[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10424-S10426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING 2008 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAMS

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 
the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 704 
submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 704) Congratulating the members of 
     the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams on their 
     success in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and 
     supporting the selection of Chicago, Illinois, as the site of 
     the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Maryland who proudly represented 
our country in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, 
China.
  Michael Phelps II, a swimmer from Baltimore; Katie Hoff, a swimmer 
from Towson; David Banks, a rower from Potomac; Jun Gao, a table tennis 
player from Gaithersburg; Scott Parsons, a canoe and kayak racer from 
Bethesda; Freddie Adu, a soccer player from Rockville; Gary Russell, 
Jr., a boxer from Capital Heights; Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair racer 
from Clarksville; and Jessica Long, a swimmer from Baltimore, made all 
Marylanders proud as exemplary members of Team USA.
  In particular, I especially would like to recognize the three 
athletes from Maryland whose exceptional performances were rewarded 
with Paralympic and Olympic medals.
  Jessica Long won four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze 
medal in the 2008 Paralympics. Jessica not only won six medals; she set 
the world record in the Women's 100-Meter Freestyle event.
  Perhaps more extraordinary than her performance in this year's games 
are the challenges she had to overcome just to get to Beijing. Jessica 
was born with an abnormality in her lower legs and spent her infancy at 
an orphanage in eastern Russia before an American couple adopted her 
when she was 13 months old. Five months later, she had her legs 
amputated in the U.S. While these obstacles may have broken the spirit 
of most others, they only strengthened Jessica's resolve and she is now 
a 15-time world record holder.
  Katie Hoff also excelled in Beijing, winning one silver and two 
bronze medals at the XXIX Olympiad. In addition to winning the silver 
medal in the Women's 400-Meter Freestyle event, Katie set American 
records in winning the silver medal in the Women's 400-Meter Freestyle 
Relay event, in winning the bronze medal in the Women's 800-Meter 
Freestyle Relay event and in finishing fourth in the Women's 200-Meter 
Freestyle event.
  Last, but certainly not least, is the performance of Michael Phelps--
the greatest accomplishment in Olympic history, and one of the greatest 
athletic accomplishments of all time.
  This summer, Michael Phelps set seven world records and one Olympic 
record while winning eight gold medals, the most ever by an individual 
athlete in a single Olympics. He now has won 14 gold medals over the 
course of his Olympic career, also an Olympic record, and a total of 16 
medals. To put this astonishing feat into perspective, Michael won more 
gold medals in Beijing than all but eight countries! And he won more 
medals in total than all but 24 countries!
  Who will ever forget the incredible come-from-behind victory Michael 
and his teammates Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones, and Jason Lezak 
achieved in Men's 400-Meter Freestyle Relay event as they edged the 
favored French team by 8/100ths of a second? That was one of the most 
exciting and inspirational finishes in Olympic history. Just as 
exciting was Michael's finish in the Men's 200-Meter Butterfly event 
when a stutter stroke and lunge at the end enabled him to beat Laszlo 
Cseh by the width of a fingernail!
  Despite the epic greatness of his achievement, Michael spoke modestly 
after winning his eighth gold, saying, ``Records are always made to be 
broken no matter what they are . . . Anybody can do anything that they 
set their mind to.'' Michael proved not only to be a model of what one 
can achieve with hard work and determination, but also a model of the 
courtesy and sportsmanship upon which the Olympics were founded. He is 
a self-effacing young man whose enthusiasm, modesty, cheerfulness, and 
charm have endeared him to people around the world.
  I would be remiss if I didn't mention his extraordinary mother, 
Debbie, and his coach, Bob Bowman. The obvious affection and respect he 
has for these two people indicate just how important they have been in 
his life.
  Michael is not content to rest on his laurels. He wants to attract 
more kids to swimming and to teach them about pursuing their dreams, 
using his own life as an example. He will donate the $1 million Olympic 
bonus he received from Speedo to a foundation he has created to promote 
water safety and youth swimming. ``This is a way for me to really help 
grow the sport,'' he said in explaining why he gave the prize to the 
newly-created Michael Phelps Foundation.
  Michael knew he wanted to spread interest in swimming but also wanted 
to convey a message that could apply to other activities, so he is 
creating a program called ``Dream, Plan, Reach.'' It's designed to help 
children set goals and take daily responsibility for pursuing them. He 
is also helping to raise money for charity by autographing photos, USA 
swim caps, Sports Illustrated covers, and other collectibles in a deal 
with Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia, offering fans the chance to own 
keepsakes from the Beijing Games.
  The people of Maryland are privileged to have had such an outstanding 
group represent us at the Olympic Games. All of these athletes 
sacrificed tremendously in order to reach this pinnacle of athletic 
success, spending countless hours in grueling and arduous training in 
order to wear the red,

