[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING FLINT'S CLARESSA SHIELDS AS SHE PREPARES FOR THE 2012 
   OLYMPIC GAMES AND THE FIRST WOMEN'S BOXING COMPETITION IN OLYMPIC 
                                HISTORY

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on Jury 28 a skilled, savvy and courageous 
high school student from Flint, Michigan will make history as one of 
only 36 women in the world competing in the inaugural women's Olympic 
boxing competition in London, England. At the age of 17, this 
Northwestern High School junior's drive and determination has already 
earned her recognition as the world's top ranked women's fighter. At 
the Summer Olympics, Claressa will be punching her way toward the gold.
  It was 19 years ago that another teenage girl named Dallas Malloy 
went to federal court and won the right for women to participate in 
amateur boxing. Years later, a father in Flint, hoping to set his 
daughter on a positive course, encouraged his 12-year-old to consider 
boxing, his own sport. Claressa, wanting to bond with her father and 
attracted to the idea of competing outside of team sports, was 
introduced to trainer Jason Crutchfield. Once Mr. Crutchfield overcame 
his disbelief that a girl was truly serious about taking up boxing, he 
provided the path for Claressa Shields' historic journey. Just a few 
days ago, Claressa learned she had earned her Olympic spot after 
competing in the AIBA women's world championships in Qinhuangdao, 
China.
  Her success has ignited Flint and her extraordinary accomplishments 
at a young age in an incredibly demanding sport have made her a 
national star. Claressa's dedicated and talented trainer describes her 
as the complete fighter, equally talented on defense and offense. Her 
high school principal, Cheryl Adkins, praises her student's academic 
focus, positive image and dedication to her goals. Claressa has been 
featured in Time magazine and is fielding media interviews, all the 
while maintaining her academic focus and training daily for the 
Olympics. She advises others not to rush headlong toward success but to 
take everything in stride. Her life goals include winning 10 to 15 
professional boxing titles in multiple weight classes.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Claressa Shields on her 
historic achievement representing the United States and Flint, Michigan 
in the first women's boxing competition at the Summer Olympics. She is 
an outstanding individual who is truly a world-class example for us 
all.

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