Soni lives hearty American dream

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-16 09:11

Rebecca Soni celebrates after winning the 200m breaststroke yesterday. AFP

American swimmer Rebecca Soni smashed the world record in winning the 200m breaststroke at the Beijing Olympics yesterday, two years after having had heart surgery.

Biting her lip and choking back tears as they played The Star-Spangled Banner, the US national anthem, she looked in a state of shock after beating favorite Leisel Jones of Australia into second.

Jones was out front over the first 100, but Soni came on strong at the end, finishing a full body length ahead of the Australian in 2:20.22, which bested Jones' two-year-old world mark.

"It's been a long road to get here. I cannot believe what has just happened. I've won a gold medal," said the fresh-faced 21-year-old.

Soni, who captured the silver in the 100 breaststroke, was not an original selection for the US swim team. She was replacement for Jessica Hardy, who had failed a doping test.

She made light of her astonishing progress since the surgery: "It was a small heart procedure to take care of things and get back in training."

Added Soni: "I definitely think I exceeded my expectations. I already have two medals and I came here for one event."

The University of Southern California communications student was living the classic American dream. Her parents, who are from Hungary and Romania, came to build a new life in the United States before she was born.

Said Soni: "I wish they could be here. They are back home in Arizona watching."

Jones gave it all she had but it wasn't enough. "I really couldn't breathe that last 50. I was just digging deep and couldn't breathe," she said. "I gave it everything, I couldn't have given more."

Agencies

(China Daily 08/16/2008 page5)