Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

It was the first Paralympics Gold medal for Holmes, who won Bronze in the long jump at the 2004 Games in Athens.  Holmes, a Somerdale, N.J. native, graduated from NSU in 1996. She earned NCAA Division II All-American honors as part of the 4x400 relay team as a sophomore and junior, and also won numerous All-CIAA honors in cross country, the 400, 800, long jump, high jump and 4x400 multiple times during her career. In 2001, Holmes, who was pursuing her master's degree at Drexel University, was struck and run over by a train she was attempting to board in Pennsylvania. Her left leg was amputated below the knee. Since her accident, Holmes has made remarkable strides as both an athlete and advocate for individuals with disabilities. A little more than a year after her accident, Holmes was back on the track and won her debut event (the 100 meters) at the Disabled Sport USA's International Challenge.