Tribute to Julie Spencer

TRIBUTE TO JULIE SPENCER -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 17, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MONDAY, MAY 17, 2004

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Julie Spencer, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Julie was the fastest U.S. female in the 108th Boston Marathon. She finished 16th in a time of 2:56:39, her personal best. The Boston Marathon is a competitive international race, and it is an honor to recognize Julie Spencer for her great athletic achievement.

The Boston Marathon ranks only behind the Super Bowl as the largest single day sporting event in the world. Approximately 500,000 spectators line the streets of the 26.2 mile course. In this year's historic Boston Marathon the elite women runners started before the elite men runners for the first time in marathon history, giving Julie a truly unique Boston Marathon experience.

In addition to being a dedicated runner, Julie is a teacher at East Elementary School in Baraboo, Wisconsin. She uses her running expertise to help coach Baraboo High School's cross country team and track teams. By coaching, she shares and passes on her passion to the high school teams.

Obviously, it is an impressive feat to accomplish the 26.2 mile Boston Marathon on the fifth hottest day in the race's 108 year history, but to be the top female U.S finisher is worth the praise of all. It is my esteemed pleasure to contribute to the recognition of Julie Spencer's first place finish for the United States.

Mr. Speaker, Julie's friends and family have been quoted as saying, "We're so proud." I know Wisconsinites and runners across the world share this message and join me in recognizing her today.