[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17] [Senate] [Pages 23808-23810] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CONGRATULATING 2008 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAMS Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 704 submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 704) congratulating the members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams on their success in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporting the selection of Chicago, Illinois, as the site of the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the outstanding Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Maryland who proudly represented our country in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Michael Phelps II, a swimmer from Baltimore; Katie Hoff, a swimmer from Towson; David Banks, a rower from Potomac; Jun Gao, a table tennis player from Gaithersburg; Scott Parsons, a canoe and kayak racer from Bethesda; Freddie Adu, a soccer player from Rockville; Gary Russell, Jr., a boxer from Capital Heights; Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair racer from Clarksville; and Jessica Long, a swimmer from Baltimore, made all Marylanders proud as exemplary members of Team USA. In particular, I especially would like to recognize the three athletes from Maryland whose exceptional performances were rewarded with Paralympic and Olympic medals. Jessica Long won four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal in the 2008 Paralympics. Jessica not only won six medals; she set the world record in the Women's 100-Meter Freestyle event. Perhaps more extraordinary than her performance in this year's games are the challenges she had to overcome just to get to Beijing. Jessica was born with an abnormality in her lower legs and spent her infancy at an orphanage in eastern Russia before an American couple adopted her when she was 13 months old. Five months later, she had her legs amputated in the U.S. While these obstacles may have broken the spirit of most others, they only strengthened Jessica's resolve and she is now a 15-time world record holder. Katie Hoff also excelled in Beijing, winning one silver and two bronze medals at the XXIX Olympiad. In addition to winning the silver medal in the Women's 400-Meter Freestyle event, Katie set American records in winning the silver medal in the Women's 400-Meter Freestyle Relay event, in winning the bronze medal in the Women's 800-Meter Freestyle Relay event and in finishing fourth in the Women's 200-Meter Freestyle event. Last, but certainly not least, is the performance of Michael Phelps-- the greatest accomplishment in Olympic history, and one of the greatest athletic accomplishments of all time. This summer, Michael Phelps set seven world records and one Olympic record while winning eight gold medals, the most ever by an individual athlete in a single Olympics. He now has won 14 gold medals over the course of his Olympic career, also an Olympic record, and a total of 16 medals. To put this astonishing feat into perspective, Michael won more gold medals in Beijing than all but eight countries! And he won more medals in total than all but 24 countries! Who will ever forget the incredible come-from-behind victory Michael and his teammates Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones, and Jason Lezak achieved in Men's 400-Meter Freestyle Relay event as they edged the favored French team by 8/100ths of a second? That was one of the most exciting and inspirational finishes in Olympic history. Just as exciting was Michael's finish in the Men's 200-Meter Butterfly event when a stutter stroke and lunge at the end enabled him to beat Laszlo Cseh by the width of a fingernail! Despite the epic greatness of his achievement, Michael spoke modestly after winning his eighth gold, saying, ``Records are always made to be broken no matter what they are . . . Anybody can do anything that they set their mind to.'' Michael proved not only to be a model of what one can achieve with hard work and determination, but also a model of the courtesy and sportsmanship upon which the Olympics were founded. He is a self-effacing young man whose enthusiasm, modesty, cheerfulness, and charm have endeared him to people around the world. I would be remiss if I didn't mention his extraordinary mother, Debbie, and his coach, Bob Bowman. The obvious affection and respect he has for these two people indicate just how important they have been in his life. Michael is not content to rest on his laurels. He wants to attract more kids to swimming and to teach them about pursuing their dreams, using his own life as an example. He will donate the $1 million Olympic bonus he received from Speedo to a foundation he has created to promote water safety and youth swimming. ``This is a way for me to really help grow the sport,'' he said in explaining why he gave the prize to the newly-created Michael Phelps Foundation. Michael knew he wanted to spread interest in swimming but also wanted to convey a message that could apply to other activities, so he is creating a program called ``Dream, Plan, Reach.'' It's designed to help children set goals and take daily responsibility for pursuing them. He is also helping to raise money for charity by autographing photos, USA swim caps, Sports Illustrated covers, and other collectibles in a deal with Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia, offering