James T. Smith, Jr.
Ceremony Painting a Golden 8 on Pennsylvania Avenue to Honor Michael Phelps

September 29, 2008

It is a pleasure to be here in Towson today as we put the finishing touches on our first tribute to Michael Phelps.

In 2007, people across the nation celebrated as Cal Ripken, Jr., one of Baltimore County’s hometown heroes and one of the greatest baseball players ever, was immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. In Baltimore County, we were understandably proud of calling such an outstanding athlete and such a remarkable human being one of our own.

Beijing Olympic Results

This year, Baltimore County is thrilled to find its residents at the forefront of the sporting world yet again. During the Olympics in Beijing, Towson’s own Katie Hoff brought home a silver medal and 2 bronze medals, an extraordinary achievement. During the Paralympic Games in Beijing, Middle River’s own Jessica Long continued our County’s dominance in the 2008 Paralympic games with 4 gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal. And just over that hill, you can see Towson Catholic, where Carmelo Anthony got his start before he became an Olympic Hero, helping the redeem team bring home a gold medal in basketball this year. But no one accomplished more during this year’s Olympics, or any Olympics for that matter, than our own Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps Rose to the Challenge

Expectations were high for Michael Phelps when the Olympics began in Beijing. With his talent, reputation, and accomplishments during the 2004 Olympics, people expected nothing less than a record breaking performance.

Many would see expectations such as these as a burden or a distraction from their competition, but not Michael. But greatness does not shy away from high expectations, rather it rises to meet the challenge. And Michael did that and more. During the Olympics, Michael won eight gold medals, the most ever by any athlete during a single Olympic games. And he not only won those medals, but set world records in 7 of his 8 events.

For that one week in August, Michael Phelps showed the entire world the kind of determination and competitive spirit that have come to define our entire nation. From his outstanding performance in the pool to his hard working, humble, and dedicated manner, Michael was everything that we want our children’s heroes to be. That is why we are thrilled to be welcoming him back home to Baltimore County this weekend. 

Time of Celebration

This coming weekend, Baltimore County will host a Parade of Gold for Michael and our other Olympians right here in Towson. Later that day, following the parade, we will join Governor O’Malley and Mayor Dixon to continue our celebration and homecoming downtown at Fort McHenry. But today, before those festivities, we are beginning our welcome home celebration.

Last year, when we sent Cal Ripken to the Hall of Fame, we commemorated his achievement with orange 8’s around Baltimore County. This year, as we celebrate the achievements of Michael Phelps, we will be commemorating his record 8 gold medals with this gold 8 here on Pennsylvania Avenue.

It is fitting that, as we are putting the finishing touches on these 8’s today, we are joined by the woman who made Michael Phelps the man he is today - his mother Debbie Phelps. As we tuned in to watch Michael’s incredible accomplishments, we all saw Michael’s family rooting him on, led by Debbie. The recipient of almost as much screen time as her son, Debbie presented a beautiful example to the rest of the world of the kind of strong, grounded families that have made our communities so enduring. It is my honor to give you, Debbie Phelps. 

Now, before we leave, I would like to begin this week of celebration for our Olympic Heroes with this proclamation.