[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CHAD OBERMILLER'S IRONMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chad A. 
Obermiller, an integral member of my staff and even prouder member of 
an elite group of athletes--athletes who compete in the phenomenon 
known only as ``The Ironman.''
  Few sane individuals voluntarily sign themselves up to compete in 
such a harrowing and humbling experience. For Chad, he has made such a 
decision three times, and will be crossing the line this Sunday, June 
26, 2011 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to complete his third Ironman.
  A 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, and capped by a full 
marathon--yes, a 26.2 mile run--it is no surprise that a phrase has 
been coined specifically to describe those who drag themselves to the 
finish line following this arduous task: ``The Crawl.''
  But, I have complete confidence that Chad will cross that line 
proudly and upright, as he has promised both my staff, as well as me, 
that he intends to win.
  To quote one of Chad's greatest heroes, Lance Armstrong: ``Life, to 
me, is a series of false limits and my challenge as an athlete is to 
explore those limits.''
  Chad, may you know no limits in Coeur d'Alene.

                          ____________________