In retrospect, Delilah Topic isn91裸聊视频檛 quite sure how she was able to complete two races last month at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand.

Running on a badly broken foot, the 37-year-old Kelowna athlete accomplished a most improbable feat by winning two medals in the women91裸聊视频檚 35 to 39 age group.

Due to a rheumatoid bone condition, Topic has grown more prone to injury over the years and may one day have to leave competitive running behind for good.

To complicate matters, she is a type 1 diabetic who, in preparing for races, must constantly monitor her blood sugar levels with an insulin pump.

Topic was already nursing a broken toe before leaving for Auckland and knew she wouldn91裸聊视频檛 be in peak form for the games.

But calling on every ounce of will and grit in her slender frame, Topic was determined to complete her first event91裸聊视频攖he 10 km road race91裸聊视频攔egardless of the consequences.

91裸聊视频淚nitially my goal really was just to finish,91裸聊视频� said Topic. 91裸聊视频淚 used all the mental mantras91裸聊视频攎ind over matter, pain is only temporary, give it everything you have, you don91裸聊视频檛 want to have any regrets. It was something I felt I had to do.91裸聊视频�

Already in considerable discomfort, Topic91裸聊视频檚 situation worsened when she felt 91裸聊视频渁 crunch91裸聊视频� in her foot at both the 3 km and 8 km marks of the race.

X-rays would later show, that in addition to the fractured toe, Topic had broken four more bones in her foot.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e never felt pain like that in my life, but I just forced myself,91裸聊视频� said Topic. 91裸聊视频淭he crowd saw what I was going through and was just incredible, encouraging me on. I was like a flamingo on one foot at the end and crying. When we saw the x-rays it was no wonder it hurt so much over the last kilometre.91裸聊视频�

Because runners from other age groups were in the same race, Topic never entertained the possibility she had won a medal. She was in the massage tent when word came she had captured the silver.

91裸聊视频淣o part of me thought I had won a medal,91裸聊视频� said Topic who placed 19th overall out of 180 runners. 91裸聊视频淚t was way off my best time, but given the situation, given my foot, I was very fortunate and happy. I did as much as I could and I91裸聊视频檇 say I exceeded expectations.91裸聊视频�

After bowing out of both the 1,500 and 5,000 metre events, Topic, broken foot and all, was on the track four days later to compete in the 800 metres.

She couldn91裸聊视频檛 land properly on her forefoot, nor could she wear cleated track shoes like the other competitors.

Still, with the prospects of her competitive running days potentially coming to an end, Topic was emboldened to race once more91裸聊视频攖his time winning a bronze.

91裸聊视频淎t first, I thought, what am I doing here, I can91裸聊视频檛 even stride out the right way,91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淭he next thing I knew, I was at the start line and the race was on. I limp-ran all the way as fast as I could and the crowd cheered me on to the finish.

91裸聊视频淚 just wanted to take it all in and be out there one more time,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淚t was really painful, but I didn91裸聊视频檛 know if it would be my last time so I just wanted to experience it. In the end, I91裸聊视频檓 happy I did it.91裸聊视频�

In addition to her own intestinal fortitude, Topic said the encouragement and support of so many back in Kelowna was instrumental in keeping her motivated.

91裸聊视频淭he support I had back home from friends and other people in the community has been amazing,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淚t really did carry me through, I learned you can lean on people sometimes for support, rather than thinking you can do it all on your own.91裸聊视频�

A medical oncologist in her professional life, Topic expects full healing of the foot to take at least several months.

Whether she is able to run again competitively is uncertain, but regardless she plans to stay connected to the running world.

91裸聊视频淢y two passions are my work and my running,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淚 can be as broken as I want and still work as an oncologist, but leaving running completely would be impossible. I could see going into coaching, so at least I have that.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 trying to look at the bright side.91裸聊视频