Sat. Sept. 23, 2000
SYDNEY, Australia - Hi. You can't believe how exciting it is. I didn't realize before my race because I was concentrating, for I was not sure that I would make it to the next round. Now I can breathe. I made it to the next round. I am in the second heat in the semi's... I am looking forward to passing it, too. It is going to be tough, but - hey - I am here and it's all up to me. I am in charge - this isn't a team game. I have to do all the work all by myself.
Right after the first round, I was happy to get second place in my first Olympics. That quickly became history, and I rushed to do my cool-down and see a physiotherapist to get me ready for (today).
It's great out here - everybody congratulates me and asks me how and where I train. I tell them that I train hard and smart in Tucson, Arizona. They agree that that it's the best place for middle distance training. I tell them - it's not just the geographical location - it's all about the U of A. It is the institution that is well-organized (and) gives everybody chances and motivation to develop the talents one has.
