[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THREE OLYMPIC MEDALISTS KESHIA BAKER, NATALIE COUGHLIN AND 
                             HEATHER PETRI

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three local 
heroes from the 10th District of California, Keshia Baker, Natalie 
Coughlin and Heather Petri. At the 2012 London Olympic Games Keshia won 
the gold medal in the Women's 4x400m relay, Natalie won the Bronze in 
the Women's 4x100m freestyle swimming relay and Heather won gold as 
part of the Women's Water Polo team. These three inspiring women having 
assured places on the storied list of Olympians from our district, and 
have become role models of our community.
  Keshia was a first time Olympian in London but you wouldn't know by 
the way she carried herself. Keshia graduated from Fairfield High in 
2006 whereupon she attended the University of Oregon. In between 
setting athletic records at Oregon, Keisha started her own non-profit 
supporting young disadvantaged student athletes as well as graduating 
with Honors in Psychology.
  Natalie is an Olympic veteran and a national household name who has 
performed at an amazing level as a member of the US Women's swimming 
team since 2004. Winning her 12th medal at the London games, Natalie 
has tied two others as the most highly decorated female Olympians in 
American history. As a lifelong resident of Vallejo and a graduate of 
my alma mater CAL, Natalie is and will continue to be an inspiration 
within our community.
  Heather, a four-time Olympic veteran, has competed at a winning level 
for the past 12 years. Due in no small part to her excellent leadership 
and tenacity, the US Women's Water Polo Team earned gold in London. 
This was her fourth Olympic medal. Even at a young age Heather was an 
exceptional athlete; a founding member of her high school team, and a 
highly decorated college athlete from CAL, her success has been no 
surprise to our community.
  Olympians are more than just exceptional athletes, they are 
exceptional Americans. Their ability to hurdle any obstacle, to apply 
hard work, dedication and perseverance to their goals embodies the best 
of the American spirit and the American people; they are role models to 
us all and ambassadors for America and we thank them.

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