Runner determined to win Special Olympic gold BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer KAREN BOWES Hazlet's MIchael McGrath passes the Special Olympics torch to Keyport Police Capt. Thomas Mitchell on June 1. McGrath will be in Tennessee preparing for the World Games, Oct. 2-11 in Shanghai, with his teammates this month. HAZLET - Last month, Michael McGrath spent a Friday afternoon participating in a torch relay as part of his journey to the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China. This month, the 29-year-old Hazlet resident will spend some time a bit further away from his familiar surroundings in preparation for his big moment. McGrath, a track and field athlete, will be in Tennessee practicing with his teammates in preparation for the World Games Oct. 2-11. McGrath welcomes the opportunity to not only go to Shanghai, but to also show his teammates what he can do. "My goal is to win both of my events, the 1,500-meter run and the 800-meter run," McGrath said. "I know there will be a lot of good athletes in China and I just want to be ready to race well." McGrath's father, Jim, says that Michael often goes running at Holmdel Park and on occasion will go to Holmdel High School for speed sessions. "He runs about 20-25 miles per week and he is very into it," Jim McGrath said. "He's been competing for about 15 years and he is very focused." Jim McGrath also said that he will accompany his son to China, and that the young athlete has met many people through his travels. "He's met many governors and he even met Henry Kissinger as well," Jim McGrath said. "Being part of Special Olympics has given my son the opportunity to do some amazing things and meet some amazing people." There is one more thing that Michael wants to add to his list. "I really think I am ready to run well in China. I train hard and I want to represent my country well. But I also want to win those two gold medals," McGrath said.