[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2760-2761]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


           CONGRATULATING THE 2010 MICHIGAN WINTER OLYMPIANS

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate all of the 
athletes who competed in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, 
British Columbia. The Olympics was a spectacular and awe-inspiring 
event that captured the attention and imagination of people across the 
globe. While the athletes often come from very different backgrounds 
and cultures, they share a bond that will last forever: each has earned 
the title of Olympian. Indeed, it was heartwarming to watch these 
athletes come together to showcase their talents in peaceful 
competition over a two week span.
  The United States was represented by an extraordinary group of 
athletes. As a team, these talented and determined competitors brought 
home 37 medals, the most medals ever for the United States in the 
Winter Games. There were many breathtaking moments and several firsts 
for the U.S. team. Michigan was well represented with close to two 
dozen athletes competing in a range of sports. I am proud of each 
person that represented the United States, and I am particularly proud 
of those with ties to Michigan. In fact, leading the parade of American 
athletes and holding the American Flag during the opening ceremonies 
was Michigan's own Mark Grimmette, a luger who competed in his fifth 
and last Olympic Games.
  Michigan continued its long tradition of hosting and facilitating the 
training of world-class athletes for the Winter Games. More than three 
dozen athletes sharpen their skills at the Olympic Education Center, 
OEC, at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. In fact, the entire 
U.S. short track speed skating team trained at some point at the OEC 
leading up to the Games. This wonderful facility has provided for the 
training of athletes in a number of Olympic disciplines and has been an 
integral part of the success of many Olympic athletes since its 
inception in 1985.
  Shani Davis, who became the first African-American speed skater to 
win gold in an individual event in the Winter Games in 2006, displayed 
the skill and speed that has become his hallmark. This Northern 
Michigan University Alumnus secured gold in the 1,000 meters, setting 
yet another milestone by becoming the first person to win this event in 
back to back Olympic Games. Travis Jayner from Midland earned bronze as 
part of the U.S. 5,000 meter relay team at the Games. Long track speed 
skater Ryan Bedford from Midland also had a solid performance, placing 
12th in the 10,000 meter race in his first Olympic appearance. 
Jilleanne Rookard, a speed skater from Woodhaven, competed in three 
individual and one team event. Her best finish was fourth in the team 
pursuit. Competing in her second Winter Games, Kimberly Derrick, a 
graduate of Northern Michigan University, competed in the 1,500 meter 
individual race.
  The United States men's hockey team won silver in Vancouver, a 
remarkable performance that captivated Americans, whether they were 
dedicated hockey fans or newcomers to the sport. The men's journey to 
the gold medal game was buoyed by goaltender Ryan Miller from East 
Lansing, MI. Miller, a Michigan State University alumnus, earned Most 
Valuable Player honors for his phenomenal play throughout, which 
enabled the young American team to make a run for the gold. There were 
several members of the men's team with ties to Michigan that 
contributed to the hockey team's success, including Tim Thomas from 
Flint, Tim Gleason from Clawson, Jack Johnson from Ann Arbor, Ryan 
Kesler from Livonia and Brian Rafalski from Dearborn, who now plays for 
the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. In fact, 14 of the 25 member U.S. 
roster are either from Michigan or played organized hockey at some 
point in Michigan.
  The men's gold medal game was one of the great hockey games I have 
seen--and I have seen a lot. The U.S. hockey team tied the score in the 
final, hectic seconds of regulation to send this thrilling game into 
overtime. While the team ultimately lost in overtime, the heart they 
displayed was forever etched in our minds.
  A number of Red Wings players represented their home countries at the 
Winter Games, including Mike Babcock, head coach of the Canadian team; 
Pavel Datsyuk of Russia; Valtteri Filppula of Finland; and Johan 
Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Henrik Zetterberg of 
Sweden.
  The U.S. women's hockey team matched the men's success by securing 
silver in Vancouver. Their dominating performance throughout the 
Olympics culminated in a fierce battle against Canada in the gold-medal 
game. The lone Michiganian on the team, Angela Ruggiero from Harper 
Woods, played well throughout, scoring three goals and an assist in the 
tournament. In a demonstration of the respect this four-time Olympian 
has earned, her fellow athletes from around the world selected Ruggiero 
to serve as one of the athletes' representatives to the International 
Olympic Committee.

[[Page 2761]]

  In Ice Dancing, Meryl Davis and Charlie White from West Bloomfield 
and Dearborn, respectively, skated with grace and precision to secure 
the silver medal. Their performance was truly stunning. Joining them on 
the medal podium were Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue of Canada. Both teams 
train in Canton, MI, at the Arctic Figure Skating Club. Emily Samuelson 
and Evan Bates, who train at the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, skated 
beautifully and finished 11th overall. All three pairs were a joy to 
watch, and to have three teams that train in Michigan perform so well 
is a tribute to Michigan's commitment to the sport. Along with being a 
part of the 2010 Olympic Team, Meryl, Charlie, Emily, and Evan also are 
students at the University of Michigan. Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, 
the 2006 Torino silver medalists who formerly trained in Canton, MI, 
also skated well and placed fourth. The two-time United States Men's 
Champion Jeremy Abbott from the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield 
Hills placed 9th in the tough and spirited men's individual figure 
skating contest.
  There were many other dramatic moments and personal triumphs by 
Olympians from Michigan during the 2010 Winter Games. Bobsledder 
Michelle Rzepka from Novi, a graduate of Michigan State University, put 
forth a strong effort and finished sixth overall. Nick Baumgartner from 
Iron River competed with style and abundant flair in Snowboardcross in 
Vancouver. Caitlin Compton, a Northern Michigan University graduate, 
displayed great endurance and perseverance in competing in three cross 
country events, with a top finish of sixth in the team sprint free.
  I know I speak for all Michiganians in expressing appreciation and 
congratulations to all of the athletes, coaches, and administrators who 
took part in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It is with particular pride 
that I salute the athletes from Michigan. The commitment, drive, and 
competitive spirit of these athletes were on full display for the world 
to witness. The feats of these gifted and determined athletes have 
inspired us all.

                          ____________________