U.S. Olympians

Floor Speech

U.S. OLYMPIANS -- (Senate - September 16, 2008)

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Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, the Olympic Games has always been a time for the world to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and personal qualities that determine excellence: discipline, commitment and a positive, winning attitude. Athletes from all over the world bring pride to their countries, friends and family during the Olympic Games. Most importantly, they achieve the distinction that can come when an individual applies determination and hard work to develop a God-given talent. Motivated to get up early, often before work, to pound the pavement, ride the roads and trails, shoot baskets, hit balls, lift weights or swim laps, these women and men are committed to improving their strength, agility, speed and stamina. I am especially proud of the Idahoans who competed in the 2008 Olympics, representing their teams, their Nation and their families with skill and pride.

As you may know, Boise resident Kristin Armstrong won the gold in the women's cycling time trial. Kristin is well known around the Boise area: many have seen her cycling or at the local YMCA where she is an instructor. She is an inspiration to those who know her and she has made Idaho proud. Bishop Kelly High School graduate Nick Symmonds advanced to the preliminary round in the 800 meter run. Georgia Gould, a one-time Ketchum resident competed in the women's mountain bike race. Team USA also included Idahoans: Matt Brown, a graduate of Coeur d'Alene High School, played third baseman for Team USA in baseball. Debbie McDonald, from Hailey, competed for Team USA in dressage. Idahoans excelled on teams from other nations as well. Clare Bodensteiner, a graduate of Minico High School, played for the New Zealand basketball team. Angela Whyte, a former University of Idaho runner and now assistant coach competed for Canada in the 100 meter hurdles and, Joachim Olsen, also a University of Idaho athlete, competed in the shot put for Denmark. Emerson Frostad, a former Lewis-Clark State College baseball player played for Team Canada as a catcher/first baseman. Eric Matthias, a Boise resident and in graduate school at Boise State University, competed for the British Virgin Islands in the discus throw.

And in the Paralympics--the second-largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics--that are concluding in Beijing this week, Idaho native Barbara Buchan took the gold in the 3,000 meter cycling event. Barbara was the 1972 high school mile run State champion from Mountain Home High School and went on to graduate from Boise State University. She was severely injured in a cycling accident in 1982, suffering almost fatal wounds. In addition to terrible physical injuries, she was in a coma for 2 months and had surgery to remove the damaged parts of her brain. After years of physical and mental rehabilitation, Barbara came back, her passion for cycling unchanged. A five-time Paralympics competitor at 52 years old, Barbara embodies the Olympic spirit.

To all these courageous, gifted and dedicated Idaho athletes, I offer my heartfelt congratulations for a job well done. You continue to make Idaho proud.

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