The 34-year-old Guzel Khubbieva of Uzbekistan was not only a sprinter, but also a single mother of a 14-year-old boy.

She finished her Guangzhou Asiad not only with a silver and a bronze, but also with the respect from the fans and fellow athletes.

"As long as I can, I will keep running," said Khubbieva, who was expecting a fifth Asian Games in 2014.

The veteran sprinter, silver medallist of the women's 200m at Doha Asian Games, clocked 23.87 seconds to take the bronze in the event here on Thursday, while Japan's Chisato Fukushima, 12 years younger than Khubbieva, won the gold in 23.62.

Khubbieva also won a silver in the 100m on Monday with a season best 11.34, while Fukushima was the winner in 11.33.

"Yes, you noticed my age," said Khubbieva. "But I don't think too much about it. I could still win a medal and I think time has rewarded me with more experience than most of my competitors."

"I will not stop, and I hope I can compete in more competitions," she added.

Khubbieva started running at the age of 12. She jumped into the spotlight in 2002, when she picked up her first Asiad medal in the 4x100m relay at Busan. She reached her peak in 2006 by winning one gold and one silver at Doha.

The sprinter was not disappointed about losing to Fukushima at Guangzhou. "I am satisfied with my results," she said. "My competitors performed quite well and it's an encouragement for me to compete with them."

"The Asian Games will be my last competition in the season, and I am happy that I can get two medals here," she added. "I think the facilities and venues in Guangzhou are very good, and Guangzhou is a lucky place for me."

Talking about her son, Khubbieva admitted that she needs to keep balance between her career and being a good mother.

"I raise my son by myself," said the single mother. "My biggest pleasure is to play with him."

"I hope I can be a good athlete as well as a good mom," she added.

With five Asiad medals, the 34-year-old is still expecting more.

"My goal is to get good results at the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2014 Asian Games," said Khubbieva, who kept a daily training of three to four hours. "I have not decided but I hope I can take part in both the 100m and 200m sprint."

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2010)