2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Bryan Clay

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Below is the text of remarks that will be delivered as part of the 2008 Republican National Convention's program this evening. The text is "as prepared for delivery" and it is embargoed until delivery. Full text will also be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080114/RNCLOGO )

Aloha and good evening.

I am proud to be a gold medal winner representingthe United States of America.

But my proudest accomplishment is being a dad to Jacob and Katherine.

For me, family values are the most important thing.

My priorities are: God first, family second, and track third. I can tell you that without my faith -- in God, the support of my family and friends, and my strong work ethic -- I would not be standing before you today with a Gold medal hanging around my neck.

Politicians and athletes have a lot in common.

Both are competitors -- challenging one another.

And neither wins on his or her own.

Some of the best support I've received has come from one of my fiercest competitors, Roman Sebrele.

Roman is from theCzech Republic and is the current decathlon world record holder and 2004 Olympic gold medalist.

We were inBeijing on the second day of competition. I was exhausted. I walked over to Roman, who was not in a position to medal.

We began to chat about the next event, which was the dreaded 1500m run.

Roman said to me in his broken English, "I don't run." And I said, "You have to run.

You are the world record holder and a gold medalist - you have to run and finish.

I was with you inAthens and I want you to be with me when I win tonight."

And he said "ok fine I run, but not fast."

Roman helped pace me through the race.

After I crossed the finish line, it was Roman who walked over and held my arm up to celebrate this victory.

I'm the one competing in those 10 events, but I'm never alone.

My coaches, mentors, and most importantly, God and my family are a big part of my success, on and off the field.

Now, the big difference between the decathlon and politics is that when my race ends, I go back home and start training for the next Olympics.

But when the election ends, that's when the real work begins.

And whether your platform is -- a classroom, a conference room, a track or the White House, we all must stay true to our principles.

Whether you're a decathlete or a politician, we must stand together and believe in each other, and this great nation.

    Mahalo. God Bless you and may God Bless America.

About the Republican National Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held atSaint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention.Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube.

Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Not Authorized By Any Candidate or Candidate's Committee.

SOURCE 2008 Republican National Convention

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