Marianne Buggenhagen always on the positive side of life
Updated：2008-09-09 17:29:15
Marianne Buggenhagen competes. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
(Beijing, September 9) -- Marianne Buggenhagen of Germany, a 55-year-old veteran Paralympian, won the gold medal with a record breaking throw of 27.80 meters in the Women's Discus Throw-F54-56 final on Tuesday morning, September 9.
It is her ninth Paralympic gold medal at her fifth Paralympic Games and she has gained respect from fellow athletes and spectators alike. ''She is the senior athlete that I really respect. Her style of competition impressed and encouraged me,'' said Wang Ting of China, the silver medalist. Another Chinese athlete Chen Liping declared, "She is so great that I have to respect and admire her."
Sports have been part of her life since childhood. Buggenhagen regards it as a way to travel and grow. However, in 1976 at the age of 23 she began to use a wheelchair after an illness. She is not a person who is easily discouraged. She was actively involved in Paralympic sports by 1977 to keep herself fit and to better deal with her new living situation.
''This gold is very special for me, for it will be my last,’’ said Buggenhagen after collecting her ninth gold medal and 11th medal overall. She also gained a bronze medal on September 8.
People wonder what forces motivate her at an age usually considered as quite old for athletes. Her answer is as simple as "I want to get the best from myself." She knew before she came to Beijing that she had to throw 27 meters to get a medal. Before the competition she felt everything would be good since she said "I love rain and I like to throw in the rain!” She also attributes her winning ways to the patience of her coach and the love and support of her husband and friends.
As one of the most experienced Paralympians, she also gives her support to younger athletes, saying that "Winning a medal is important, but the most important thing is to participate actively and to get the best from oneself."
Probably they won't show the games either, at least not near as much as the "major" Olympics.. 
