Representative Young Meets With Paralympians

Today, Representative C. W. Bill Young was honored to meet with three of the athletes who represented the United States in the 2012 Paralympics Games in London, including St. Petersburg native Brad Snyder.  These athletes met with Representative Young to thank the Congressman for his support of the Paralympic program. discuss the importance of the Olympics and share their experiences participating in the Paralympics. 

“Brad, Kari and Muffy did an amazing job representing the United States at these Paralympic Games, embodying the drive and determination that all athletes need to succeed,” Young said.  “Having known Brad for the past ten years, his success came as no surprise and I am honored to have this opportunity to congratulate him, Kari and Muffy for their victories this summer.  They are an inspiration to our country and remind me that we have a bright future with them as our leaders.” 

Brad Snyder was born in St. Petersburg, Fl, and served in the United States Navy after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2006.  On September 7, 2011, while deployed in Afghanistan, Brad lost his vision after stepping on an improvised explosive device while providing aid to other members of his team.  Brad turned to swimming as part of his rehabilitation and won two gold medals and a silver medal swimming the freestyle in the 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.

Kari Miller was born in Washington, D.C. and served in the United States Army, including stints in Bosnia and Korea.  In December 1999, while home for the holidays, Kari was hit by a drunk driver, resulting not only in the loss of her legs but also the life of her friend that was in the car with her.  After taking up sitting volleyball in 2004, Kari was named to the U.S. Paralympic Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team in 2005.  This year, Kari and the rest of the women’s team claimed the silver medal at the 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.    

Muffy Davis was born in Sun Valley, ID, and previous represented the United States in two Paralympic Winter Games.  After the birth of her daughter, Muffy turned to hand-cycling as a way to get back in shape and won her first national title just two months after beginning the sport.  This year, Muffy won three Gold medals in hand-cycling at the 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.