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Quigley Congratulates Chicago-area Olympians

February 23, 2010

Today, Congressman Quigley submitted the following statements to the Congressional Record after Chicago-area natives Shani Davis and Evan Lysacek won gold medals at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Honoring Shani Davis

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chicago-native Shani Davis on his two speed skating medals at this year's Winter Olympics. Shani defended his 2006 gold medal in the 1000m and skated to a silver medal in the 1500m. He became the first man ever to win consecutive golds in the 1000m.

Born on Chicago's South Side, Shani overcame long odds to become the first African American to win an individual winter Olympics medal. His unique and historic story has inspired millions of Americans across the country and led to the founding of D.C. Inner City Excitement, a program that introduces Washington, D.C. youth to the sport of speed skating. It is an honor to recognize his remarkable road to glory and honor his groundbreaking career.

Honoring Evan Lysacek

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Evan Lysacek on winning an Olympic gold medal in men's figure skating. Evan skated a breathtaking routine in both the short program and free skate to reach the pinnacle of his sport on its greatest stage. All of us in the Chicago-area are proud not only of what he has accomplished but also the way he has represented himself, his family, the state of Illinois and all of the United States.

Born in Chicago and raised in Naperville, Evan attended Neuqua Valley High School, where he graduated with honors. In Vancouver, he became the first American man to win gold in figure skating since Brian Boitano in 1988. Evan was the U.S. Champion in 2007 and 2008 and World Champion in 2009, but did not skate his best at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, finishing fourth. His story of triumph and redemption is one we can all learn from. I wish Evan the best of luck in his figure skating career and beyond, and am so proud to recognize him today.