[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING OLYMPIC MEDALIST RYAN HELD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ryan Held on his 
gold medal finish in the 4x100 meter Freestyle Relay at the 2016 
Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  As a student of Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield, IL, 
Ryan spent his time after school in the pool where he quickly impressed 
his teammates and competitors alike. As a sophomore, Ryan placed second 
in the 50-yard Freestyle and first in the 100-yard Freestyle at the 
Illinois High School Association Swimming Championships in 2012. The 
following year, he won both of these events at the State level, and 
earned the title of Illinois State Swimmer of the Year in 2014. Ryan 
currently attends North Carolina State University where he continues 
his collegiate swimming career.
  From a young age, Ryan has proudly represented Springfield, devoting 
himself to both swimming and the community. Becoming an Eagle Scout at 
the age of 15, Ryan committed himself to being a tone of positive 
change in our community. For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan built a 
memorial in honor of a student who had passed away. Ryan embodies what 
it truly means to be an Eagle Scout, displaying exceptional leadership 
qualities, and putting others before himself.
  After improving tremendously each year in the pool, Ryan became the 
NCAA Champion in the 4x100-yard Freestyle Relay in 2016; however, he 
had a larger goal in mind--the Olympics. This year, Ryan became a 
member of the 4x100 meter Freestyle Relay Team that won the Gold medal 
at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, swimming the third leg of the event 
along with teammates Caleb Dressel, Nathan Adrian, and Michael Phelps. 
His lifelong dedication to swimming has paid off as he is now 
considered one of the best swimmers in the world.
  Ryan serves as a reminder to the people of our community that when we 
believe in ourselves and dedicate our time and effort to the goals that 
we set, we can achieve even the most daring outcomes. Ryan exemplifies 
what it means to be an Olympian and an American. Central Illinois, the 
State of Illinois, and our Country could not be any prouder. Again, 
congratulations, Ryan, on your successful career.

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