FASTFACT

Stephanie Brown Trafton was inspired to become an Olympian when aged 4 she was captivated by gymnast Maryu Lou Retton's feats at the 1984 Olympics.She seemed destined for a career in basketball until a cruciate ligament injury ended any aspirations she had of competing in the WNBA. She became only the second American to win an Olympic medal in the event since Lillian Copeland won silver at the 1932 Games. Her medal was also the first for the US track and field team in Beijing. After a series of "disappointments" from high profile competitiors Trafton Brown was described by US media as "an unlikely saviour of US pride".