[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1980 WINTER OLYMPICS IN LAKE 
                                 PLACID

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2020

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic 
legacy of the Olympic Games in Lake Placid. This week marks the 40th 
Anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympics, which featured some of the 
most iconic moments in Olympic history.
  The first Olympics held in Lake Placid took place in February of 
1932. The intervening half century saw the massive upheaval of World 
War II and the rise of the Soviet Union. The Olympics returned to Lake 
Placid in the winter of 1980 and brought the tensions of the Cold War 
with them. It was during those games that the amateur USA Hockey Team 
defeated the heavily favored Soviet Hockey Team on their way to a gold 
medal in what was dubbed the ``Miracle on Ice.'' In addition, U.S. 
speed skater Eric Heiden's record-setting five gold medals helped 
cement the Thirteenth Olympic Winter Games as one for the ages.
  Building this legacy has been an ongoing effort for over a century. 
Since long before the 1932 games, residents of Lake Placid have been 
working hard to make their community a destination for winter sports 
athletes and enthusiasts. Lake Placid and surrounding communities have 
sent at least one athlete to every Winter Olympics since the first one 
in 1924. In order to maintain that level of success, they have worked 
tirelessly to host other major international and national competitions 
that constantly foster new generations of world class athletes. It is 
for that reason that Lake Placid was chosen as the host city for the 
2023 World University Games, where over 2,000 athletes from all over 
the world will come together to compete in 79 events.
  To honor the 40th Anniversary of the 1980 games, throughout this week 
there will be dozens of events at all of the facilities celebrating 
athletes from the original winter games and athletes moving towards 
Olympic goals. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I 
want to congratulate the entire Lake Placid community on this important 
milestone. I look forward to working with local leaders to ensure the 
continued success of Lake Placid and its athletes.

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