It was a finish that movie heros can only imitate. On his last run, with 3rd place Olympic medal or 4th place obscurity on the line, and a broken boot buckle repaired with duct tape, Chris Klug beat out the French rider Nicholas Huet to take the bronze medal at Park City, Utah at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Over 20,000 snowboard fans gathered on a beautiful bluebird day to see the most exciting parallel giant slalom race ever held in the United States - if not the world.

Klug had to overcome some tough moments and a fall into the fence in an earlier run to grab the third place finish. He came through the finish line with arms held high, as he knew he had won the bronze medal. He came to the wall of the finish area and jumped into the crowd of family and friends, who embraced him in his victorious moment. His brother Jim handed him a big American Flag on a ski pole, and he held it high as he greeted coaches, well wishers and the press in the finish area.

Later on Friday night, he was part of the formal Medal Ceremony in downtown Salt Lake City, again cheered by his proud family and group of friends, and thousands of Olympic fans surrounding the medals plaza. Now, while he basks in his glory, he remembers the transplant that returned his life, and carries that message to the media.