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Sunday's Internet Edition, October 12, 2008.
Trafton brings gold home for Galt
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Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images
Stephanie Brown Trafton of Galt receives the gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's Discus Final at the National Stadium on Day 10 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 18.
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By Kerensa Uyeta-Buckley
Staff Writer
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One throw changed it all and brought home everything for Galt’s Stephanie Brown Trafton.
Trafton won the gold medal in the women’s discus at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing Monday, winning the first women’s United States gold medal in the event since 1932.
Trafton earned her top mark on her first throw of 64.74, which gave her a solid first-place position over silver medallist Yarelys Barrios of Cuba, who finished at 63.64.
Olena Antonova of Ukraine won the bronze medal with her throw of 62.59.
Trafton said that the moment she realized she had captured the gold, she went through her post-race routine in a numb state.
“I was in shock and I did what I always do after meets: I shook the hands of all of the officials and said thank you,” Trafton said via e-mail from Beijing Tuesday.
“This is truly a blessed year for me, and I hope I can use this platform to be a strong mentor to other athletes in the U.S.,” Trafton said.
Trafton’s performance earned the U.S. its first track and field gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, although it had earned silver in another event.
Trafton was the top qualifier going into the final, having posted a 62.77 on her last throw during Friday’s qualifying round.
The last throw earned her a spot in the finals.
Trafton will spend the last week of the Olympics sightseeing and relaxing before she returns to the United States Aug.25. For more on Trafton, see page Sports.
Gold medal reception planned for Brown Trafton
Community invited to Aug. 27 celebration
In honor of her history making performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Gold Medal Winner in the discus, Stephanie Brown Trafton, will be honored by her hometown of Galt on Aug. 27 at Galt Community Park at 7 p.m. She will have a police escort from her home to the community park.
Mayor of Galt Andrew Meredith will emcee the event as well as present her with a key to the city, Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, a Galt native, will be on hand to make a presentation, and the entire community of Galt will be there to congratulate her. There will be free snow cones, nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, etc. Everyone is invited. Please come to the park on Wednesday, Aug. 27 to congratulate her on her accomplishment in Beijing. For information, call the city clerk’s office at (209) 366-7130.
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