[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12547-12548]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATHLETES FROM SOUTH FLORIDA REPRESENTING THE 
         UNITED STATES IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON, ENGLAND

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ALLEN B. WEST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. WEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud American, anxious to 
support our American athletes who will be competing in the 2012 London 
Olympics over the next two weeks. Like the vast majority of my fellow 
citizens, I will be closely following and cheering for each of our 
athletes as they represent our country--especially those from the state 
of Florida.
  Every two years, when the torch has completed its journey across the 
world and the cauldron is lit opening up the winter or summer games of 
the Olympics, we put down our differences for a brief moment and rally 
around our young American athletes.
  Each time the Stars and Stripes are raised just a little bit higher 
than the other flags and

[[Page 12548]]

as the Star-Spangled Banner is played for the world to hear, we feel 
the unfettered pride of being an American.
  For these next two weeks, American Exceptionalism runs through the 
veins of every American as we root for our fellow athletes. The very 
best of America can be seen in so many of our young men and women who 
compete to bring the gold home.
  Athletes like Lopez Lomong, who escaped unspeakable horrors as a 
child soldier in Sudan after running for three days, only to end up in 
a refugee camp for 10 years, before being rescued by an American 
family. After legally earning his American citizenship in a country he 
refers to as ``next to heaven,'' Lopez proudly carried the American 
flag in Beijing and will compete in the 5,000 meter race in London.
  Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this champion athlete has 
nothing to do with sports. After learning that he had two brothers 
still in Africa, he brought them to the United States where he 
encouraged them to attend a military academy so that they can give back 
to a country that has given him so much opportunity.
  My daughters and I will be rooting for this true American hero and 
patriot.
  This momentous occasion to represent the United States of America is 
an unequivocal honor for each athlete, the members of their team, their 
families, and all who have exhibited support along the way. As a member 
of Team USA, these champion athletes join a select group who will 
accompany each other in an endeavor to achieve the very best.
  Mr. Speaker I am extremely proud to recognize the Olympic Athletes 
who reside in South Florida. I salute:
  Venus Williams, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has won a gold 
medal in tennis singles and two in women's tennis doubles. I am proud 
to proclaim that Venus Williams has won more Olympic medals than any 
other female tennis player.
  Tony McQuay, a three-time NCAA track champion and helped lead the 
University of Florida men's track and field team to the 2012 college 
national title. Tony posted the third-fastest time in the world this 
year in the 400-meter event.
  Sarah Lihan who is competing in sailing. After becoming the 2009 ICSA 
Women's National Champion, we will cheer her on as she sets sail to 
London in her first Olympic games.
  Anna Tunnicliffe also competing in sailing. After winning gold in the 
Women's Laser Radial class in the 2008 Olympics she is back on Team USA 
to hopefully bring home another gold medal.
  Christie Rampone is a defender on the U.S. Olympic soccer team. She 
has been an invaluable member of the Olympic team and this will be her 
fourth Olympics.
  Becky Sauerbrunn will compete on the U.S. Olympic women's soccer team 
in her first Olympics. She currently resides in West Palm Beach and we 
look forward to seeing her succeed as a defender alongside her 
teammates.
  Andy Roddick a native Floridian is competing in tennis for his second 
Olympics. He proved over and over that he highly excels in his 
discipline which is singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
  Sanya Richards-Ross is track and field and will be competing in the 
following events: Women's 4 x 400m Relay, Women's 200m, and the Women's 
400m. In the 2008 Olympics she brought home a 4 x 400m bronze and a 
400m gold.
  And finally, Foluke Akinrakewo a first time Olympian competing in the 
volleyball tournament. She was previously the starting middle blocker 
on the gold winning U.S. Women's Junior National Team.
  As the world's attention shifts to London for the next two weeks and 
our nation turns its attention to the very best American athletes it is 
an honor to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all these great 
athletes on their journey in competing in the 2012 London Olympics.
  I extend my best wishes for all around success in the upcoming London 
2012 Olympics as their hard work, dedication, and perseverance is put 
to the test!
  Go U.S.A.

                          ____________________