[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1337-E1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING ARKANSAS OLYMPIAN MICHAEL TINSLEY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TIM GRIFFIN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Michael Tinsley who will be representing the United States in the 2012 
Summer Olympic Games in London.
  Michael hails from Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock is located in 
the Second Congressional District, which I represent. He attended 
Pulaski Robinson High School in Little Rock where he had a standout 
track career.
  His dedication to and performance in track and field in high school 
earned him a scholarship at Jackson State University in Jackson, 
Mississippi, where he ran track and studied Criminal Justice.

[[Page E1338]]

  At the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Michael won 
the 400m hurdles for Jackson State becoming the first track athlete in 
the history of the university to win an NCAA Division I title.
  Jackson State University declared Thursday, June 15, 2006, ``Michael 
Tinsley Day,'' and Michael was presented with a certificate from the 
governor, was handed keys to the city by the mayor, and was shown the 
banner bearing his name that would hang in the athletic center.
  In 2006, Michael achieved his first ever top ten Track and Field News 
world ranking in the 400m hurdles. He achieved a top-ten world ranking 
again in 2011.
  Michael's accomplishments don't end there, though. He also holds 
numerous other records and titles, and in the 2010 USA Outdoor Track 
and Field Championships, he placed third in the 400m hurdles. He is 
also a three-time NCAA All-American.
  As evidence of his continued hard work and pursuit of excellence, 
Michael qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team in a remarkable and 
memorable way: he beat the reigning Olympic gold, silver, and bronze 
medalists in the 400m hurdles, taking first place to secure his Olympic 
berth.
  Michael will represent Team USA in the 400m hurdles, and I am proud 
to have such an accomplished athlete and Arkansan representing our 
nation.
  On behalf of Arkansans and Americans everywhere, I wish Michael 
Tinsley the best of luck in his Olympic endeavors and look forward to 
his great accomplishments in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

                          ____________________