[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                JONATHAN GARCIA, OLYMPIAN AND HOUSTONIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the whir of skate gliding across the 
ice transfixes spectators at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. 
Competing on the ice is Olympic speed skater, Texan, and Houston 
native, Jonathan Garcia.
  Jonathan has been speed skating since he was 7 years old. His love 
for skating began when he witnessed Dan Jansen win the speed skating 
gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. 
Ever since that time, Jonathan has passionately competed in speed 
skating and has enjoyed years of success.
  Jonathan did not immediately begin speed skating at the ripe old age 
of 7, as one would assume. He first competed in roller speed skating 
for 14 years, before switching to speed skating in 2007. His goal was 
to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, and that wouldn't be possible 
as a roller speed skater. Jonathan, being the determined and motivated 
person he is, quickly took up speed skating and began competing in 
major competitions throughout the country.
  Jonathan's first major achievement came during the 2011 to 2012 Short 
Track U.S. Time Trials where he earned the gold medal in the 1000 
meters. After that, Jonathan's career absolutely skyrocketed. He has 
competed in the World Championships consistently for the past 7 years, 
even placing in every event he skated in.
  Perhaps most impressively, Jonathan has qualified for and competed in 
the past two Winter Olympics. He placed 28th overall in the 1000 meters 
at the 2014 So chi Olympic Winter Games.
  In this year's 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Jonathan finished 
23rd in the 500 meters. He was also second among the three U.S. entries 
to compete in the speed skating competition.
  We are beyond thrilled to have a hometown hero representing Team USA 
and his town of Katy, Texas. Jonathan's determination to succeed and 
his passion for speed skating will no doubt inspire a younger 
generation to compete and achieve their wildest dreams.
  And that is just the way it is.

                          ____________________