[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18062]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARGARET HOELZER

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual from my district, Ms. Margaret Hoelzer.
  Ms. Hoelzer, an accomplished swimmer, recently competed in the 2008 
Summer Olympic Games in Beijing where she earned a Silver Medal in the 
women's 200m backstroke and a Bronze Medal in the women's 100m 
backstroke. In addition, she and her teammates were awarded a Silver 
Medal in the women's 4xl00m medley relay. A two-time Olympian, Ms. 
Hoelzer also competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, where 
she placed fifth in the 200m backstroke.
  While her Olympic successes are certainly impressive, Ms. Hoelzer's 
swimming career includes numerous other medals and honors, both in U.S. 
and international competition. She is the former world record holder 
and world champion in the 200m backstroke. She was the silver medalist 
in the 200m backstroke at both the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, 
and she won her first U.S. national title in the 200m backstroke at the 
2005 World Championship Trials.
  In addition to her many accomplishments in the sport of swimming, her 
activities outside the pool truly distinguish Margaret Hoelzer as a 
champion. When she's not swimming, Ms. Hoelzer is a mentor and role 
model to the young people who take part in her youth swim clinics. As a 
motivational speaker, she takes her ``if you put your mind to it, 
anything is possible'' message of perseverance to countless children in 
her community. In addition, Ms. Hoelzer volunteers at the National 
Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, where she works with abused 
children. Upon completion of her master's degree in sociology at Auburn 
University, she hopes to continue her work with abused children as a 
psychologist.
  On Thursday, September 4, 2008, Ms. Hoelzer was honored with a 
reception in her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. There Ms. Hoelzer's 
family, friends, and community celebrated her accomplishments and 
contributions to the sport of swimming. I rise to join them in their 
tribute and to thank Ms. Hoelzer for her service to our community.

                          ____________________