[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING JOEL GOMEZ AS MY CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

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                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to 
recognize Encinitas native Joel Gomez for my June Constituent of the 
Month. Recent graduate of Classical Academy High, Joel Gomez has not 
only represented California's 49th Congressional District around the 
country with his impressive athletic ability, but also the United 
States on the world stage as a medal award-winning Paralympic athlete. 
A member of the United States Paralympic Track and Field team, Joel has 
competed with great success in Switzerland, Peru and Dubai, earning two 
gold medals and one silver medal in the 1500 meters and 400 meters 
events. On top of that, Joel was named the 2019 Male Junior Para 
Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field.
  Still just 17 years old, Joel is currently preparing to represent the 
United States as a member of Team USA once again at the Tokyo 
Paralympics. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on much of the 
athletic communities' plans, Joel remained positive in his training and 
competition efforts, a perseverance he is no stranger to. With the 
postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and Olympics, Joel had the 
opportunity to train, stay motivated, and work harder than ever for 
what he hopes will soon be the pinnacle of his running career upon 
successful qualification at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials.
  In addition to his athletic achievements, Joel is an accomplished 
student, and is set to attend Purdue University this fall, where he 
intends to study industrial engineering. He also plays 4 instruments 
and sings, and in 2017, he made it to the finals in the Boys and Girls 
Club of Southwest County Idol Season 8. I'm honored to represent such 
an impressive young man, and I'm eager to watch and cheer him on as he 
races on the behalf of Team USA. Competing at an international level is 
an incredible feat, especially at such a young age, and I am proud to 
stand behind this remarkable, well-rounded young man, who I'm pleased 
to recognize as my June Constituent of the Month

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