Editor's note: UA senior Patrick Nduwimana is competing in the 800m dash for Burundi in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. His column will appear periodically throughout the Olympics.
Fri. Sept. 22, 2000
SYDNEY, Australia - Hi, this is Patrick writing from the Olympic Athletes' village. I have less than 15 hours before I go to the starting line. I am a little bit nervous, but don't you worry my friends - I always use my nervousness in a positive way. Any time I am nervous, I become very spontaneous and, thus, productive. (In case) you didn't know, the 800-meters (race) is a game of strength - physical and mental - and strategy. I am prepared to change strategies as soon as it is needed. By the way, my strategies are simple - run fast and try to get to the finish line in first position.
The surrounding environment is great. Everybody here is poised to do his best. I have the best support of everybody - my family, friends, coaches and even people who never see me send me supporting e-mails through the Fanmail address.
We are probably the biggest number of Olympians representing our school. We have a lot of swimmers and runners from the U of A, including the new American, (former UA runner) Abdi (Abdirahman), who I hang around with every day. It is a lot of fun. Abdi is running in a few minutes, and the last time I checked, he is ready like crazy.
