DENVER — Iraq war Army veteran Melissa Stockwell is in Japan for 10 days of training before swimming in the Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Stockwell's left leg was amputated above the knee after a roadside bomb struck her vehicle as she led a supply convoy through Baghdad on April 13, 2004.

Since then, Stockwell, 28, has completed two New York City marathons and eight triathlons. Next month, she is set to compete in the Paralympic Games in the 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle. Stockwell is a University of Colorado graduate.

She set a U.S. record in the 400 free during the Paralympic trials this year with a time of 5:03.08.

"My goal is just to do my best. Obviously, I'd like to get to the wall before my competitors. But as long as I get times faster than before, I'll be happy," said Stockwell, who has been training in Colorado Springs.

She is studying to become a certified prosthetist to help other amputees.

Earlier last week, the New York-based organization TakePride announced it was featuring Stockwell on a new T-shirt. TakePride sells T-shirts telling soldiers' stories, with a portion of profits going to support veterans. At least $5 from the sale of every $25 shirt featuring Stockwell will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, where Stockwell is a board member.

"I think it's fantastic. It's an honor to have someone ask you to have a T-shirt," Stockwell said.

The "Stronger" shirt inspired by Stockwell includes a sketch of her swimming along with phrases that tell her story. Some of the phrases are straight from Stockwell.

One section says,

"I do not feel bad for myself.

"I am glad it was me.

"Not someone else."

Another says, "I have done more with 1 leg than I would have ever done with two."

"Veterans like Melissa, they really feel they're proud of their service," TakePride cofounder Patrick Gray said. "They didn't want to lose a limb, but they're proud of how they made their sacrifice for this country. They're going on with an incredible life."

Stockwell credits her husband and family for helping her get to where she is today.

When asked what she would say to other veterans who have lost limbs in war, Stockwell said: "Stay positive. It's hard at first. It kind of hits you and you realize you're missing a limb. It's pretty traumatic. Just stay positive. Everyone has bad moments and bad days. Surround yourself with people who care about you."