[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MARIN MORRISON OF SAMMAMISH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
extraordinary young woman from my District whose unyieldingly positive 
spirit in the face of a horrendous challenge is a true inspiration at 
any time, but especially leading up to the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
  Marin Morrison, 17, of Sammamish, Washington, was one of the top 
swimmers in the country as a 14-year-old. She was just 1.5 seconds away 
from qualifying for the Olympic time trials. She received recruiting 
letters from some of the top schools in the country. She was a natural 
and earned medal after medal. However, fierce headaches and double 
vision turned her world upside down. An MRI revealed a tumor on her 
brain and doctors gave her 4 to 6 months to live. As a result of 
surgery in 2005, she was left partially paralyzed. She was forced to 
relearn some basics such as reading, writing and walking. It appeared 
her Olympic dreams were dashed.
  Although she sometimes struggled mightily, she swam nearly every day. 
She refused to give up and started a new type of Olympic journey. She 
battled fatigue and her other physical ailments like a heavyweight 
boxer and never stopped fighting. Classmates at Eastlake High School, 
family, friends, former Olympians and countless others rallied around 
her. Then in April, Marin flew to Minnesota for the paralympic trials 
and earned a spot on the 37 member swim team, realizing her Olympic 
dream.
  Marin's story is beyond inspiring. The circumstances she has overcome 
are truly humbling. She is a true American hero and we wish her all the 
best in Beijing and in the future.

                          ____________________