[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 76 (Thursday, May 2, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRETT FORBES

 Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, I rise today to honor Brett 
Forbes of Bonne Terre, MO, for his inspirational participation on Team 
USA's Paralympics powerlifting team.
  Brett, an 18-year-old from St. Francois County, was born with spina 
bifida, but has never let his condition keep him from playing sports. 
Brett's siblings also share his love for athletics; his older brother 
Drew is an NFL offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, and his 
older sister Holly plays professional basketball overseas in Australia.
  Since Brett was 6 years old he excelled at wheelchair basketball and 
committed to training to be a powerlifter. His hard work earned him the 
opportunity to compete on behalf of Team USA at the World Para 
Powerlifting American Open in St. Louis, MO. His performance was 
underscored by his 341-pound lift that broke the American rookie 
record. Brett did not even realize he was competing for the record, but 
told reporters that he was simply doing what he trained for. Brett was 
awarded gold and bronze medals, but his greatest achievement has been 
his moving story and lesson to all athletes to work hard in order to 
reach your goals.
  Brett Forbes is truly a champion of Missouri. He demonstrates a 
resilient work ethic that encourages all of us to cultivate the skills 
and talents we possess to reach new heights. I am proud to recognize 
his work on the U.S. Paralympics powerlifting team and commend his 
parents for encouraging his and all of their children's athletic 
endeavors. Brett is a wonderful representative for Missouri and, more 
broadly, the United States on the world stage. I wish him continued 
success and am excited to see all this young man will accomplish in the 
future.

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