[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20348]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST OTIS HARRIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 
Edwards, Mississippi native, Olympic gold and silver medalist, Otis 
Harris, Jr. At this year's 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, 
the track and field standout showcased his world class speed on the 
world's biggest stage.
  Edwards, Mississippi's hometown hero, the son of Otis, Sr. and Cheryl 
Harris, began his track career at high school track powerhouse, Hinds 
Agricultural High School in Raymond, Mississippi. As Harris helped lead 
his high school team to three consecutive Class 2A State Championships, 
and in 1999 winning the 100m, 200m, and 400m State Championships 
respectively, he accumulated dozens of individual accolades leading to 
his acceptance of a track scholarship from the University of South 
Carolina.
  Running his way through both the Gamecock and Southeastern Conference 
(SEC) record books in 2003, Otis took claim of SEC track titles in the 
400m dash, as well as the 4 X 400m relay team, making these his 
signature events. Harris was deemed academically ineligible to 
participate in athletics during the 2004 collegiate season, causing him 
to briefly disappear from the Olympic track radar screen.
  As Harris stunned many by qualifying for the Olympics in July 2004 in 
the 400m dash, he remained unfaltering as his dreams became realistic. 
On Monday, August 23, 2004, Otis settled into his familiar stance, only 
this time Olympic medals were up for grabs. Running the fastest time of 
his life (44.16), Otis garnered the Olympic silver medal in the 400m 
dash.
  While still overwhelmed with the excitement of his first Olympic 
feat, Harris took the stage again five days later. This time Harris was 
starring in his other signature event, the 4 X 400m relay team which 
was favored to win the gold. Harris teamed with Derrick Brew (400m 
bronze), Jeremy Wariner (400m gold) and Darold Williamson. Harris ran 
the fastest leg of the four Americans, turning in a time of 43.28; the 
team ran 2:55.91, the best time in the world this year, bringing home 
the gold medals.
  I commend Mr. Otis Harris, Jr. for his valiant triumphs at this 
year's Olympic Games. His efforts are buttressed by his resiliency 
through the seemingly unsteady foreign relations climate leading into 
the Games. Harris, as well as all of our Olympic athletes, showed true 
professionalism in serving as ambassadors and representing our nation 
on the global stage. May Otis continue to represent our nation with 
professionalism and may he continue to excel in his career.

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