Congratulations Chicago Olympic Speed Skater Shani Davis for His Historic Performance at the 2006 Olympic Winters Games

CONGRATULATING CHICAGO OLYMPIC SPEED SKATER SHANI DAVIS FOR HIS HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AT THE 2006 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 29, 2006)

SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2006

* Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to Chicago Olympic speed skater Shani Davis for his triumphant performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Shani Davis has achieved excellence at the world's highest level and in doing so he has blazed a new trail in Olympic and speed skating history.

* The Olympic Games are a celebration of the sporting spirit that unites all athletes of the world. No performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics was more demonstrative of this spirit than that of Chicago's Shani Davis. On February 18, 2006 he became the first African-American to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympics history by finishing the 1,000 meter competition in 1 minute 8.89 seconds. Three days later he added to this amazing accomplishment by winning the silver medal in the 1,500 meter event.

* On March 19, 2006, with the Olympic flame still burning brightly in his heart, Shani Davis set a new world record in the men's 1,500-meter event at the International Skating Union all-around speed skating world championships in Calgary, Canada. Davis finished in 1:42.68 lowering the previous world record by 0.1 second (1:42.78).

* These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to Shani Davis' courage and reflect his many years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I am particularly proud to know that Shani Davis' journey to sports greatness has deep roots in the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. Shani Davis lived in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and began his speed skating experience at the tender age of six under the tutelage of Sanders Hicks at the Robert Crown Ice Rink in Evanston. Shani Davis trained and enhanced his skills as a member of the Speed Skating Club at Robert Crown.

* Even though he has already established an outstanding speed skating career, I believe that the future will be even richer and brighter for Shani Davis. I have witnessed his interactions with young people and I know his experiences have helped spark their imaginations and inspired them to achieve greatness in their own lives. The lessons of setting high goals, being persistent and believing in yourself are lessons that all children need to learn, lessons that are abundantly evident in the power of Shani Davis' example.

* Shani Davis' world record and outstanding contributions to the legacy of the Olympics will forever serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Evanston, Chicago, and all Americans. In honor of his remarkable achievements, I offer Shani Davis this United States flag as a symbol of appreciation, esteem and good wishes. This flag was flown over the United States Capital building in Washington, DC and is a fitting gift for a patriot and champion.

* On behalf of the people of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, I offer Shani Davis my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his continued excellence.

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