As the Olympic Games in Beijing approach, several UW athletes are attempting to qualify and continue the tradition the Badger program has in the Olympics. Watch the Badger Olympians page for updates on our current athletes, as well as a weekly look back at past UW Olympians. Check back frequently as we review our illustrious Olympic history and the Badgers who have made it.

Today's look back features 2005 UW graduate Michelle Lilienthal, who continues to seek a spot in the Olympic Games.

Since her 2005 graduation, Michelle Lilienthal has been training for a chance to compete with the U.S.A. Olympic team.

Lilienthal was an 'A' qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials this April in Boston, where she placed 85th in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds. She was accompanied by former Badger Stephanie Herbst-Lucke, a 1988 graduate and three-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin. Herbst-Lucke finished 59th in 2:45:14.

At age 26, Lilienthal was one of the youngest qualifiers for the Trials and also one of the fastest with a personal record of 2:35:51.

The Iowa City, Iowa, native was a seven-time state champion in track and cross country and set her high school 3000 meters record. At Wisconsin, Lilienthal earned All-Big Ten honors and set personal bests in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters. She graduated with a double major in communications and Spanish.

Lilienthal made her marathon debut in the 2005 Philadelphia Marathon, where she finished third. Since then, Lilienthal has placed in numerous races and was the second U.S. finisher in the 2006 Boston Marathon.

In August 2007, Lilienthal moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she trains with Team USA Minnesota.