Cedars, October 2020

Fall 2020 27 UMNA TRAINS FOR ALYMPICS with a depth of knowledge of racing that helps me be able to react to different situations thrown at me in higher level competitions,” Norman said. Norman’s training at Cedarville was an enjoyable experience as well as a growing one. Her time as a Yellow Jacket helped her realize that she could achieve more than she ever thought possible. “I loved being pushed to my limits and encouraged to reach farther, to set goals I thought I would never be able to meet,” she said. Learning Outside of Athletics Outside of athletics, Norman’s time at Cedarville also trained her for life beyond college. “Everything at Cedarville that I learned, I took into my athletics,” Norman said. “And athletics taught me so much that I took forward into life outside athletics.” The most important lesson, she said, was learning to have life balance. Athletics was not the only thing on Norman’s plate. She also had to balance schoolwork and relationships. Norman loved her time in Division II athletics, as it allowed her to put this practice of balance to the test. “I loved competing for Division II because I was able to have extremely strong competition but also be able to balance USA triathlon and academics,” she said. So, What Now? Her time at Cedarville was foundational, but her collegiate career has now passed. So, what now? Well, the answer to that question may include more gold medals. “The short-term future is the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games, competing in triathlon,” Norman said. If that year sounds incorrect, that’s because the 2020 Paralympics were postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The wait for the event may feel painstakingly long, but athletes like Norman are just happy that the games are still going to happen. After the next Paralympic games, the future is a bit more uncertain for Norman, but she still has goals. “Long term, we shall see what happens, but the goal is possibly a few more Games cycles.” With that in mind, Norman looks to keep competing at a high level for as long as she can. Not even the greatest storytellers could have written the story of a girl competing at a small Christian school amidst the cornfields becoming a Paralympic gold medalist. Yet that story has become a reality. The school that started off as a logical choice became a foundation for preparation, both in athletics and life. And who knows? Maybe more gold medals lie ahead for Norman. We will just have to wait until the summer of 2021 to see. Tim Smith is a junior Biblical Studies major and staff writer for Cedars. He loves football, 3 Musketeers candy and primarily speaking in movie quotes. Provided by Tim and Robin Norman Grace Norman won the bronze medal in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.