Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Iraq vet Stockwell sets record in US Paralympics Swimming Trials
AP ^ | 04 Apr 2008 | AP

Posted on 04/08/2008 10:42:54 AM PDT by BGHater

Iraq war veteran Melissa Stockwell set an American record Thursday in the women's 400-meter freestyle in the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Trials, finishing in 5 minutes, 3.08 seconds at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

Stockwell, competing in the S9 class, lost a leg in a roadside bombing in Baghdad.

"The training I have been doing is really paying off. I felt good going in to the pool and I was pushed by my competition," Stockwell said. "I have unbelievable support, but I still have to keep my focus for the remainder of the competition. I feel relaxed and settled in to do well in the competition."

U.S. coach Jimi Flowers praised Stockwell.

"Melissa set the tone for the rest of the team by her integrity, sacrifice and striving for what she wanted," Flowers said. "The success is contagious and hopefully it will carry for the rest of the meet."

(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: iraq; paralympics; swimming; veteran
Nice job, Melissa.
1 posted on 04/08/2008 10:46:01 AM PDT by BGHater
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: BGHater

'atta girl!

2 posted on 04/08/2008 10:47:38 AM PDT by martin_fierro (< |:)~)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BGHater
...I was pushed by my competition

That is probably against the rules...

</Cute little jab at a hero.>

3 posted on 04/08/2008 10:52:45 AM PDT by Onelifetogive (This is an Obama-nation!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: martin_fierro
Outstanding!

She's a babe too, but married - to another Army officer.

4 posted on 04/08/2008 10:55:40 AM PDT by colorado tanker (Number nine, number nine, number nine . . .)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson