eInsights - July 15, 2008

Tatyana Goes for the Gold

Twelve days after the 2008 Summer Olympic Games end the real fun heats up with the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games (Sept. 6-17) in Beijing, China. As athletes vie for the gold, all eyes will be on 19-year-old wheelchair sprint racer Tatyana McFadden of Columbia, Maryland.

Tatyana qualified for the team on June 15 after finishing first place in the 800m, 400m, 200m, and the 100m track and field trials in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I was very excited because this opportunity only comes once every four years. Training for the team was intense and to know that I made it was overwhelming,” says Tatyana.

Hailed as one of the fastest wheelchair racers of this century, Tatyana has not allowed Spina Bifida to deter her from always giving her best in track and field.

During her high school athletic career she shattered national records. At 15, she won a silver medal in the 100m and a bronze in the 200m in her first Paralympics at the 2004 Games in Athens. She also holds the U.S. records in the 800m, 400m, 200m and 100m as well as the world record in the 100m.

Since the 2004 Games, she has been on an amazing journey. Chosen to be one of nine athletes featured this summer on products for McDonalds, she is also being highlighted in a television commercial for Hilton Hotels.

“Spina Bifida doesn't define who she is. It is a part of who she is and doesn't stop her from achieving what she wants,” says Deborah McFadden, Tatyana's mother.

SBA wishes the best of luck to Tatyana and all of the U.S. athletes in this year's Games!

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