[[Page S10425]]

white, and blue in Beijing. I commend them all for their dedication and 
valor, and the exemplary way in which they represented the United 
States of America. They have made Marylanders and all Americans proud.
  I am pleased the Senate passed S. Res. 700 yesterday a resolution 
Senator Mikulski and I introduced along with 12 other cosponsors 
honoring the achievements of Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, and the rest 
of the United States Olympic Swimming Team for their record-breaking 
performances at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, where they won 31 
medals, including 12 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 10 bronze 
medals. While records may indeed be made to be broken, the 
accomplishments of this team will not be forgotten. It is fitting for 
the Senate to pay tribute and pass along its congratulations for a job 
superbly well done.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate all of our 
national Olympic champions. The 2008 Summer Olympic games held in 
Beijing brought the world together, and showcased the best athletes 
from around the globe.
  I would like to recognize the Olympians with ties to my home State of 
Hawaii. Representing the United States: Brandon Brooks, Robyn Ah Mow-
Santos, Lindsey Napela Berg, Natasha Kai, Clay Stanley, Heather Bown, 
Kim Willoughby, Taylor Takata, Bryan Clay, and Clarrissa Chun. 
Representing the Marshall Islands in their country's first Olympics: 
Anju Jason, and Jared Heine. Representing Australia: Justine Smethurst, 
Stacey Porter, and Melanie Schlanger. Representing the Netherlands: 
Iefke Van Belkum, and Meike De Nooy. And representing the Philippines: 
Daniel Coakley, and Christel Simms. I would also like to recognize the 
efforts of Maui resident and Paralympian Beth Arnoult, who represented 
the U.S. in women's wheelchair tennis.
  I would now like to highlight a few of the medal winners.
  Bryan Clay, from Kaneohe, Oahu, recovered from injury last year to 
win his first gold medal in decathlon with an impressive performance. 
Clay is one of two Olympians now featured on the post-Beijing Olympics 
Wheaties cereal box, along with gymnast Nastia Liukin.
  Honolulu native Clay Stanley helped the United States men's 
volleyball team defeat the favored team from Brazil to win the gold 
medal.
  Natasha Kai, a Kahuku High School graduate, was the first player in 
history to be named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year 
three times while playing for the University of Hawaii soccer team. As 
a forward on the U.S. Women's team, she scored a game-winning goal in 
overtime to beat Canada in the quarterfinal round. The U.S. team went 
on to win gold.
  Punahou High School graduate Brandon Brooks helped capture silver for 
the United States in Men's Water polo.
  Punahou graduate Lindsey Berg, and former U.H. stars Robyn Ah Mow-
Santos, Heather Bown, and Kim Willoughby, all shared a hand in claiming 
the silver medal for an exciting U.S. Women's Volleyball team.
  The University of Hawaii has a lot to be proud of, with all 10 
representing athletes--including past alumni and current students--
returning home with medals.
  I congratulate these remarkable athletes, and all of those who 
competed in Beijing, and wish them success in all future endeavors. You 
made Hawaii and our Nation proud.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate all of the athletes who participated in the 2008 Summer 
Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Olympic Games represents the 
culmination of years of dedication, discipline, intense training, and 
determination. These Olympians have worked tirelessly and sacrificed 
much for many years for the honor to represent the United States, and 
it was a joy and a privilege to watch them compete. The sportsmanship 
and athleticism exhibited was inspiring, and a sleep-deprived nation 
was transfixed by the many triumphant and thrilling moments that 
defined the Summer Games in Beijing. Our athletes competed admirably 
and embodied the Olympic spirit.
  The 2008 Summer Olympics provided an opportunity for athletes and 
viewers from around the globe to witness China's culture and 
hospitality. As China opened its doors to the world during this 16-day 
span, they treated us to a visually stunning opening and closing 
ceremony, which bookended an equally impressive parade of athletic 
excellence in spectacular venues built specifically for these games.
  Michigan was well represented in Beijing, upholding our State's long 
tradition of producing world class athletes. It gives me great pride to 
recognize the 27 athletes with Michigan roots who represented the 
United States in the 2008 Summer Games: Mike Hessman in baseball; 
Tayshaun Prince and Katie Smith in basketball; Courtney King-Dye in 
equestrian; Sheila Taormina in the modern pentathlon; Ellen Tomek and 
Matt Hughes in rowing; Carrie Howe in sailing; Daryl Szarenski in 
shooting; Kate Markgraf and Lindsey Tarpley in soccer; Kara Lynn Joyce, 
Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt, Peter Vanderkaay, and Eric Vendt in 
swimming; Serena Williams in tennis; Ebonie Floyd, Dathan Ritzenhein, 
Brian Sell, and Anna Willard in track and field; Betsey Armstrong and 
Alison Gregorka in water polo; and Randi Miller, Adam Wheeler, Andy 
Hrovat, and Spenser Mango in wrestling. These Michigan athletes proudly 
represented our State and our Nation and brought home 22 medals: 15 
gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze.
  It also comes as no surprise that the State of Michigan, which boasts 
some of the richest collegiate athletics programs available, has ties 
to another dozen athletes who competed for their countries in Beijing: 
Andrew Hurd for Canada in swimming; Alon Mandel for Israel in swimming; 
Natasha Moodie for Jamaica in swimming; Valeria Silva for Peru in 
swimming; Nate Brannen, Kevin Sullivan, and Nicole Forrester for Canada 
in track and field; Adam Harris for Guyana in track and field; Stann 
Waithe for Trinidad and Tobago in track and field; Nick Willis for New 
Zealand in track and field; and Janine Hanson and Heather Mandoli for 
Canada in rowing.
  Athletes rely heavily on the guidance of trainers, coaches, and 
others to succeed. It is impossible to overlook the important role 
these individuals play, as they provide the direction, advice, and 
support central to transforming gifted athletes into Olympians. The 
coaches and trainers with ties to Michigan include: Bob Bowman, coach 
for the U.S. Swim Team; Mike Bottom, coach for the Croatian Swim Team; 
Steve Fraser, coach for the U.S. Greco Roman Wrestling Team; Lisa Hass, 
trainer for the U.S. Rowing Team; Scott MacDonald, coach for the 
Canadian Track and Field Team; Jon Urbancheck, coach for the U.S. Swim 
Team; and Kevin Jackson, coach for the U.S. Freestyle Wrestling Team.
  The Olympic Games are charged with emotion. Competing in the Olympics 
is an honor and an athlete's fleeting opportunity to demonstrate to the 
world his or her ability. The opportunity to bring home an Olympic 
medal is an honor that many athletes dream about and only a few ever 
realize. These athletes shoulder a tremendous amount of pressure, yet 
they are still able to perform with the eyes of the world upon them. 
They create history, and moments many will remember for a lifetime. The 
2008 Beijing Olympics had its share of moments that have been etched 
into our minds and hearts and stories that will be told for years to 
come.
  Swimming provided some of the most intense moments in the history of 
the Olympics, and I am proud to join Senator Cardin and others in the 
Senate in sponsoring S. Res. 700. This resolution, which was passed by 
the Senate earlier this week, salutes the historic achievements of the 
U.S. Olympic Swim Team. It also salutes the unprecedented achievements 
of Michael Phelps, who became the first Olympian to win eight gold 
medals in a single Olympics.
  These Olympic Games were full of wonder and joy, and I know I speak 
for all Michiganders when I express my pride and gratitude to all of 
the athletes and coaches who participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 
These individuals sacrificed countless hours in practice and pushed 
themselves and their teammates to perform at their best. To the 
athletes and coaches from Michigan, I extend to you my heartiest 
congratulations and thanks for representing our State and our Nation 
with dignity. I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in honoring 
every

