Dreams really can come true. Jane Vongvorachoti ’14 tried four years ago to qualify for the Olympics as a marathoner for her parents’ home country, Thailand, while enrolled in the Kinesiology department’s graduate program for physical education teachers. She didn’t qualify, but continued to nurture her love of the sport.

Today, Vongvorachoti, who has been working as a physical education teacher, is an Olympian. She represents Thailand in the women’s marathon on Sunday, Aug. 14.

An almost accidental marathoner, she had always dreamed of competing at such a high level; she just thought it would be on a soccer field. Vongvorachoti had been playing that sport since she was young.

After running a marathon and coming in 10th place, with very little training, she realized she could excel in another sport as well.

Just four years later, Vongvorachoti is realizing a cherished dream.