 Ballard competed in Sydney in the 2000 Summer Paralympics but did not win any medals , placing fourth in both the 100 m and 200 m events ; she was also a torch bearer , and featured in the entertainment section of the opening ceremony , where she circled the track 12 @.@ 3 metres ( 40 ft ) in the air , suspended by a blimp and giant inflated angels . In preparation for the 2004 Athens Paralympics , Ballard trained six days a week in 11 sessions . Her training included going to Centennial Park and training on the hills there . It also included track work twice a week and doing weight training at least three times a week . This training schedule caused a few injuries , so she reduced the training frequency for later Games . 