[[Page S10426]]

athlete who represented Michigan and the United States in Beijing. I 
wish each athlete future success as they continue to strive for 
excellence.
  Mr. DURBIN. I am honored today to recognize the achievements of the 
American athletes who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic and 
Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.
  The Beijing Games were remarkable. More than 11,000 athletes 
representing over 200 countries competed in this year's Olympic Games. 
The United States won 110 medals total at the Beijing Olympics, more 
than any other country represented.
  The Paralympic Games, the competition for elite athletes with 
physical disabilities, immediately followed the Olympic in Beijing. 
More than 4,200 athletes from 148 countries competed, the largest 
number of nations ever represented at a Paralympic Games. American 
Paralympic athletes won 99 medals overall, 36 of them gold. The 
International Paralympic Committee has declared these the best 
Paralympic Games in history.
  Americans from coast to coast were electrified by swimmer Michael 
Phelps, who broke the record for most gold medals in one Olympics and 
for most gold medals for an Olympian. I had the opportunity to admire 
the two gold and two bronze medals of American swimmer Ryan Lochte this 
week. Ryan dedicated his performance and a portion of his winnings to 
eradicating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and he was on Capitol Hill 
this week to raise awareness of this cruel and fatal disorder.
  Joining U.S. medalists in swimming was a Lake Forest, IL son--Matt 
Grevers who won a silver medal in the men's 100m backstroke.
  In addition to Matt, I would like to commend the outstanding athletes 
from my home State of Illinois who represented the United States in the 
Olympic and Paralympic Games. NBA star Dwyane Wade, a native of 
Chicago, helped lead the U.S. Men's Basketball Team, often called ``The 
Redeem Team,'' to their first gold medal since 2000. Sean Rooney of 
Wheaton, IL, also took home a gold medal as part of the U.S. Men's 
Volleyball team, and Ogonna Nnamani of Bloomington, IL, won a silver 
medal along with the U.S. Women's Volleyball team.
  Illinois athletes were on the medal stand during the Paralympic 
Games, too. Jaclyn Barnes of Wadsworth, IL, won a gold in Women's 
Goalball. Emily Hoskins of Mascoutah and Jennifer Ruddell of Champaign 
also brought home gold as part of the Women's Wheelchair Basketball 
team. Nichole Millage of Champaign and Hope Lewellen of Palos Park 
helped earn the silver for the Women's Sitting Volleyball Team. At 
least thirty athletes and coaches who competed at the Paralympics have 
direct ties to Illinois.
  Last but far from least, I would like to congratulate Dawn Harper, a 
native of my hometown of East St. Louis, IL, for her captivating 
performance at the Beijing Olympics. Ms. Harper, a graduate of East St. 
Louis High School and UCLA, was a part of the U.S. Women's Track Team. 
Dawn took the gold medal in the 100 meter hurdles, and I couldn't be 
more proud.
  The Olympics and Paralympics are inspiring. They allow us to watch 
athletic performance at its very best. They also remind us of the 
enduring human spirit that drives these athletes to sacrifice, train 
and prepare for these moments of camaraderie and competition with peers 
from countries around the world. The State of Illinois would be proud 
to host these games in 2016. We are preparing in the hope that, 8 years 
from now, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in 
the heartland of the United States--in beautiful Chicago, IL.
  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid 
upon the table en bloc, that any statements be printed in the Record, 
without intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 704) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 704

