[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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