[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MS. JENNETTE STARKS-FAULKNER, 2014 
                         FENCING WORLD CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments 
of Ms. Jennette Starks-Faulkner. As you know Mr. Speaker, great 
athletes are not born they are forged through the combined efforts of 
our entire community and the dedication and determination of 
individuals. Ms. Starks-Faulkner's discipline and her commitment to 
living a healthy and active lifestyle is evident in the success she has 
found participating in competitions hosted by the United States Fencing 
Association.
  Ms. Starks-Faulkner's precise footwork, lightning thrusts, and deft 
ripostes have made her one of the most accomplished fencers in the 
entire world. This past October in Debrecen, Hungary she became the 
first U.S. woman ever to win the International Fencing Federation's 
Veteran Fencing World Championship gold medal in foil competition. 
Among her long list of achievements, which I ask be added into the 
Record, Ms. Starks-Faulkner won a gold medal at the 2014 USA Fencing 
National Championships in the Veteran Foil competition, a silver in the 
Veteran Saber competition and she has represented the United States as 
a member of the last seven Veteran World Championship teams.
  Anyone who watches Ms. Starks-Faulkner compete will attest that her 
physical ability is only surpassed by her willingness to give 
everything she has to win. In a sport where there are very few African 
American participants, Ms. Starks-Faulkner has distinguished herself as 
the first among champions. While small in stature, her presence casts a 
great shadow on her competition. Ms. Starks-Faulkner's accomplishments 
are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the limitless 
potential each and every person possesses. Lastly, her dedication to 
fencing is an important reminder not only to her students, but to all 
Americans, that when you believe in your dreams, nothing can stop you.
  As an ardent admirer of those who would push beyond their 
limitations, I salute Ms. Starks-Faulkner and her long list of 
accomplishments.

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