Uplifting Spirit of Olympic Skater Maxim Naumov

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to uplift the inspiring and persevering spirit of our Nation's people, embodied in an extraordinary young American, U.S. Olympic figure skater Maxim Naumov.

Despite having endured unspeakable loss, the tragic American Airlines crash over Arlington, Virginia, in January of last year that claimed the lives of both his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, Maxim stepped onto the ice this past weekend with courage, composure, and grace under pressure.

At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, he delivered a powerful short program for 85.72 points, fourth place, and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. He then spoke with humility and love, paying tribute to his beloved parents who shaped his life.

President John F. Kennedy defined true grit as courage, grace under pressure, perseverance in the face of adversity. Maxim personifies that ideal. He teaches us that determination can rise even from the deepest loss and that discipline and artistry can become a language of hope.

Bravo, Maxim.

Maxim's dedication as a genuine athletic ice artist inspires every young American to a higher purpose. May he stay the course. He makes America proud for his generation.

Onward, Maxim. Onward, America.

Olympic Team: `We Did It Together.'''

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source