IL HR1239

Congratulates Dawn Harper on winning the silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2012 Olympic Games in London with a personal best time of 12.37 seconds, missing gold by 0.02 seconds.

Recognizes Harper's athletic achievements including winning the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (12.54 seconds), bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships (12.47 seconds), and multiple NCAA and U.S. Junior National championships during her UCLA career.

Notes that Harper was born May 13, 1984, in East St. Louis, attended UCLA on a full athletic scholarship, majored in psychology, and became a seven-time UCLA All-American and women's track captain.

Acknowledges Harper's comeback from knee surgery in 2010 and her subsequent victories at the Diamond League Meet in Rome and IAAF World Challenge Meet in Daegu before the 2012 Olympics.

Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to Dawn Harper as a symbol of the Illinois House's esteem and respect.