[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 110 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING DIAMOND DIXON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Diamond 
Dixon who will be representing our nation as a member of the Olympic 
track and field team in London this year. She will compete, as one of 
our nation's best athletes, in the 4x400m relay. This young woman is 
not only an amazing competitor, but serves as an inspiration to a 
generation of young athletes throughout the nation.
  Diamond was born El Paso, Texas, the district that I represent, and 
grew up in Houston. She is currently a student athlete at the 
University of Kansas and a member of the track and field team.
  Running was Diamond's way to escape, the place she could go to forget 
about her problems and clear her mind. By her junior year at Westside 
High School in Houston, she had already begun to showcase her athletic 
talent. On a recruiting trip to see one of Westside High School's male 
stars, University of Kansas coach Stanley Redwine was very impressed 
with Dixon's performance at the meet, noting that ``her determination 
and will to win is just unbelievable.''
  After racing 21 times during her sophomore collegiate season, Dixon 
turned in a solid performance on tired legs at the Olympic Trials. She 
finished third in her opening round and semifinal round heats of the 
400m before running a personal-best 50.88, finishing fifth in the 
final. With the top four finishers automatically in the relay pool, 
Dixon's efforts impressed Coach Amy Deem enough to earn one of her 
discretionary selections.
  The Olympic Games this summer will be her first call-up to the senior 
national team. Dixons' strong international relay experience on the 
junior level Team USA will prove to be a valuable asset to her 
teammates racing with her in London. In 2010, she led off the U.S. 
4x400m that won gold in 3:31.20 at the World Junior Championships in 
Moncton, Canada. Last summer, she anchored the U.S. to victory in 
3:34.71 at the Pan American Junior Championships in Miramar, Florida. 
In July, Dixon anchored the U.S. to victory in 3:28.64 at the North 
American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Irapuato, 
Mexico.
  I am extremely proud of Ms. Diamond Dixon and wish her the best 
competing in the Summer Olympics. Ms. Dixon's story is the embodiment 
of the American dream, her motivation and success were derived from her 
drive to become the best. This reminds us all that with hard work and 
spirit, we can accomplish great things.

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