Indianapolis Star feature on Kara Patterson...

Olympic writer David Woods of the Indianapolis Star writes, "A year ago at this time, Kara Patterson (left/photo by Paul Merca) was in a brace extending from armpits to waist.

For someone who won 12 letters in high school and enjoys the Pacific Northwest outdoors, inactivity was more painful than the stress fracture in her back. No training. No family rafting trip.

"I think it was a low time for her," said her mother, Rona Patterson.

Paradoxically, it was one of the best times for the javelin thrower. She healed. She watched videotape. She refined technique.

She laid the foundation for a season in which she became the first Purdue female track and field athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games."

To read the full story, click here...