Editor's note: Discus thrower Stephanie Brown Trafton of Galt is blogging from Beijing. On Monday, she won the gold medal.

A golden moment

We did it! I came to China with two throws on my mind: One throw to make it to finals and one more to seal the deal and win a medal. My last throw of the qualification round shot me to the top of the list and my first throw if finals took home the gold medal! The last few days have been so hectic for me that I still have not had the time to process the significance of the achievement. I set a standard in my first throw in the finals of the Olympics and no one had and any fight left in them to get the lead back. Remember when I said, "if you make the finals at the Olympics, anything can happen?" One of those "anything" scenarios included me tossing a great throw for those stadium conditions followed by a weak response from the rest of the field. The story here is never underestimate the power of a big first throw. Look at Aretha Thurmond's Olympic Trials toss. Season best in the first round and she never looked back. The moment my last attempt was over I still did not believe that I had won. I had not been watching the marks the entire competition but I could tell from the crowd noise that none of the other marks had taken the lead. Even when the announcer introduced me as the gold medalist before my last throw I still had to wait until I saw the final standings to realize that I had achieved what no other U.S. female thrower had been able to do in 75 years. I shook hands with all of the officials and competitors, then ran over to the stands to get my special American flag for the victory lap. Being a novice at this I had to ask an official if I could take my lap now or wait until later. This flag has special significance to me because my neighbor George Kirbyson flew the flag in Iraq while he was stationed there and he asked me to fly it in China, too. I also had a small Chinese flag that I carried along with the American flag so I could grab the attention of the Chinese fans. After the victory lap I had to make my way to the media platforms and talk to NBC, a Canadian TV station (they asked if I speak French....sorry, no). I talked to a Greek TV station, BBC Sports, Eurosport TV. Then onto the radio and print media. Up and down stairs, platforms, mazes and tunnels and finally out to see my coaches and coordinators with USATF. I had to report to the holding room for the medal ceremony, which was right after the event. During the interviews I had to change into my medal stand outfit in front off all the media. Don't worry I was still decent. Of course, I had put on my lip gloss so I looked OK for the cameras. The medal ceremony was amazing. I told the reporters to be prepared for a cry fest when I heard our national anthem. I knew I would get emotional at that point. I forgot the words for a long while because there were so many things going through my mind. I came to China on a sightseeing quest - I wanted to see the view from the top of the victory stand and my wish came true. Next I had to go to drug testing. I can do them in record time now because I have had so many in the last few years. Then onto the post event press conference with more reporters and media. Finally, I was able to pick up my cell phone from the athlete lockers and call my husband and my father. After that it was a taxi to the "managing victory" program at the USA House where all of the medalists go to celebrate with family and friends. Finally, home at 2 a.m., for a shower and pretend to sleep. Wake up at 7 a.m. for a hair appointment (need to look good for the camera) then yet another press conference. More interviews - smile and don't talk too fast. Be personable and interesting, have a great story to tell. Bring props to show the folks back home and tell everyone how this amazing event transpired. Back to the village to respond to 175 emails, oh yeah, and eat something so I don't pass out during an interview. Run to the gate to meet a car to take me to the Today Show set for more hair and makeup. Meet Tiki Barber, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and all the gang on the set. Take pictures with the cast and sign autographs for the crowd. Go live on the Today Show, make a few people laugh and chat about winning the first gold medal for the track team in 2008 and breaking a 75-year record for discus throwers. By this time I have a smoky rasp in my voice and a sore throat. Back to the birds nest to watch the mens discus finals and see Gerd Kanter - the Estonian - win. I told you about Gerd a few days ago and how I watched Youtube to try to emulate his technique. Finally back to bed to pretend to sleep again. I wake up to more TV interviews, congratulations, signatures, pictures with random Chinese people who love the fact that they can be so close and touch a gold medal. More cell phone calls, media requests, hunger pains and signs of sleep deprivation. More email interviews with reporters back home. No time to write my online journal. I'm going to ride this wave until it tosses me into the cold ocean water of reality. Once I get back to my room I find time to reflect a bit. Here are my thoughts: At this point in the game the we all have the ability to throw far, but it is the ones who can keep it together mentally that finish at the top. I have had outstanding marks all season so I knew I had the right physical preparation for a medal, but it was my mental and spiritual preparation that may have made all the difference in actually winning the gold. I'll tell you my secret for success. Look in the book of Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9. "Do not be terrified, do not be afraid for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." How many times have you watched someone compete with that look of fire, or sometimes fear, in their eyes? Or a look of peace and determination to accomplish the goal set before them. In that moment they have let go of the fear of failure and are focused on the job at hand. They are not thinking about what would happen if this attempt is a failure and they do not get distracted by the attempt that may follow. God has wired the human brain with the unique ability to plan far ahead into the future and this ability can just as easily be a curse as it is a blessing.