Fayetteville Girl Going to the Olympics

At 16 years of age, Margaux Isaksen is an amazing young woman. The Fayetteville, Arkansas native has qualified to represent the U. S. at the 29th Olympic games in Beijing, China. She will compete in the modern pentathlon -- epee fencing, equestrian show jumping, swimming 200 meters, cross-country running 3,200 meters, and pistol shooting.

It’s unusual to have someone so young train for the triathlon, never mind excel in it. Isaksen did not start training fulltime until September 2007. Her original plan was to train for the 2012 Olympics but she has performed so well in recent months that she is now ranked second highest scoring American in the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Standings.

Only two competitors are permitted from each country. Isaksen’s teammate is 39-year-old Sheila Taormina.

Isaksen’s accomplishments give me more reasons to follow the Olympics this year. I wish her well.

For more information:

http://www.nwarktimes.com/nwat/Sports/65877/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2008-05-13-teenpentathlete_N.htm

http://www.olympic-usa.org/11671_54142.htm