Three North Raleigh swimmers were among hundreds of athletes tasting Olympic glory during the 2008 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games last week.

Rebecca Ryan, 13, won the gold medal for the 25-yard butterfly in her first state-;eve; Special Olympics swimming competition, held at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary.

"I joined Special Olympics because I thought it would be fun," she said.

Rebecca also captured bronze medals in the 50-yard backstroke and 25-yard freestyle races.

Tracy Baird likes everything about swimming, but after sweeping nearly all of her events, she also realized she really enjoys winning.

"I have been swimming a long time, and I like competitions," she said.

Tracy, 37, won gold in the 200-yard individual medley, the 800-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard freestyle medley. She won silver in the 200-yard breaststroke event.

Kevin Iannucci, 14, took to the water as soon as he was born.

Kevin took silver in the 100-yard freestyle and the 50-yard backstroke and won the gold in the 50-yard breaststroke in his division.

Kevin is a strong swimmer, but his heart belongs to golf.

"I love golf because I can play with my dad, Vin, and I have my own clubs," Kevin said.

Congrats, Rebecca, Tracy and Kevin! Many athletes are now training hard for the 2008 SONC Midsummer Tournament July 18-20 in Raleigh and Cary!

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