[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 107 (Friday, September 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING JUSTIN GATLIN ON WINNING A GOLD MEDAL IN THE ATHENS 
                                OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize 
one of the finest U.S. sprinters, Justin Gatlin, a 2004 Olympic gold 
medalist from Pensacola, Florida. As the youngest track and field 
champion in 36 years, twenty-two year old Gatlin won the gold medal in 
the men's 100 meters at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, making him 
the ``Fastest Man in the World.''
  As soon as the gun went off, he surged immediately to the lead. Never 
relinquishing his advantage, he finished in a personal-best, world-
leading time of 9.85 seconds. After winning the gold he said, ``It was 
going to be the most exciting race in the world, and it was. This is 
what I train for, that's why I shoveled the snow off North Carolina 
tracks. That's why I'm here. I'm here to win the gold medal.''
  Not only did he leave with a gold medal, but also took home a silver 
and a bronze in the men's relay and 200 meters, respectively.
  Returning home as an Olympic medalist, it is Gatlin's self-composure 
and attitude that set him apart from the rest. ``I want to show that 
nice guys can finish first. I feel that I'm likable. I feel that I'm 
honest. I go out there and give a good race for the crowd.'' Gatlin did 
more than just give a good race. He gave a superb race and is a shining 
example for all to follow in not only the first district of Florida, 
but around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
congratulate Justin Gatlin on his Olympic victories and thank him for 
representing Pensacola to the world in such a first-class manner.

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