fans the chance to own keepsakes from the Beijing Games. The people of Maryland are privileged to have had such an outstanding group represent us at the Olympic Games. All of these athletes sacrificed tremendously in order to reach this pinnacle of athletic success, spending countless hours in grueling and arduous training in order to wear the red, white, and blue in Beijing. I commend them all for their dedication and valor, and the exemplary way in which they represented the United States of America. They have made Marylanders and all Americans proud. I am pleased the Senate passed S. Res. 700 yesterday a resolution Senator Mikulski and I introduced along with 12 other cosponsors honoring the achievements of Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, and the rest of the United States Olympic Swimming Team for their record-breaking performances at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, where they won 31 medals, including 12 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals. While records may indeed be made to be broken, the accomplishments of this team will not be forgotten. It is fitting for the Senate to pay tribute and pass along its congratulations for a job superbly well done. Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate all of our national Olympic champions. The 2008 Summer Olympic games held in Beijing brought the world together, and showcased the best athletes from around the globe. I would like to recognize the Olympians with ties to my home State of Hawaii. Representing the United States: Brandon Brooks, Robyn Ah Mow- Santos, Lindsey Napela Berg, Natasha Kai, Clay Stanley, Heather Bown, Kim Willoughby, Taylor Takata, Bryan Clay, and Clarrissa Chun. Representing the Marshall Islands in their country's first Olympics: Anju Jason, and Jared Heine. Representing Australia: Justine Smethurst, Stacey Porter, and Melanie Schlanger. Representing the Netherlands: Iefke Van Belkum, and Meike De Nooy. And representing the Philippines: Daniel Coakley, and Christel Simms. I would also like to recognize the efforts of Maui resident and Paralympian Beth Arnoult, who represented the U.S. in women's wheelchair tennis. I would now like to highlight a few of the medal winners. Bryan Clay, from Kaneohe, Oahu, recovered from injury last year to win his first gold medal in decathlon with an impressive performance. Clay is one of two Olympians now featured on the post-Beijing Olympics Wheaties cereal box, along with gymnast Nastia Liukin. [[Page 23809]] Honolulu native Clay Stanley helped the United States men's volleyball team defeat the favored team from Brazil to win the gold medal. Natasha Kai, a Kahuku High School graduate, was the first player in history to be named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year three times while playing for the University of Hawaii soccer team. As a forward on the U.S. Women's team, she scored a game-winning goal in overtime to beat Canada in the quarterfinal round. The U.S. team went on to win gold. Punahou High School graduate Brandon Brooks helped capture silver for the United States in Men's Water polo. Punahou graduate Lindsey Berg, and former U.H. stars Robyn Ah Mow- Santos, Heather Bown, and Kim Willoughby, all shared a hand in claiming the silver medal for an exciting U.S. Women's Volleyball team. The University of Hawaii has a lot to be proud of, with all 10 representing athletes--including past alumni and current students-- returning home with medals. I congratulate these remarkable athletes, and all of those who competed in Beijing, and wish them success in all future endeavors. You made Hawaii and our Nation proud. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the athletes who participated in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Olympic Games represents the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, intense training, and determination. These Olympians have worked tirelessly and sacrificed much for many years for the honor to represent the United States, and it was a joy and a privilege to watch them compete. The sportsmanship and athleticism exhibited was inspiring, and a sleep-deprived nation was transfixed by the many triumphant and thrilling moments that defined the Summer Games in Beijing. Our athletes competed admirably and embodied the Olympic spirit. The 2008 Summer Olympics provided an opportunity for athletes and viewers from around the globe to witness China's culture and hospitality. As China opened its doors to the world during this 16-day span, they treated us to a visually stunning opening and closing ceremony, which bookended an equally impressive parade of athletic excellence in spectacular venues built specifically for these games. Michigan was well represented in Beijing, upholding our State's long tradition of producing world class athletes. It gives me great pride to recognize the 27 athletes with Michigan roots who represented the United States in the 2008 Summer Games: Mike Hessman in baseball; Tayshaun Prince and Katie Smith in basketball; Courtney King-Dye in equestrian; Sheila Taormina in the modern pentathlon; Ellen Tomek and Matt Hughes in rowing; Carrie Howe in sailing; Daryl Szarenski in shooting; Kate Markgraf and Lindsey Tarpley in soccer; Kara Lynn Joyce, Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt, Peter Vanderkaay, and Eric Vendt in swimming; Serena Williams in tennis; Ebonie Floyd, Dathan