There will be a time, most likely at the end of this month when she heads to the University of Illinois to begin her freshman year of college, when Tatyana McFadden's life will slow down and "normal" once again will be a word that creeps into her vocabulary.

For now, however, just a month after she rolled her way to four medals (three silver and one bronze) on the track during the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, the 19-year-old Atholton High School graduate is letting herself have a little fun.

"I'm getting to do so many things, things that don't just happen every day, so I'm just doing my best to enjoy it ... soak it all in," said McFadden, who, among other things, has been honored along with Michael Phelps at a parade in Towson, visited the White House and spoken to the third grade class at Fulton Elementary school over the last couple weeks.

On Oct. 13, she will head to New York to attend the annual Women's Sports Foundation's Women in Sports Gala.

"When you think about all the preparation, the toll traveling and competing takes on your body, sometimes it's nice to take some time away. The recognition has been amazing, but even just spending a little time with my family has been great," McFadden said.

Deborah McFadden, Tatyana's mother, was cheering for her daughter every step of the way in China and has helped coordinate her schedule since arriving back in the area. But, even with the whirlwind of appearances, the motherly instincts are starting to kick in.

"I keep reminding Tatyana that at some point you have to pack for college," Deborah said. "I know she's still decompressing from China and trying to enjoy everything ... she should be. I also know, though, that college starts Oct. 20."

McFadden just finished unpacking a week or so ago from her trip to Beijing, which she described as one of the most amazing experiences of her life. After a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter race, McFadden captured second in the 200, 400 and 800. Then, to finish things off, she was a member of the United States 100-meter relay squad that won bronze.

"I can't really put in to words the feeling of competing in front of 91,000 people every single day," she said. "The support they gave us over there was great and they definitely put on a show that I'll always remember."

McFadden plans on taking a little time away from the track over the next couple months, giving her time to focus on school and one of the other sports she's grown to love over the years -- wheelchair basketball.

"I found out that I made the team (at Illinois), so I'm really excited about that," she said. "I'll have my eight-week classes and basketball starting pretty much right away, which I'm sure will keep me busy. I'm used to it, though. Compared to the last couple months, who knows, it might even feel like a break."

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