Jeff Hantz has been previously ranked among the elite of handicapped track and field athletes in the United States. At the World Wheelchair Championships, though, he proved to be among the best in the world.

Hantz sat in his wheelchair on the podium, arms raised in triumph, grasping the hand of the gold medallist, as competitors from 49 other countries watched in admiration. Emotion ran through his mind and body as those two shiny bronze-colored medals were placed around his neck.

"I don't know how to describe [receiving the medals]," Hantz said. "I wish it was our anthem playing, but it was just awesome."

Hantz had high expectations heading into the World Games last week, hoping to place among the top three competitors in each of the three events he competed. In Hantz's first ever taste of international competition he did not falter a bit. Instead, he rose to the occasion.

"No one was really that competitive, but they were all good which makes me more competitive," he said.

Hantz fell just one victory short of his goal of placing in all three events. He wasted no time, capturing his first medal on the opening day of competition. He registered a throw of 24.56 meter in the javelin, beating his personal best by .56 meter to win the bronze medal. Hantz's first of two medals contributed to the 10 the U.S. Track and Field Team compiled.

Hantz showcased a repeat performance when his 8.42m throw earned him a bronze medal in the shot put, though it fell just short of the first place throw, which was 9.05 m.

Surprisingly, the gold medal that seemed most attainable for Hantz ended up being the most challenging at the World Games. Although the discus was considered his strongest event, Hantz's fourth-place finish slighted him of a medal hat trick. But, it turned out that Hantz's success hurt him as his coach Teri Jordan was concerned that it would.

The Latrobe native's two amputated legs, which are a result of Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, placed him in the F56 competing class, which consists of double amputees. However, Hantz was forced to compete in the F57 class in the discus because he had a better rotation than athletes in the F56 class. Hantz's 28.34m throw, which placed him fourth, could have earned him a bronze medal had he remained in the F56 class.

But Hantz's experience speaks louder than his performance.

"[The experience] was great. Now I know I'm a part of that international community," he said. "All the people that were there know me and we're all hoping to see each other again."

Carrying the American flag, Hantz led the six members of the U.S. Track and Field team through the parade at the opening ceremonies. Hantz hopes it won't be the last time he represents the U.S. Team. In fact, there is a good chance he'll be competing for the 2004 U.S. Track and Field Team at the Paralympics to be held in Athens.

The team will not be finalized until the summer, but those two shiny bronze medals just might earn Hantz a trip to Athens, Greece next September.