[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E223]]



IN HONOR OF SARAH HUGHES--LADIES FIGURE SKATING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, 
                                  2002

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2002

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my 
constituent and America's newest sweetheart, Sarah Hughes, on her 
spectacular gold medal performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
  On February 21, 2002, Sarah, a 16-year-old high school junior from 
Great Neck, New York, accomplished the unimaginable. After years of 
training and dedication, Sarah skated a flawless performance that 
included seven triple jumps with two triple-triple combinations. Sarah 
said that she wasn't skating for a gold medal that night, she just 
wanted to do her best. And that she did. While many discounted her 
chances, Sarah's long program left the world awestruck and moved her 
from fourth place to capture the gold medal ahead of the top skating 
competitors in the world.
  It's not every day that Great Neck produces a gold medalist. Sarah is 
our hometown hero. Local supermarkets, stores, delis and police 
stations all proudly display signs of congratulations to Sarah. If you 
stop the people on the street, everyone has a smile and only praise to 
share about Sarah Hughes. In addition to being a gold medalist, Sarah 
is a top student at Great Neck North High School, who despite spending 
hours training to be an Olympic gold medalist, also attends a full 
schedule of class and maintains a straight-A average.
  Last Thursday night, I had the pleasure to watch Sarah's performance 
on the big screen with her supporters at Great Neck House, the area's 
community center. The atmosphere was thick with excitement and the 
moment Sarah was awarded the gold was a moment I will never forget. To 
continue the celebration, on March 3rd at 11 a.m., Great Neck will 
welcome Sarah home with a parade through the center of town.
  From her back, yard skating rink to the Olympic stadium, Sarah Hughes 
has captured the hearts of the American people. Mr. Speaker, it is with 
great pride that I rise today to honor Sarah for her magnificent 
performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics. I ask all my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to please join me in congratulating Sarah as 
an Olympic gold medalist.

                          ____________________