[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           TRIBUTE TO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST GABRIELLE DOUGLAS

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gabby Douglas of 
West Des Moines, Iowa for her outstanding accomplishments in the 2012 
Summer Olympic Games. Gabby will be remembered by history as the first 
African-American individual all-around champion and as the first 
American gymnast to earn a gold medal in both the individual all-around 
and team competitions in the same Olympics.
  Gabby has been training in West Des Moines under former University of 
Iowa gymnastics coach Liang Chow for nearly two years. Originally from 
Virginia Beach, Gabby has dedicated her life to gymnastics since 
enrolling when she was just six years old. In 2010, Gabby felt it was 
time to take her training to the next level and moved halfway across 
the country to train under Coach Chow and make her Olympic dreams a 
reality. While Gabby's move was not an easy decision for her mother 
Natalie, or her two sisters Arielle and Joy, Gabby's move to Iowa has 
been a wonderful experience thanks to her host parents, Travis and 
Missy Parton of West Des Moines. Gabby quickly became another daughter 
to her host parents and another sister to their four daughters, Hailey, 
Leah, Lexi, and Elissa. In London, Gabby's two mothers stood side by 
side as they cheered Gabby to a first place finish and into the history 
books.
  Gabby Douglas has shown America, and the world, that anything is 
possible through hard work and dedication. She has taken her newfound 
fame with elegance and humility, attributing her success to her 
supportive families and unwavering faith in God. It is no surprise to 
those who know Gabby that her infectious positive attitude and 
incredible athletic ability has captured the nation's attention. Gabby 
returns to America both as a champion and as a role model for millions 
of young Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, witnessing the historic achievements of Gabby Douglas 
has captivated the nation and the world. Miss Douglas has represented 
the very best of Iowa's work ethic and people on the international 
stage, and it is a great honor to represent Gabby and the Partons in 
the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the 
House will join me in congratulating Gabby, thanking her supportive 
families, and welcoming all of our athletes home from a truly historic 
Summer Olympics in London.

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