Ci Wang, an 18-year-old Tibetan girl, clocked three hours, eight minutes 10 seconds over the distance of 42.195 meters Saturday, placing ninth in a small marathon field of 10 competitors. Lebanon's Maria Pia Nehme pulled out midway due to injury.

"I am so tired that I couldn't run any longer," said a depleted Ci Wang after crossing the finish line.

Ci Wang, who was competing in her second marathon, battled with muscle cramps in the final two kilometers and almost fell onto ground several times. She had to be supported by her coach and team doctor into rest room.

"The idea of quitting the race never crossed my mind because this is the first time that I represent China at an international competition," Ci Wang told reporters in broken mandarin Chinese.

Her Chinese compatriot Zhou Chunxiu, who finished fifth in the 2005 world championships, gave a masterclass in front-running to clinch the gold medal in 2:24:12.

Zhou, who share a bedroom with Ci Wang at the Athletes Village, paid tribute to her teammate and presented her a bunch of flowers.

"She is quite young and has only competed in two marathons. She still has loads of opportunities ahead," said Zhou.

Chinese national coach Hu Xinmin said he was also deeply touched by Ci Wang's spirit. "Sport competition is not just a matter of competing for medals. Ci Wang interpreted the sportsmanship very well," he said.

Ci Wang, whose family lives in Lhasa, started her athletic career in 2002 after a local coach spotted her talent in endurance sports.

"There are no training grounds for track and field events in Tibet. I usually have training sessions on the roads," said Ci Wang.