[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5871-5872]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING OLYMPIC SPEEDSKATERS JOHN ROBERT ``J.R.'' CELSKI AND APOLO 
                               ANTON OHNO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, this year's Olympic Winter 
Games in Vancouver were an incredible display of America's finest 
athletes representing our country. It is my great privilege to commend 
two of these athletes from the great State of Washington.
  The Ninth District of Washington was honored to be represented by 
short track speedskater John Robert ``J.R.'' Celski of Federal Way, 
Washington. Celski sustained a severe injury during the Olympic Trials 
in which his skate blade cut deeply into his left quadriceps muscle, 
barely missing his artery, only 5 months before the 2010 Olympic Winter 
Games. Prior to his injury, he put up record performances in U.S. 
competitions against other world-class athletes.
  Celski displayed an astonishing level of perseverance when he 
overcame this adversity to capture the bronze medal in the Men's 1500m 
and the Men's 5000m Relay. J.R. Celski embodied the spirit of this 
country with his resolve and determination.
  Apolo Anton Ohno of Seattle, Washington, was another inspirational 
athlete at the Olympic Winter Games with ties to the Ninth District of 
Washington. Both Ohno and Celski grew up skating at Pattison's West 
Skating Center in Federal Way, Washington.
  I am proud to represent a district that has significantly contributed 
to the success of U.S. speedskating. I ask my colleagues to please join 
me in congratulating both Apolo Anton Ohno and John Robert ``J.R.'' 
Celski for their perseverance and determination to overcome adversity 
and give historic performances in short track speedskating at the 2010 
Olympic Winter Games.

[[Page 5872]]



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