The energy was palpable at the 43rd annual Special Olympics State Summer Games at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa today.

Runners, swimmers, long jumpers, softball throwers, shot put throwers and power lifters bounced on their toes, stretched their muscles or sat and relaxed until their event was called.

Some were new to the Special Olympics; others were repeat competitors.

Twelve-year-old Rebeka Miller stood on the winner's platform yesterday to receive her gold medal in the 15- meter (cq) run.

Though a shy girl, Miller wore her medal proudly.

"I ran fast," said the Webling Elementary School sixth-grader. "I work hard at running."

Her parents beamed as they examined her medal. Miller will definitely compete in next year's summer games, said her dad, Daren Miller of 'Aiea.

In all about 800 athletes and 200 coaches from around the state are taking part in the weekend event at UH. The athletes range in age from 8 to 81.

Events continue tomorrow with track and field, swimming, powerlifting.

For more on this story, see tomorrow's Honolulu Advertiser.