[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 146 (Friday, August 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ARIEL TORRES FOR HIS IMPRESSIVE SHOWING AT THE 2020 TOKYO 
                                OLYMPICS

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 13, 2021

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ariel 
Torres, whose hard work and dedication led him to earn a bronze medal 
in the men's karate kata at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
  Born in Cuba, Ariel's family settled in Hialeah, Florida, when he was 
only four years old. As a young child, he turned to karate to manage 
his hyperactivity after being encouraged to do so by his doctor. 
Ariel's family has been his biggest support system throughout his 
career and his achievements would not be possible without their 
unwavering dedication. Like most looking to rebuild their lives, his 
family had very little when they arrived in the United States, but 
still encouraged Ariel to pursue his dreams. One instance of this was 
when Ariel, at age eleven, wanted to attend a tournament in North 
Carolina but his parents could not afford to send him. Instead of 
giving up, his parents and Ariel put on an exhibition, where he 
performed karate moves at an intersection to ask for donations from 
people driving by. Ariel and his family did this for weeks until they 
saved up enough money to attend the tournament, where he won both 
competitions that occurred.
  Ariel's family continued to support his dreams and encouraged him 
throughout his career, shaping him into the dedicated young man that he 
is today. He is a four-time USA Karate SeniorTeam Member, a two-time 
USA Karate National Champion, and now, an Olympic bronze medalist. When 
Ariel learned that karate would be included in the 2020 Olympics, he 
envisioned himself competing at the highest level on that world stage. 
It was an honor to witness Ariel's performance in Tokyo and see him 
bring an impressive victory back to Hialeah.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to know that such a committed young 
man resides in South Florida. His life story and perseverance serve as 
an inspiration for all--that no dream is too big to achieve. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.

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