Honoring Michigan’s 2012 Summer Olympians
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Mr. President, every four years families across the United States and around the world come together as summer begins to wind to a close to watch as supremely gifted athletes from across the globe showcase their talents in peaceful competition. The many thrilling moments that comprise this 16-day span are both awe-inspiring and riveting, and I congratulate each of the athletes who competed in the 2012 Olympic Games in London for their effort, sacrifice and competitive spirit. Being an Olympian is a tremendous feat and is the product of a relentless commitment to intense, event specific training, coupled with the drive, determination, and perseverance to excel. These events and these athletes captured our imagination, and once again, reminded us that achievement is limited only by our will and our audacity to dream big.
Representing their country in London is an experience these athletes will cherish for a lifetime. They leave with new bonds and new friendships borne of mutual respect. London was a welcoming and gracious host for these athletes, their family and friends, as well as the multitudes of fans that witnessed these enthralling sporting events firsthand. The venues were breathtaking, and the opening and closing ceremony was a feast for the senses, taking us on a splendid journey through history and foreshadowing what was to come. I, along with many across Michigan, applaud their effort.
There were many firsts at these Games. For the first time, a woman was a member of every Olympic delegation, including a Saudi Arabian women competing bravely for her home country. The London Games also featured the debut of Women’s Boxing. It was particularly gratifying to watch a Flint Northwestern High School student earn the first gold medal in Women’s Boxing for the United States. The poise, quickness and grit of Flint native Claressa Shield displayed in route to her victory was a delight to watch. There was also Oscar Pistorius, a bold and graceful athlete who has overcome many obstacles to compete alongside able-bodied athletes as peers.
And none of us will forget Michael Phelps, who followed up his brilliance in Athens with another dramatic and impressive performance in London, solidifying his place among the greatest Olympians of all time. The medal total for this Michigan Wolverine is astonishing - 22 Olympic medals, 18 of them gold.
Nor will we forget the passion and spunk of the “Fierce Five,” led by DeWitt’s own Jordyn Weiber. Jordyn experienced a range of emotion at these Games, from the high of winning the team gold in gymnastics for the United States to disappointment of falling just short of qualifying, by the narrowest of margin, for the highly coveted individual All-Around title. Her grace in both victory and disappointment set a fine example for aspiring young gymnasts.
And there was two-time Olympian Allison Schmitt, who earned five gold medals in swimming to increase her lifetime Olympic medal total to six.
As evidenced by these and other impressive performances, Michigan was well-represented in London. Impressively, 31 athletes with strong ties to Michigan competed in these Games, including Betsey Armstrong in water polo, Chas Betts in wrestling, Tia Brooks in track, Tyler Clary in swimming, Ellis Coleman in wrestling, Desiree Davila in track, Geena Gall in track, Jake Herbert in wrestling, Charlie Houchin in swimming, Connor Jaeger in swimming, Kara Lynn Joyce in swimming, Ken Jurkowski in rowing, Justin Lester in wrestling, Spenser Mango in wrestling, Sam Mikulak in gymnastics, Brett Newlin in rowing, Jamie Nieto in track, Tom Peszek in rowing, Jeff Porter in track, Ben Provisor in wrestling, Dathan Ritzenhein in track, Daryl Szarenski in shooting, Davis Tarwater in swimming, Sarah Trowbridge in rowing, Peter Vanderkaay in swimming, Lauryn Williams in track, and Sarah Zelenka in rowing.
In addition to these outstanding American athletes, Michiganians proudly witnessed a number of talented athletes from other nations with strong ties to Michigan compete in these Games, including Eric Alejandro in track, Bradley Ally in swimming, George Bovell in swimming, Nate Brannen in track, Syque Caesar in gymnastics, Milorad Cavic in swimming, Franklin Gomez in wrestling, Janine Hanson in rowing, Barry Murphy in swimming, Wu Peng in swimming, Krista Phillips in basketball, Tiffany Porter in track, Nicole Sifuentes in track, and Nick Willis in track.
The joy and excitement on the faces of these fine athletes as they fulfilled their dream to compete against the best in the world was infectious. Their determination was searing. Watching them compete in a gracious way as the world tuned in reminds us of what is possible. They navigated cultural differences, overcame language barriers and set aside historical disputes to engage in fair, peaceful competition. While it is in many ways symbolic, it is nonetheless significant. It reminds us all that we are a human family and that respect and dignity is deserved for all.
Barbara and I are honored to salute the many athletes with ties to Michigan that competed in London. Their hard work was evident; their skill was exquisite; and the competition that resulted was fascinating to watch. The inspiring example of excellence these athletes have put forth will not soon be forgotten. In homes across our state, young people are working a little harder, setting their goals a little higher and aspiring to equal or exceed the athletic prowess displayed in London time and time again. Our future is a little brighter as a result of each of them.