For immediate release

Contact: Jeff Lungren/Terry Shawn

October 21, 2004

202-225-2492

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.) issued this statement following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision relative to Paul Hamm’s gold medal in the all-around men's gymnastics competition during the 2004 Olympic Games:

“I am pleased that the Court of Arbitration for Sport recognized what most Wisconsinites and Americans already knew -- Paul Hamm won the Gold in Athens and without question should keep his medal.

“Paul’s perseverance, integrity, and grit helped him first stage an incredible comeback victory at the Olympic Games this summer, and then weather the media and legal storm that was forced upon him by this frivolous legal challenge brought about by South Korea, on behalf of Yang Tae Young.

“I was further disappointed that the US Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics, and the International Gymnastics Federation failed to properly defend Paul from the moment this challenge began, leaving him out to dry for eight days. If they hadn’t shirked their responsibilities in this case, this mess may have been resolved months ago, and the Hamm family might not have had to endure the hardship and uncertainty of having to defend Paul’s gold medal in the international court of public opinion.

“Paul’s experience should serve as a lesson for future games. I look forward to carefully scrutinizing the agencies’ actions during upcoming hearings in the House Judiciary Committee, to ensure that future athletes aren’t treated like Paul by the organizations which send them to the Olympics.

“I am glad the Hamms’ ordeal has ended, and I wish them all the best in the future.”