Dr. Christine Thorburn, a 1992 graduate of Grinnell College, claimed fifth place in cycling at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Thorburn, a native of Davenport, Iowa, who now lives in Sunnyvale, Calif., had a solid effort throughout and was even in position to earn a bronze medal until the very end of the competition. For more on the story, go to http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/SPORTS13/80813006