[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   HONORING HOOSIER OLYMPIC ATHLETES

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the eight 
outstanding Hoosier athletes representing the State of Indiana and all 
of the United States in the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, 
China.
  Lloy Ball, a volleyball player from Fort Wayne; David Boudia, a diver 
from Noblesville; Tamika Catchings, a basketball player from 
Indianapolis; Lauren Cheney, a soccer player from Indianapolis; Richard 
Clayton, a baseball player from Lafayette; Mary Dunnichay, a diver from 
Elwood; Thomas Finchum, a diver from Indianapolis; and Bridget Sloan, a 
gymnast from Pittsboro, will all represent the Hoosier State as members 
of Team USA.
  These Hoosiers have shown superior abilities, extraordinary work 
ethics, and unflappable determination in their quests to become Olympic 
athletes. The road to the pinnacle of athletic success has required 
thousands of hours of demanding training over years of preparation, yet 
these athletes show us that commitment to excellence truly has its 
rewards. For some, the spoils of their sacrifice may even come in the 
form of an Olympic medal.
  This Olympiad is the first for many of the Hoosier athletes; others 
have donned the colors of Team USA before. This year, Lloy Ball, a 
member of the U.S. men's volleyball team, will become the first male 
athlete from the United States to compete in four Olympic Games. Lloy's 
incredible feat will forever be part of Indiana and Olympic sports 
history, and I know our entire state is immensely proud to count him 
among our own.
  As these eight athletes travel halfway around the globe to compete 
against the world's finest, they will bring with them the unwavering 
support of their fellow Hoosiers. The people of Indiana are fortunate 
to have such an exceptional group representing us at the Olympic Games.
  Team USA represents the best America has to offer, and these Hoosiers 
will make our State and our country proud.

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