[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING ERIN KERKHOFF

  (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young 
woman in my district who has become an inspiration to women and 
athletes everywhere.
  Erin Kerkhoff, a University of Northern Iowa sophomore and track star 
from Solon High School, earned a position on Team USA for the 
Paralympics in Tokyo.
  Kerkhoff, who has 20/400 vision due to optic nerve degeneration in 
both eyes is ranked fifth in the world in the 400-meter dash after 
achieving a personal record of 58.23 seconds in the qualifying trials 
earlier this month, finishing second overall in both the 400- and 100-
meter dashes.
  The Second District and the State of Iowa are lucky to be represented 
by stellar athletes like Erin, Thomas Gilman, and Kenny Bednarek 
competing in this year's summer Olympics.
  I could not be prouder to represent these three in Congress. Good 
luck Erin, Thomas, and Kenny, and bring home the gold.
  Last week, I wished my sister Mari-Eleanor Martino a happy birthday, 
and this week I would like to extend a happy birthday to her husband, 
Ralph Martino. Happy birthday, Ralph, and we are delighted to have you 
in the family.

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