and, eventually, he was able to land the blow that 
brought gold back to Sugar Land. He typifies our can-do Texas spirit. 
We can see the American dream paralleled in Steven's preparations for 
this contest.
  Steven started Tae Kwon Do at the early age of five. He trained six 
hours a day, six days a week to be ready for the 2000 Sydney Olympic 
Games. Then he traveled to Australia a month early to gain an edge. 
Fortunately, that determination paid off. Some people have suggested 
that Steven Lopez is a good role model for our area, and I think 
they're on to something. Because the most impressive aspect of Steven's 
victory is that he shares the credit with others. He credits both his 
family and his faith as the sources of his accomplishments. In fact, 
Steven's siblings train together in their home. You know, I'll bet some 
of the scrimmages at the Lopez house made Sydney seem like a tea party. 
But I want to reiterate how especially proud I am of the way Steven has 
handled himself. Steven's quote after his victory caught my eye when he 
said: ``I have so much faith, and that faith took me through all my 
matches today.'' That's a message that more people need to hear.
  I think the Lopez family is going to start a new tradition. Before 
this is over, the ``first family'' of Tae Kwon Do is going to make 
Sugar Land the Capitol City of this new Olympic sport. Congratulations 
and God Bless You, Steven.

                          ____________________