BEIJING (AP) Minnesota Iraq veteran Melissa Stockwell has her share of coveted medals, like a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after her left leg was blown off in Iraq.

Now Stockwell is among four-thousand athletes competing in the Paralympics in Beijing, where a medal would offer a different kind of affirmation.

Stockwell says she'd love to win a medal in Beijing, but she says it would just be "icing on the cake." Her main goal was to get to the Paralympics in the first place.

The Paralympics, which are designed for athletes with a wide range of physical disabilities, open tomorrow.

Stockwell is one of two U.S. veterans competing in Beijing after traumatic injuries in Iraq.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-05-08 2005CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list