79R16627 MW-D

By:  Keffer of Eastland                                           H.R. No. 1792



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Having demonstrated outstanding skill and 
athleticism at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, Dana 
Vollmer of Granbury has returned home to the Lone Star State 
clasping a gold medal for her performance in the 800-meter 
freestyle relay competition; and
	WHEREAS, The holder of several age-group records in Texas, 
Ms. Vollmer had her first experience with Olympic-level competition 
at the age of 12, when she was the youngest competitor at the 2000 
Olympic Trials; following that appearance, she garnered a host of 
accolades, including gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle, the 
800-meter freestyle relay, and the 400-meter medley relay at the 
2003 Pan American Games; and
	WHEREAS, Looking to extend her string of successes into 2004, 
Ms. Vollmer arrived at the Olympic Games in Athens with the same 
determination and courage that have steeled her against a serious 
heart condition that she competes with on a daily basis; and
	WHEREAS, Swimming the third leg of the 800-meter freestyle 
relay, Ms. Vollmer assisted her team in setting a world record of 
7:53.42 in the finals, eclipsing the 17-year-old record by more 
than two seconds to claim the coveted gold medal; in individual 
competition, she earned sixth place in the 200-meter freestyle 
race, where she was the only American competing in the finals and 
the first American to do so in eight years; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed athlete has secured her place in the 
annals of swimming history and will forever be a world champion; 
moreover, she serves as a role model for all people facing 
formidable challenges and has earned the lasting respect and 
admiration of her fellow Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Dana Vollmer of Granbury on winning 
a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, as a 
member of the women's 800-meter freestyle relay team and extend to 
her best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Ms. Vollmer as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.