Kudos To Amputee Beijing Athlete Natalie du Toit

It was the Beijing Games’ greatest human interest story and nothing in the competition will more unique and as inspiring as Natalie du Toit's debut in a debut event — the women’s open water swim.

The South African swimmer, the first amputee to compete in the Summer Olympics, finished 16th in the field of 25 women in the 10-kilometer event.

Unlike the marathon, which received more than two hours of coverage, the open water swim was covered briefly by NBC. Cris Collinsworth interviewed du Toit before her event and handled the interview with class. Collinsworth and Bob Costas also discussed the story in studio setting and avoided any potential syrupy pitfalls.

Du Toit, who lost her left leg in a motorcycle accident seven years ago, qualified when she finished fourth in the 6.2-mile race at the open water World Championships last month in Seville, Spain.

Du Toit did not swim her best race in her Olympic debut, but she made no excuses. She finished in 2:00.49.9 and said she had plenty of work to do. Du Toit will defend five Paralympic Gold Medals when the Beijing Paralympics beginning August 8.