Pushing her way straight to the top.

• Position: Amanda McGrory - Interview - Brief article

Last month, Amanda McGrory, 20, of Kennett Square, Pa., won the women's push-rim wheelchair race in the New York City Marathon by two seconds, with a time of 1:54:19. McGrory, who became disabled at the age of 5 after contracting a rare virus, is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she trains with the wheelchair track and basketball teams. Upfront spoke to McGrory after the marathon.

Q I can't imagine racing all, those mites. Was it hard?

A This course was definitely the most difficult one I've done so far, between all the ups and downs of the bridges, the sharp turns, and the potholes--things that if you're not paying attention, can tip you over pretty easily.

Q What do you love about racing?

A The individual drive you get from it: As well as competing with others, you're...