[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E454-E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING CHICAGO OLYMPIC SPEED SKATER SHANI DAVIS FOR HIS 
         HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AT THE 2006 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2006

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to Chicago 
Olympic speed skater Shani Davis for his triumphant performance at the 
2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Shani Davis has achieved 
excellence at the world's highest level and in doing so he has blazed a 
new trail in Olympic and speed skating history.
  The Olympic Games are a celebration of the sporting spirit that 
unites all athletes of the world. No performance at the 2006 Winter 
Olympics was more demonstrative of this spirit than that of Chicago's 
Shani Davis. On February 18, 2006 he became the first African-American 
to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympics history by finishing 
the 1,000 meter competition in 1 minute 8.89 seconds. Three days later 
he added to this amazing accomplishment by winning the silver medal in 
the 1,500 meter event.
  On March 19, 2006, with the Olympic flame still burning brightly in 
his heart, Shani Davis

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set a new world record in the men's 1,500-meter event at the 
International Skating Union all-around speed skating world 
championships in Calgary, Canada. Davis finished in 1:42.68 lowering 
the previous world record by 0.1 second (1:42.78).
  These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to Shani Davis' 
courage and reflect his many years of hard work, dedication, and 
sacrifice. I am particularly proud to know that Shani Davis' journey to 
sports greatness has deep roots in the 9th Congressional District of 
Illinois. Shani Davis lived in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago 
and began his speed skating experience at the tender age of six under 
the tutelage of Sanders Hicks at the Robert Crown Ice Rink in Evanston. 
Shani Davis trained and enhanced his skills as a member of the Speed 
Skating Club at Robert Crown.
  Even though he has already established an outstanding speed skating 
career, I believe that the future will be even richer and brighter for 
Shani Davis. I have witnessed his interactions with young people and I 
know his experiences have helped spark their imaginations and inspired 
them to achieve greatness in their own lives. The lessons of setting 
high goals, being persistent and believing in yourself are lessons that 
all children need to learn, lessons that are abundantly evident in the 
power of Shani Davis' example.
  Shani Davis' world record and outstanding contributions to the legacy 
of the Olympics will forever serve as a source of pride and inspiration 
for the people of Evanston, Chicago, and all Americans. In honor of his 
remarkable achievements, I offer Shani Davis this United States flag as 
a symbol of appreciation, esteem and good wishes. This flag was flown 
over the United States Capital building in Washington, DC and is a 
fitting gift for a patriot and champion.
  On behalf of the people of the 9th Congressional District of 
Illinois, I offer Shani Davis my heartfelt congratulations and best 
wishes for his continued excellence.

                          ____________________