       Whereas the 2008 Summer Olympic Games were conducted in 
     Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008;
       Whereas 10,500 athletes from 204 countries participated in 
     302 events in 28 sports and inspired people around the world 
     with their dedication, discipline, athletic achievement, and 
     spirit of fair play, representing the best traditions of 
     Olympic competition;
       Whereas 596 men and women represented the United States in 
     the 2008 Summer Olympic Games as members of the United States 
     Olympic Team;
       Whereas those United States Olympians competed in 27 sports 
     and continued the great legacy of athleticism and 
     sportsmanship that has characterized the history of United 
     States Olympic competition;
       Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the United 
     States sustained and increased its clear dominance as the 
     most successful country in the history of the Olympic Games;
       Whereas athletes from the United States won more medals in 
     the 2008 Summer Olympic Games than athletes from any other 
     country;
       Whereas swimmer Michael Phelps of Maryland earned 
     recognition as one of the greatest athletes of all time by 
     winning an extraordinary 8 gold medals in the 2008 Summer 
     Olympic Games to surpass the previous single-year record of 7 
     Olympic gold medals by Mark Spitz, also a swimmer from the 
     United States;
       Whereas Michael Phelps now also holds the record for the 
     most Olympic gold medals ever won by a single athlete, with a 
     remarkable 14 gold medals;
       Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the United 
     States demonstrated its continued preeminence in team sports, 
     with the men's and women's basketball teams, the men's 
     volleyball team, the women's soccer team, and the men's and 
     women's 4x400-meter relay teams winning gold medals;
       Whereas more than 200 athletes from the United States 
     competed in 18 sports on behalf of the United States in the 
     2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, from 
     September 6 to September 17, 2008;
       Whereas the United States Paralympic Team earned 99 medals, 
     including 36 gold medals, reminding the world that physical 
     challenges are no limit to human achievement;
       Whereas United States Army First Lieutenant Melissa 
     Stockwell, who lost her left leg to a roadside bomb in 
     Baghdad in 2004, became the first veteran of the war in Iraq 
     to compete in the Paralympic Games when she swam in the 
     women's 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle, and 400-
     meter freestyle;
       Whereas the people of the United States stand united in 
     respect and admiration for the members of the United States 
     Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the Teams' athletic 
     accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence;
       Whereas the many accomplishments of the United States 
     Olympic and Paralympic Teams would not have been possible 
     without the hard work and dedication of many others, 
     including the United States Olympic Committee and the many 
     administrators, coaches, and family members who provided 
     critical support for the athletes:
       Whereas the Olympic movement celebrates competition, fair 
     play, and the pursuit of dreams;
       Whereas the United States and, in particular, the city of 
     Chicago, Illinois, celebrate those same ideals; and
       Whereas Chicago has never hosted the Olympic and Paralympic 
     Games: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) extends congratulations for a job well done to all 
     members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams and 
     to everyone who supported the Teams' efforts at the 2008 
     Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games; and
       (2) encourages the International Olympic Committee to 
     choose Chicago, Illinois, as the site of the 2016 Summer 
     Olympic and Paralympic Games and offers support and 
     cooperation in ensuring successful Olympic and Paralympic 
     Games in Chicago in 2016.

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