[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21930]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DAWN HARPER, GOLD MEDAL WINNER AT THE 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring Dawn Harper, Gold Medal winner in the 100-meter 
hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
  Growing up in East St. Louis, IL, Dawn Harper was captivated by the 
athletic accomplishments of a fellow East St. Louis native, Jackie 
Joyner-Kersee. Recognizing that Jackie Joyner-Kersee made the most of 
her talents and abilities through years of hard work and perseverance, 
Dawn dedicated herself to following a similar path.
  Dawn showed early promise as a track star at East St. Louis Senior 
High School where she won both the 100-meter and 300 meter hurdles at 
the Illinois State Championships as a freshman. She would repeat that 
spectacular feat two more times during her high school career. Even 
though she was slowed by an ACL injury her sophomore year, she still 
placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at the state championships.
  Following again in Jackie Joyner-Kersee's footsteps, Dawn decided to 
pursue her collegiate career at UCLA. While at UCLA, Dawn would earn 
honors as USA Junior champion, Pan Am Junior champion, NACAC U23 
champion, and multiple All-American selections at the NCAA Outdoor 
Championships. Dawn graduated from UCLA in 2006.
  Dawn tried out for the 2004 Olympic team and finished 18th in the 
100-meter hurdles. Her hard work and persistence paid off in the 2008 
Olympic trials where she placed 3rd, earning her a spot on the team to 
represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Dawn 
ran well in her preliminary heats and placed 3rd in the semifinals. 
This secured her place in the finals where she was not to be denied, 
winning the championship with a personal best time of 12.54 seconds.
  In victory, Dawn displayed not only the athletic ability of a 
champion but also the grace and sportsmanship, congratulating her 
teammates for their efforts and giving thanks to those who have helped 
her in her quest for this momentous accomplishment.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dawn 
Harper, Olympic champion and Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Olympic 
Games and wishing her the best as she continues to pursue her athletic 
career and beyond.

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