Editor's note: Patrick Nduwimana is a senior at Arizona and is the currently the NCAA champion in the 800-meter dash. He is running the 800m in the 2000 Summer Olympics for Burundi. His column will appear periodically throughout the Olympics.
SYDNEY, Australia - You know, I am representing my country and my university as well. Without the support of the school - especially the support of the track and field coaching staff - it wouldn't have been the same.
I wouldn't have gone this far in such a competitive world of elite sport (without them).
Here in Sydney, it's been great. Training's been going all right.
Since last week I've been trying to wake up early in the morning and practice before 11 a.m. so that I can fight jet lag and get used to running in the morning because my first race will take place at 10:45 am.
Training has been quite all right. I am confident, and I know I am as prepared as anyone in my event.
I will do whatever it takes to cross the finish line in the first position. REMEMBER, I AM A WILDCAT! WE TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
We will run three rounds, but I see each one as my final.
I have to win the first one, win the next one, and finally win the next one.
That's our motto, isn't it?
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Nduwimana
