[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING MISSISSIPPI'S OLYMPIANS
Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the gifted
athletes from my home State of Mississippi who represented the United
States in the 2012 London Olympic games and Paralympic games. They join
an extraordinary legacy built by generations of great American
Olympians and Paralympians, and their historic successes on the world
stage are a proud moment for Mississippi.
In the London Olympic games, Gulfport native Brittney Reese became
the first American woman to win a gold medal in long jump since Jackie
Joyner-Kersee, who won it more than two decades ago in the Seoul games.
The Olympic title tops an impressive career for the former University
of Mississippi standout and four-time world champion, who has become an
unmatched competitor over the past several years.
Particularly heartfelt and inspiring was Reese's dedication of her
gold-medal success to the people of Mississippi and those still
recovering from Hurricane Katrina, which damaged her family's home 7
years ago. As she told reporters, ``This is a great way for me to bring
something home and show them we can all do this together.''
Bianca Knight of Ridgeland helped lead the women's 4x100-meter relay
team to a gold-medal win in an incredible 40.82 seconds--besting the
world record set by East Germany in 1985. The performance earned the
United States its first Olympic gold medal in the women's relay event
since 1996 in Atlanta.
In the men's 4x100-meter relay, Coldwater sprinter Trell Kimmons and
his teammates blazed through to a silver-medal finish--setting a new
American record. Former Jackson State University track star Michael
Tinsley also won silver in the 400-meter hurdles. Isiah Young, a
talented athlete at the University of Mississippi, made his Olympic
debut in the exciting 200-meter dash, advancing to the semifinals with
an impressive run against decorated Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
One Mississippian continued her Olympic success this time as a coach
for the U.S. women's basketball team. Assistant coach Jennifer Gillom,
an Ole Miss graduate from Abbeville, helped lead the team to a gold-
medal victory in London. She won gold as a player during the Seoul
Games and is the first person in Ole Miss women's basketball history to
be part of multiple medal wins.
Like the Olympics, the London Paralympic games were also a
spectacular display of athleticism and perseverance. The international
sports event for athletes with disabilities began shortly after World
War II as a way for those with war injuries to enhance their quality of
life. More than 4,000 athletes competed in this year's Paralympic
games--including four Mississippians who captivated the world with
outstanding performances.
Shaquille Vance of Houston set a new American record in the men's
200-meter-T42 event--earning the silver medal. Richard Browne of
Jackson sprinted to a silver-medal finish in the highly anticipated
100-meter-T44 race. Top-ranked competitors Ryan Estep and Joseph
Brinson of Florence showcased their expertise as part of the U.S.
wheelchair fencing team, with Estep competing in the epee-style event
and Brinson in the saber-style competition.
I thank the family and friends who have supported and encouraged
these athletes throughout this incredible journey. The Olympics and
Paralympics are a dream for athletes around the world and a life-
changing experience for those who participate. I congratulate these
inspiring Mississippians on their remarkable accomplishments. They have
worked hard and made us proud.
Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I further ask that the resolution be agreed
to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be considered
made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and
any statements related to the measure be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 558) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 558
Whereas the 2012 Olympic Games were held in London, England
from July 27, 2012, to August 12, 2012, and the 2012
Paralympic Games were held in London, England from August 29,
2012, to September 9, 2012;
Whereas 532 Olympians and 227 Paralympians competed on
behalf of Team USA in London, England;
Whereas the great State of Nevada contributed 4 athletes to
the United States Olympic Team and 1 athlete to the United
States Paralympic Team;
Whereas the Olympians and Paralympian from the State of
Nevada proudly represented the United States in competition
and displayed an admirable dedication to the spirit of the
Olympic Games;
Whereas Amanda Bingson of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in
the Olympic Women's Hammer Throw event;
Whereas Jacob Dalton of Reno, Nevada, competed in the
Olympic Men's Gymnastics Floor Exercise and Men's Team
events;
Whereas Connor Fields of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in the
Olympic Men's BMX event;
Whereas Michael Hunter II of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in
the Olympic Men's Heavyweight Boxing event;
Whereas Cortney Jordan of Henderson, Nevada, competed in
the Paralympic Women's 400m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke,
100m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley, 50m Freestyle, and
100m Freestyle events;
Whereas Ms. Jordan won silver medals in the 400m Freestyle,
50m Freestyle, and 100m Freestyle, and a bronze medal in the
100m Backstroke;
Whereas the citizens of the State of Nevada and the people
of the United States stand united in respect and admiration
for the Nevadan Olympians and Paralympian, and the athletic
accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication of those
athletes to excellence in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics;
Whereas the many accomplishments of the Nevadan Olympians
and Paralympian would not have been possible without the hard
work and dedication of many others, including the United
States Olympic Committee, the relevant United States National
Governing Bodies, and the many administrators, coaches, and
family members who provided critical support for the
athletes: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate extends sincere congratulations
for the accomplishments and gratitude for the sacrifices of
the athletes from the State of Nevada and throughout the
United States on the United States Olympic and Paralympic
Teams and to everyone who supported the efforts of those
athletes at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
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