House Concurrent Resolution 103

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING UNITED STATES OLYMPIAN AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, OTIS HARRIS, UPON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FOR HIS TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS DURING THE 2004 SUMMER OLYMPICS.

WHEREAS, on August 28, 2004, Otis Harris, a native of Edwards, Mississippi, and graduate of Hinds County Agricultural High School (Hinds AHS), accomplished every Olympian's dream, capturing an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece; and

WHEREAS, Harris became the hometown hero when he won the silver medal for the 400 meter dash on August 23, 2004, running the fastest time of his life by posting a time of 44.16 seconds, only to be exceeded by his 43.28 seconds time in the first and fastest leg of the 4x400 meter relay, which sealed the Gold Medal for the United States; and

WHEREAS, Otis, a senior at the University of South Carolina (USC), earned his trip to the Summer Olympics by finishing second in the men's 400 meter dash finals at the United States Track and Field Trials held in July in Sacramento, California; and

WHEREAS, while at Hinds AHS, Otis led his track team to Class 2A state titles in 1999 and 2000, winning the 100, 200 and 400 meters each season; and

WHEREAS, a National Champion in Junior Olympics for two consecutive years, Harris was a first-team All-American in the 400 meter as a senior at Hinds AHS and won the Footlocker Outdoor Championship and the Golden West Invitational, being named Most Valuable Player in track and Most Outstanding Track Athlete, as well as lettering in football as defensive back and wide receiver; and

WHEREAS, having gone on to become an All-American sprinter at the University of South Carolina, Otis competed in track for three seasons, topping USC's record in 2003 with a time of 45.08 in the 400 meter semifinal at the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Outdoor Championships and shattering the school's record in the NCAA finals with a time of 44.57; and

WHEREAS, labeled an underdog from the outset of his mission, Otis surprised a nation and a world with his undaunted spirit, ambition and unshakeable faith in God as he catapulted from humble Mississippi beginnings to international stardom; and

WHEREAS, at 22 years of age, Otis has been supported in his every endeavor by his biggest and most supportive fans, his parents, Otis and Cheryl Harris, and high school track coach, James Battle; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that this Legislature recognizes the superior exhibition of perseverance, promise and sportsmanship of Otis Harris, whose athletic accomplishments have brought great honor to himself, his family, the State of Mississippi and the entire United States:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Otis Harris, Jr., upon his accomplishments and triumphant success during the 2004 Summer Olympics.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Otis Harris, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.