Smith (right) claimed gold medals in the triple jump and 300m hurdles, silver in javelin and 80m hurdles and a bronze in the long jump.

Coached by Marilyn Pearson, she said the only reason she continued was for her genuine love of athletics.

She described the feeling of winning a gold medal for Australia as great.

This was the much decorated Smith's fifth appearance at a Masters Games, her last being in Canada where she came home with six medals.

But there were many times when it seemed unlikely she would make it to her home Games after she tore a hamstring tendon off the bone while playing soccer shortly after Canada.

It is an injury that has ham- pered her ever since, and it was a huge effort not only to get to the starting line in Sydney, but to pick up the set of medals.

She said the standard of athletes at the Games was quite high, increasingly imp- roving since her first Masters Games appearance in 1994, and she had overwhelming family support for her events in Sydney.

Smith trains when she can at McMahons Park, making sure she can fit it in around work and is also a regular at McGlashans Gym in North Richmond, keeping her fitness levels intact.

"Marilyn was an unbelievable and support to me ? I couldn't possibly have achie- ved what I did without her help," she said.

"It was also great to see so many local adults and children give up their holiday to volunteer for the Masters Games ? the event couldn't have run as successfully as it did without them.

"It was a real success and hopefully I will be there for the next one (in Italy)."