[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH BEISEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Olympic silver 
medalist and Rhode Island resident, Elizabeth Beisel. Elizabeth is a 
member of the USA Olympic Swimming Team, and on July 28, she competed 
in the Women's 400 meter individual medley, finishing in second place 
with a time of 4:31.27. I join her family, friends, Rhode Islanders, 
and the entire United States in congratulating her on this remarkable 
accomplishment.
  Growing up in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, Elizabeth began swimming at 
5 years old. Her passion, energy, and hard work paid off in 2008 when 
she qualified for her first Olympics. In Beijing, 15 year old Elizabeth 
was the first Olympic swimmer from Rhode Island in 44 years. She 
finished in fourth and fifth in the 400 meter individual medley and the 
200 meter backstroke respectively. Last year she won her first world 
title at the Shanghai World Championships in the 400 meter individual 
medley.
  After the Beijing Olympics, Elizabeth enrolled in the University of 
Florida, where she continues to train and compete. Outside of the pool, 
Elizabeth is a dedicated student and a talented violin player. She 
balances the demands of her collegiate and Olympic training programs, 
academic coursework, and international competition schedule with 
incredible grace and maturity.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in extending 
congratulations and best wishes to Elizabeth and all of the exceptional 
athletes who make up Team USA. America is so proud of you!

                          ____________________