[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      A TRIBUTE TO RYAN BEDFORD AND TRAVIS JAYNER, SPEED SKATERS, 
                      MICHIGANDERS, AND OLYMPIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2010

  Mr. CAMP. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ryan Bedford 
and Travis Jayner on their performances in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 
These are two outstanding athletes from my district. Ryan and Travis 
are great athletes, who can truly be called ``Olympians,'' and who we 
can be proud of as representatives of America in the 2010 Winter 
Olympics.
  Ryan Bedford of Midland, Michigan, is an outstanding skater and 
represented the U.S. in the Olympics in the 10,000 meter speed skating 
event. In fact, Ryan is the reigning U.S. champion in that event. Ryan 
has a history of impressive skating accomplishments and in a one-week 
span last spring he won two world championship medals in two different 
events. Last year, Ryan was a member of the world champion short track 
relay team, and one week later, as part of the long track speed skating 
pursuit team, he earned a bronze medal at the 2009 Single Distance 
Worlds. He started skating at the age of 5, beginning his career at the 
Midland Speed Skating Club in Michigan.
  I also congratulate Travis Jayner on winning the bronze medal in the 
5000 meter relay for short track speed skating. Travis trains in 
Midland, Michigan. On Friday, February 26, Travis won his first Olympic 
medal when the American speed skating team crossed the finish line in 
6:44.498. The 2010 Olympics were his first, but Travis has a long 
record of speed skating accomplishments: he was the 500 meter National 
Champion in 2008-09, he won bronze at the 2007 and 2009 World Team 
Championships, and won two gold medals in the relay at World Cup 5. 
Travis has become a versatile athlete competing in 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 
3000m and 5000m relay teams. He got his start on the ice at the age of 
5, after the encouragement and support of his father, who was also a 
speed skater.
  Today I wish to congratulate Ryan Bedford and Travis Jayner for their 
participation in the 2010 Winter Olympics as true Olympians and 
athletes my district and our country can be proud to cheer for.

                          ____________________