Date: 2001-06-07
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor a young man from Virginias Eleventh Congressional District. Alan Webb. a senior at South Lakes High School in Reston. Perhaps you have been reading about him in the newspaper. Mr. Speaker. it has been said that it takes many years to become an overnight success. and this is certainly the case with Alan Webb. I saw him for the first time compete in the Foot Locker Challenge in Charlotte. North Carolina. in 1999. and in the crosscountry field he ran way ahead of the pack. He is an outstanding young man. But Alan achieved national recognition in May when he competed in the 27th Prefontaine Classic at the University of Oreg6n. This is considered one of the premier races in the sport of track and field. Alan finished a remarkable fifth against some of the finest milers in the world. But even more remarkable. his time was 3 minutes 53 seconds. a new record for. the high school mile. The previous high school mark of 3 minutes 55 seconds was set 35 years ago in 1965 by my friend and colleague. the gentleman from Kansas . Let us put that in perspective. An 18yearold broke a 36yearold record in what many consider to be the most exciting event in track and field. His performance at the Prefontaine Classic electrified those in attendance. A large crowd anticipating Alans recordbreaking bid rose to their feet when Alans name was announced. And their cheers were even more deafening when his time was posted at the races end.. He made no secret of the fact that he hoped to set the record at this event. putting an exclamation point on what was already an exceptional high school career. His accomplishment. in this sense. whs Ruthian: He set the highest possible goal. and he achieved it: What is most commendable. perhaps. is the grace with which Alan has accepted his fame. He has said that he knows his mark will one day be broken as well. He has publicly recognized all those who have helped him reach such heights: family. friends. .coaches. and teajnmates. As I noted earlier. Alan may have achieved new levels of public recognition by breaking the high school record. but the determination was evident long ago. On June 2. Alan joined his South Lakes teammates at the Virginia AAA Track and Field Championships at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. They competed in the 4x4. relay. where 4lans team placed fourth. He also competed in the 800 meter race. shattering the State record in that event by 2 seconds. finishing in 1 minute 47 seconds. Alan will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. He realizes that he has only a few weeks left in high school and is enjoying every moment. His downtoearth demeanor has allowed him to keep his achievements in perspective. as fans and friends now ask for pictures and autographs. He looks forward to greater success in the future. Mr. Speaker. in closing. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Alan. It is especially pleasing to have the gentleman from Kansas with me on the floor here today. I appreciate the class with which he has passed his torch to Alan. and I am sure Alan does as well. Mr. Speaker. I yield to the gentleman from Kansas .