[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17939] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]MARIN MORRISON OF SAMMAMISH ______ HON. DAVID G. REICHERT of washington in the house of representatives Friday, August 1, 2008 Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an extraordinary young woman from my District whose unyieldingly positive spirit in the face of a horrendous challenge is a true inspiration at any time, but especially leading up to the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Marin Morrison, 17, of Sammamish, Washington, was one of the top swimmers in the country as a 14-year-old. She was just 1.5 seconds away from qualifying for the Olympic time trials. She received recruiting letters from some of the top schools in the country. She was a natural and earned medal after medal. However, fierce headaches and double vision turned her world upside down. An MRI revealed a tumor on her brain and doctors gave her 4 to 6 months to live. As a result of surgery in 2005, she was left partially paralyzed. She was forced to relearn some basics such as reading, writing and walking. It appeared her Olympic dreams were dashed. Although she sometimes struggled mightily, she swam nearly every day. She refused to give up and started a new type of Olympic journey. She battled fatigue and her other physical ailments like a heavyweight boxer and never stopped fighting. Classmates at Eastlake High School, family, friends, former Olympians and countless others rallied around her. Then in April, Marin flew to Minnesota for the paralympic trials and earned a spot on the 37 member swim team, realizing her Olympic dream. Marin's story is beyond inspiring. The circumstances she has overcome are truly humbling. She is a true American hero and we wish her all the best in Beijing and in the future. ____________________