Another Marathon Title For U Of I’s McFadden

Numerous sources, including the BBC and Inside The Games.biz, report University of Illinois graduate Tatyana McFadden has defended her women's wheelchair crown in the London Marathon.

McFadden reportedly set a new course record of 1 hour, 45 minutes, 11 seconds - 1 year after winning marathon titles in London, Boston, New York, and Chicago.

"I did a lot of work in the team," McFadden told Inside The Games, beating her nearest rival, Manuela Schär of Switzlerland by more than a minute and a half.  "I was nervous, but I was not in my chair for three weeks.  It was a tough race, but I stayed calm and relaxed and I tried to use the downhills as much as I could."

In a recent interview on the U of I campus – she talked about possibly returning for graduate school this fall – but for now, calls herself a full-time athlete.

"I just really enjoy what I do," she said.  "I enjoy marathoning.  I enjoy track.  I enjoy skiing.  And so whatever I'm doing athletically, I really enjoy.  I find that moment in me of being so into it, and just that drive, and wanting to see how far I can push by body.  I absolutely love it."

The 24-year old's latest trimuph comes just weeks after earning a silver medal in the Nordic cross-country skiing 1 kilometer event at Sochi at the Winter Paralympics.