[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


        BONNIE RICHARDSON, A CHAMPION IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, Heywood Broun, a renowned sportswriter and 
life-long champion of the underdog, once said that ``Sports do not 
build character, they reveal it.'' I've heard it before, but today I 
finally understand it thanks to Rochelle High School junior Bonnie 
Richardson.
  On the weekend of May 9 and 10 this year, high school athletes from 
all across Texas gathered for the State track and field championship. 
At the meet, athletes compete for two honors, for success in each event 
as individuals and for the State championship as a team.
  With Bonnie Richardson as a sole member of the Rochelle High School 
Lady Hornets to qualify for the meet, the Lady Hornets were the 
ultimate underdog to win a team trophy. Yet, after medaling in all five 
of her events--winning two golds, two silvers and a bronze--Bonnie 
found herself in an unlikely position, standing atop the podium to 
accept the girl's Class 1A team trophy. Her five individual medals 
earned her 42 points, more than any other school in her team's class. 
She also wrote herself into the Texas Track and Field history books as 
the only female ever to win a State team championship without the help 
of teammates.
  While Bonnie's accomplishment defines the word ``exceptional,'' the 
depth of her character is not revealed in her medals or trophies, but 
in her attitude. Even as her story has been transmitted around the 
world and back again, her comments reflect a young woman with poise 
beyond her years. In every article and in every quote, Bonnie has been 
very gracious to her competitors and modest in her unparalleled 
achievement.
  In an era where athletes' behavior and attitudes can be more infamous 
than celebrated, Bonnie's self-effacing demeanor shows us how 
sportsmanship should be practiced. I am amazed by Bonnie's athletic 
prowess, but I am humbled by her easy and free manner in which she 
praises her opponents, remains grateful for her gifts, and uplifts 
those around her. Although such an attitude may seem routine to her, a 
lifetime has taught me that character like hers is not as common as we 
would all wish.
  Bonnie's quiet confidence extends beyond her abilities in track and 
field. She is a well-rounded athlete who is an all-state basketball 
player and an accomplished tennis player. In addition, she is in the 
running to be named her class valedictorian. It is clear to me that her 
attitude is an asset in all she undertakes.
  It is an honor to represent Bonnie and all the students like her 
across the 11th District of Texas. As she prepares for her senior year, 
and as her national notoriety begins to wane, I wish her luck in 
returning to her version of business as usual--excelling at 
everything--and success in the upcoming season and beyond.

                          ____________________