Ritzenhein, Brian Sell, and Anna Willard in track and field; Betsey Armstrong and Alison Gregorka in water polo; and Randi Miller, Adam Wheeler, Andy Hrovat, and Spenser Mango in wrestling. These Michigan athletes proudly represented our State and our Nation and brought home 22 medals: 15 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. It also comes as no surprise that the State of Michigan, which boasts some of the richest collegiate athletics programs available, has ties to another dozen athletes who competed for their countries in Beijing: Andrew Hurd for Canada in swimming; Alon Mandel for Israel in swimming; Natasha Moodie for Jamaica in swimming; Valeria Silva for Peru in swimming; Nate Brannen, Kevin Sullivan, and Nicole Forrester for Canada in track and field; Adam Harris for Guyana in track and field; Stann Waithe for Trinidad and Tobago in track and field; Nick Willis for New Zealand in track and field; and Janine Hanson and Heather Mandoli for Canada in rowing. Athletes rely heavily on the guidance of trainers, coaches, and others to succeed. It is impossible to overlook the important role these individuals play, as they provide the direction, advice, and support central to transforming gifted athletes into Olympians. The coaches and trainers with ties to Michigan include: Bob Bowman, coach for the U.S. Swim Team; Mike Bottom, coach for the Croatian Swim Team; Steve Fraser, coach for the U.S. Greco Roman Wrestling Team; Lisa Hass, trainer for the U.S. Rowing Team; Scott MacDonald, coach for the Canadian Track and Field Team; Jon Urbancheck, coach for the U.S. Swim Team; and Kevin Jackson, coach for the U.S. Freestyle Wrestling Team. The Olympic Games are charged with emotion. Competing in the Olympics is an honor and an athlete's fleeting opportunity to demonstrate to the world his or her ability. The opportunity to bring home an Olympic medal is an honor that many athletes dream about and only a few ever realize. These athletes shoulder a tremendous amount of pressure, yet they are still able to perform with the eyes of the world upon them. They create history, and moments many will remember for a lifetime. The 2008 Beijing Olympics had its share of moments that have been etched into our minds and hearts and stories that will be told for years to come. Swimming provided some of the most intense moments in the history of the Olympics, and I am proud to join Senator Cardin and others in the Senate in sponsoring S. Res. 700. This resolution, which was passed by the Senate earlier this week, salutes the historic achievements of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. It also salutes the unprecedented achievements of Michael Phelps, who became the first Olympian to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics. These Olympic Games were full of wonder and joy, and I know I speak for all Michiganders when I express my pride and gratitude to all of the athletes and coaches who participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These individuals sacrificed countless hours in practice and pushed themselves and their teammates to perform at their best. To the athletes and coaches from Michigan, I extend to you my heartiest congratulations and thanks for representing our State and our Nation with dignity. I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in honoring every athlete who represented Michigan and the United States in Beijing. I wish each athlete future success as they continue to strive for excellence. Mr. DURBIN. I am honored today to recognize the achievements of the American athletes who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. The Beijing Games were remarkable. More than 11,000 athletes representing over 200 countries competed in this year's Olympic Games. The United States won 110 medals total at the Beijing Olympics, more than any other country represented. The Paralympic Games, the competition for elite athletes with physical disabilities, immediately followed the Olympic in Beijing. More than 4,200 athletes from 148 countries competed, the largest number of nations ever represented at a Paralympic Games. American Paralympic athletes won 99 medals overall, 36 of them gold. The International Paralympic Committee has declared these the best Paralympic Games in history. Americans from coast to coast were electrified by swimmer Michael Phelps, who broke the record for most gold medals in one Olympics and for most gold medals for an Olympian. I had the opportunity to admire the two gold and two bronze medals of American swimmer Ryan Lochte this week. Ryan dedicated his performance and a portion of his winnings to eradicating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and he was on Capitol Hill this week to raise awareness of this cruel and fatal disorder. Joining U.S. medalists in swimming was a Lake Forest, IL son--Matt Grevers who won a silver medal in the men's 100m backstroke. In addition to Matt, I would like to commend the outstanding athletes from my home State of Illinois who represented the United States in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. NBA [[Page 23810]] star Dwyane Wade, a native of Chicago, helped lead the U.S. Men's Basketball Team, often called ``The Redeem Team,'' to their first gold medal since 2000. Sean Rooney of Wheaton, IL, also took home a gold medal as part of the U.S. Men's Volleyball team, and Ogonna Nnamani of Bloomington, IL, won a silver medal