[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 69 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JULIE SPENCER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2004

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
constituents, Julie Spencer, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Julie was the 
fastest U.S. female in the 108th Boston Marathon. She finished 16th in 
a time of 2:56:39, her personal best. The Boston Marathon is a 
competitive international race, and it is an honor to recognize Julie 
Spencer for her great athletic achievement.
  The Boston Marathon ranks only behind the Super Bowl as the largest 
single day sporting event in the world. Approximately 500,000 
spectators line the streets of the 26.2 mile course. In this year's 
historic Boston Marathon the elite women runners started before the 
elite men runners for the first time in marathon history, giving Julie 
a truly unique Boston Marathon experience.
  In addition to being a dedicated runner, Julie is a teacher at East 
Elementary School in Baraboo, Wisconsin. She uses her running expertise 
to help coach Baraboo High School's cross country team and track teams. 
By coaching, she shares and passes on her passion to the high school 
teams.
  Obviously, it is an impressive feat to accomplish the 26.2 mile 
Boston Marathon on the fifth hottest day in the race's 108 year 
history, but to be the top female U.S finisher is worth the praise of 
all. It is my esteemed pleasure to contribute to the recognition of 
Julie Spencer's first place finish for the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, Julie's friends and family have been quoted as saying, 
``We're so proud.'' I know Wisconsinites and runners across the world 
share this message and join me in recognizing her today.

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