KSC sophomore medals in Brazil

Believe it or not, Keene State College is home to a world-class athlete.

KSC sophomore Sabra Hawkes was one of four Americans to medal at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Brazil this past August where she earned a gold and silver medal.

The Parapan American Games is in its third year of Paralympic sport as a result of the hard work and perseverance of the athletes and Paralympic committees involved.

Hawkes earned a silver medal in the 100-meter dash as well as a gold medal in the 200-meter dash on Aug. 10. The games took place at Joao Havelange Olympic Stadium in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Hawkes claimed the gold by running the 200-meter dash in 31.26 seconds.

"To do so well, when I didn't expect to do well was really awesome. I didn't know what I was really up against until I got there," said Hawkes.

Hawkes, 19, a Rockport, Mass. native was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes some immobility in the left side of her body.

The disorder is believed to have been caused by a cut off in oxygen at birth. Fortunately, Hawkes' cerebral palsy is not a degenerative disease; it will not worsen as she ages.

The disorder causes Hawkes some difficulty in moving her left hand, and causes her to walk with a slight limp. Despite this, she says the biggest problem posed to her by her condition on the track is what she calls "starter's reflex."

Hawkes has had a problem with staying still and calm while waiting for the starting gun at the beginning of the race.

In the past, her inability to remain still has caused some faults and late starts.

Hawkes first got into running in middle school where she ran cross-country. The high school she attended did not have a track team. Her parents searched for meets she could compete at and hired a personal coach for her.

Hawkes is also in her second semester as a member of the KSC women's track and field team. She says that running with the track team has helped improve her performance even more.

"Sprinting with a team makes a huge difference because you have people to push you everyday. The Keene track team has made a humongous difference," said Hawkes.

Hawkes' running ability has brought her all over the place. She attended the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., and the 2007 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships in Atlanta, Ga. before heading to Brazil.

Hawkes is also hoping to compete in the Paralympics in Beijing, China next September, following the 2008 Summer Olympics.

"I just hope I get to go. As long as I work hard as I've been, it's a really good possibility. I'm really looking forward to going on [to Beijing]," she said.