House Concurrent Resolution 56

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BIANCA KNIGHT UPON WINNING THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE WOMEN'S 4X100-METER RELAY AT THE 2012 OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES IN LONDON, ENGLAND.

WHEREAS, Bianca Knight captured the gold medal in the women's 4x100-meter relay at the August 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England; and

WHEREAS, she is a proud native of Ridgeland in Madison County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, even as a high school student, she was a track and field star at Ridgeland High School and continued her success while at the University of Texas as a track and field star; and

WHEREAS, she often credits her time at Ridgeland High School, where she was coached by Calvin Bolton, as an important part of her success; and

WHEREAS, Bianca teamed with Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix and Carmelita Jeter to set a new world record in the women's 4x100-meter relay with a blazing time of 40.82 seconds, breaking the record of 41.37 seconds set by East Germany 27 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Bianca returned to Mississippi soon after her return from London and spent several weeks in her home state before returning to continue her training; and

WHEREAS, because she has sincerely appreciated the help that has been given to her over the years, she donates time and money to Sunnybrook Children's Home and the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project; and

WHEREAS, Bianca readily admits that her gold medal was not only for the United States, but for her home state of Mississippi, a place of great pride for her; and

WHEREAS, due to her accomplishments and state pride, she was recognized as the 2012 Sportswoman of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger; and

WHEREAS, the 2012 recognition from The Clarion-Ledger is the second time that Bianca has been honored, but it is an honor shared by only four other athletes; and

WHEREAS, her aspirations and goals are far from complete, as she intends to train over the next four years for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she hopes to repeat as a gold medalist, and will strive to win an individual gold medal for the 200 meters; and

WHEREAS, there is no doubt this impressive young woman will continue to achieve great success and represent her home community and state with great pride; and

WHEREAS, her name has been and will forever be etched in Mississippi sports history, regardless of any other successes she will achieve; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by outstanding Mississippians such as Ms. Bianca Knight:

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 Ms. Bianca Knight upon winning the gold medal in the women's 4x100-meter relay at the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Bianca Knight and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.