[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 11972]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SHAWN JOHNSON: 2007 WORLD GYMNASTIC CHAMPION; 2008 
                           NATIONAL CHAMPION

  (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, last November I stood here to 
congratulate a native of Iowa, a young woman from our district who has 
demonstrated amazing discipline and spirit of American ambition. In 
September of 2007, Shawn Johnson won the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastic 
Championship. She is one of four American women to hold this esteemed 
title.
  Today, I congratulate Shawn on her most recent win. On Saturday, June 
7, Shawn successfully defended her title as the National Champion in 
women's gymnastics. Next weekend she will compete in Philadelphia for a 
spot on the elite six-member U.S. Women's Olympic Gymnastic Team.
  Shawn not only exudes the hard work necessary to achieve her dreams, 
but also the character of a natural role model. Even with all her gold 
medals and new-found fame, Shawn continues to compete with humble pride 
and gratitude.
  I thank Shawn for all of the wonderful things she has done around the 
State of Iowa and the Nation. Since winning the world championship, she 
has used her fame to bring awareness to breast cancer and other cancers 
that affect women.
  Once again, Shawn, congratulations on winning the National 
Championship again, and good luck in Philadelphia.

                          ____________________