along with the U.S. Women's Volleyball team. Illinois athletes were on the medal stand during the Paralympic Games, too. Jaclyn Barnes of Wadsworth, IL, won a gold in Women's Goalball. Emily Hoskins of Mascoutah and Jennifer Ruddell of Champaign also brought home gold as part of the Women's Wheelchair Basketball team. Nichole Millage of Champaign and Hope Lewellen of Palos Park helped earn the silver for the Women's Sitting Volleyball Team. At least thirty athletes and coaches who competed at the Paralympics have direct ties to Illinois. Last but far from least, I would like to congratulate Dawn Harper, a native of my hometown of East St. Louis, IL, for her captivating performance at the Beijing Olympics. Ms. Harper, a graduate of East St. Louis High School and UCLA, was a part of the U.S. Women's Track Team. Dawn took the gold medal in the 100 meter hurdles, and I couldn't be more proud. The Olympics and Paralympics are inspiring. They allow us to watch athletic performance at its very best. They also remind us of the enduring human spirit that drives these athletes to sacrifice, train and prepare for these moments of camaraderie and competition with peers from countries around the world. The State of Illinois would be proud to host these games in 2016. We are preparing in the hope that, 8 years from now, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in the heartland of the United States--in beautiful Chicago, IL. Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, that any statements be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 704) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 704 Whereas the 2008 Summer Olympic Games were conducted in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008; Whereas 10,500 athletes from 204 countries participated in 302 events in 28 sports and inspired people around the world with their dedication, discipline, athletic achievement, and spirit of fair play, representing the best traditions of Olympic competition; Whereas 596 men and women represented the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games as members of the United States Olympic Team; Whereas those United States Olympians competed in 27 sports and continued the great legacy of athleticism and sportsmanship that has characterized the history of United States Olympic competition; Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the United States sustained and increased its clear dominance as the most successful country in the history of the Olympic Games; Whereas athletes from the United States won more medals in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games than athletes from any other country; Whereas swimmer Michael Phelps of Maryland earned recognition as one of the greatest athletes of all time by winning an extraordinary 8 gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games to surpass the previous single-year record of 7 Olympic gold medals by Mark Spitz, also a swimmer from the United States; Whereas Michael Phelps now also holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals ever won by a single athlete, with a remarkable 14 gold medals; Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the United States demonstrated its continued preeminence in team sports, with the men's and women's basketball teams, the men's volleyball team, the women's soccer team, and the men's and women's 4x400-meter relay teams winning gold medals; Whereas more than 200 athletes from the United States competed in 18 sports on behalf of the United States in the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, from September 6 to September 17, 2008; Whereas the United States Paralympic Team earned 99 medals, including 36 gold medals, reminding the world that physical challenges are no limit to human achievement; Whereas United States Army First Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell, who lost her left leg to a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2004, became the first veteran of the war in Iraq to compete in the Paralympic Games when she swam in the women's 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle, and 400- meter freestyle; Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect and admiration for the members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the Teams' athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence; Whereas the many accomplishments of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others, including the United States Olympic Committee and the many administrators, coaches, and family members who provided critical support for the athletes: Whereas the Olympic movement celebrates competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams; Whereas the United States and, in particular, the city of Chicago, Illinois, celebrate those same ideals; and Whereas Chicago has never hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) extends congratulations for a job well done to all members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams and to everyone who supported the Teams' efforts at the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games; and (2) encourages the International Olympic Committee to choose Chicago, Illinois, as the site of the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and offers support and cooperation in ensuring successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago in 2016. ____________________