[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MISS ALLISON SCHMITT UPON HER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BRONZE MEDAL 
                      IN THE 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Miss Allison Schmitt upon her achievement of the Bronze Medal in the 
Women's 4x200 Meter Freestyle Relay in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
  Allison Schmitt was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 7, 1990. 
At the age of 9, she began her swimming career with the Plymouth Canton 
Cruiser in Canton, MI. Allison then went on to join the Ann Arbor Swim 
Club at the age of 12. During her high school career, Allison swam 
Varsity all four years she attended Canton High, and was also 
acknowledged by her team as the MVP all four years. During her time at 
Canton High School, Allison was named All-State a total of eight times, 
two per year of attendance, and was named Michigan High School Swimmer 
of the Year in 2006. In her senior year, Allison was Canton High's Swim 
Team Captain. Allison is a ten time All-American athlete and holds two 
Michigan State High School records.
  In December of 2007, Allison began training with Club Wolverine's 
High Performance Group, under Coach Bob Bowman. In January 2008, 
Allison graduated from Canton High School to train for the Olympic 
trials. On July 2, 2008, Allison made the USA Olympic team and 
subsequently achieved a national age group record in the 200 meter 
freestyle.
  On August 14, 2008, the United States Women's 4x200 meter Freestyle 
Relay team consisting of Allison Schmitt, Natalie Coughlin, Caroline 
Burckle, and Katie Hoff broke the American record and swam the relay in 
7:46.33, achieving a third place finish and a bronze medal.
  Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing 
Allison every success as she attends the University of Georgia, where 
she will continue her swimming career during the fall of 2008; and in 
congratulating and thanking Miss Allison Schmitt upon her winning the 
bronze medal as a member of the United States Women's 4x200 Freestyle 
Relay Team for making us all so proud.

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