Copied from the games website....3 golds and 2 silvers

This had to be the most bizarre and amazing Games EVER. This was my fifth Games, and normally I am either last or close to it when I run. Two years ago, I was barely able to run the 400. This year, my time was a lot lower! The credentials I received upon my arrival said "Athlete," something I never pictured myself. But this year I lived up to its status.

I showed up at the 5K only to find they didn't have me on the sign-up list. I would have to be re-registered as a non-athlete, which meant I couldn't qualify for a medal. Fortunately, the problem was fixed. I went to the start and I wasn't feeling so hot. I thought it was just nerves but it was dehydration. I had a good pace for the first two miles but felt like I was going to get sick so slowed way down for the last mile. I was getting near the end and saw the clock at 30 minutes. I took off in full sprint, trying to stay within my 30 minute goal—but I didn't make it. I finished 31 minutes with a 10:15 minute mile pace. When I finished, I was taken over to the medical area, where I drank some water with Gatorade.

I learned that I won the silver. My friend DeAnna got the gold. Dara won the bronze. Chris Klug, the first transplant recipient to compete in the Olympics, winning a bronze in snowboarding, presented the medals to me and DeAnna. Afterwards, I went back to my room to recover. I needed to rest since track was the next morning and I didn't want to be sick.

I showed up at track and decided to try to get through my events as best I could. I waited for the 1500 run to start. My nerves were worse than ever. I was trying to breathe and relax. I kept reminding myself not to go out too fast but as soon as I heard the gun, I took off. I was ready to pass out at the finish. I walked off the track and Tom E. came over and had me rest my head, making sure I was alright. I was still there when they called out the results over the speakers—and announced that I won. I sat straight up and looked at Tom. I knew I won but I don't think the reality of it hit me until I heard it. I got back on the track to run the 400 but saw that my age group was already running, and I had missed it.

Luckily, the race director allowed me to run with another age group, taking my time and comparing it with the times in my age group. They announced the results and I won again, with a time of 1:34—down from 1:51 during the 2006 games. I went back to the podium and got both my medals. Next I ran the 800 and got the silver.

When that was over, it was time for me to run the 200. I wanted to win this race since my first Games back in 2000—but it never happened. I wasn't even going to sign up for it this year but something kept telling me to go ahead. I really don't remember what happened during the race. When it was over, one of the girls congratulated me and said I won! I thought there is no way this is happening to ME! I got up and walked over to the podium to confirm. Tom H. told me that the girl who got silver started out in the lead and was about to pass me—right before I crossed the finish. When I received my medal, I had tears in my eyes. I have been waiting for this day for eight years. I left the track exhausted, but with my bling.

The closing ceremonies were touching. I tracked down Tom H for a picture. I had my medals on and he said, "Oh wait, I need to get my bling out because I am not getting shown up by a rookie!"

At last, thought I would finally update this thing! It took me 6 hours and 6 minutes but I ran the entire obnoxious 26.2 miles! Scroll down to see story :o)