Sam Johnson congratulates Nastia Liukin, Olympic Gymnasts in congressional resolution
Washington,
Sep 12 -
Last night U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) introduced a congressional resolution congratulating Nastia Liukin and her fellow female American Olympic gymnasts.
“Nastia captured the hearts of countless Americans and really made America proud. She was a vision of beauty, grace and elegance. Nastia inspired a new generation of youngsters who were doing cartwheels in their living room after watching her ace performance after performance – my granddaughter included. Her effortlessly stunning performances will always be remembered. This resolution ensures that,” said Johnson.
Liukin, 18, hails from Parker and captured the gold medal in the 2008 Olympic individual all-around. She also won three silvers and one bronze medal.
Nastia became the third American woman to tie the U.S. record. A four-time World Champion, Nastia's other titles include: nine-time World medalist, four time U.S. National Champion, multiple Pacific Rim and American Cup titles. In 2005, International Gymnastics Hall of Fame named her Gymnast of the Year.
After Liukin clinched the gold for the all-around, Johnson left a celebratory voicemail for Nastia and her parents in China. Once the Liukins returned to North Texas, Johnson attended Nastia’s party at the Embassy Suites. At the event, Johnson presented both Nastia and her parents with an American flag flown over the United States Capitol.
At the celebration, Johnson also paid tribute to the grit of Nastia’s parents, who left the then Soviet Union to pursue a better life. “They too are shining examples of the American Dream. They represent the deep hope and fierce optimism of Olympic quality athletes and patriotic Americans. Her parents run the thriving World Olympic Gymnastics Company, which started in Plano.
Johnson co-authored the bill, H.Res. 1428, to honor the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team with Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), the U.S. Representative for Shawn Johnson. The legislation recognizes the tremendous accomplishments of Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan. The House likely will take up the measure in the coming weeks.
“Everyone across the country was proud to witness the women’s gymnastics team this summer,” said Boswell. “But, I know that the folks back home in Iowa were particularly proud of Shawn Johnson. She’s a fabulous athlete and a charming, dynamic young lady, who even without the medals is a winner in my eyes. Shawn, and the whole team, deserve this congressional recognition.”
Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.
**For a photo of Johnson with Nastia and her father, contact McCall Avery at 202-225-4201.
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