[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MR. BOBBY J. MORROW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 1, 2020

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
extraordinary life of Mr. Bobby J. Morrow and recognize his 
achievements as a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
  Mr. Morrow was a resident of San Benito, TX for much of his life. He 
attended San Benito High School, where he excelled athletically in both 
track and football. Following graduation, Mr. Morrow was a sprinter for 
Abilene Christian University, where he would go on to break and defend 
records on the national collegiate scale.
  At just 21 years old, Mr. Morrow travelled to Melbourne, Australia, 
for the 1956 Olympics to represent the United States of America. Mr. 
Morrow would win three gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter 
dash, and 4x100-meter relay--even going so far as to break the world 
record in the relay, and match it in the 200-meter dash. His success on 
the collegiate and Olympic levels earned him the Sports Illustrated's 
title of ``Sportsman of the Year'' in 1956. He would also collect the 
Amateur Athletic Union's James E. Sullivan Award in 1957 before being 
inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975.
  Bobby Morrow was not only a talented athlete, but also a kind and 
giving man. He donated all of his Olympic medals in hopes of inspiring 
others to pursue their own dreams. Mr. Morrow is survived by his 
longtime, loving partner of 20 years, Judy Parker of Harlingen, TX, his 
five children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
  His rare talent and character are remembered throughout San Benito 
and the 34th Congressional District of Texas. San Benito CISD has 
dedicated two athletic facilities to him as a tribute to his athletic 
excellence and to share his inspirational story.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
and remembering the life of Mr. Morrow.

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