Competing in the Centennial Summer Olympic Games gave a new outlook to UA pole vaulter Dominic Johnson. The junior, who represented the tiny island of St. Lucia in Atlanta, has two years of eligibility left at Arizona, so competing collegiately might become a little easier.

"The Olympics put everything into perspective for me," said Johnson. "I will stay calm and not feel as pressured in the Pac-10 and NCAA track meets."

Although Johnson was raised in Tucson, he was born in St. Lucia in 1975 and said he still feels his roots in St. Lucia.

"I still have a lot of pride in the St. Lucia," Johnson said. "I would have liked to represent the U. S. in the Olympics, but it was great being a part of the five other track and field athletes who competed for St. Lucia."

Johnson said he wanted to chant "U.S.A." in the stands when watching other events, but he felt like he couldn't.

One of the things that Johnson said he noticed about the other athletes was that they were normal people.

"It was exciting to be around all of the athletes," said Johnson. "Sitting across from them at meals, I realized that they were no different from me. They are exactly the same as I am."

Johnson also said that just being there and watching the athletes train made him realize that he can be at the same caliber as they are.

UA track and field coach Dave Murray would agree.

"He is a hard worker and an outstanding athlete," Murray said. "And he's only going to get better."

Johnson's role on the team will be significant, Murray said.

"Dominic is going to be one of our key people," said Murray. "He has outstanding leadership qualities, excellent motivation and amazing athletic ability."

Johnson also said that his role on the team will be significant.

"People on the team will notice my dedication," Johnson said. "My dedication has payed off. Last year, I jumped (16 feet, 5 inches), and this year, I will dedicate myself to improve that."

Murray said that the qualities about Johnson are apparent in every aspect of his life.

"He works hard in everything he does, from school to track and field. Nobody is more competitive."

Johnson recalls the most exciting experience and the biggest disappointment for him in the Olympics.

"The most exciting thing was meeting my idol, Sergui Bubka," said Johnson. "He's been the best in the world since 1981, and I've always looked up to him. I talked to him for a while, and he's a really nice guy."

Johnson said the Olympic village was not all what it was hyped up to be.

"The housing situation was not fun," Johnson said. "At the beginning, everyone got along, but by the end of the Olympics, athletes were tired and agitated."

Johnson said American double gold medalist Michael Johnson was smart to fly home for a few days after the opening ceremonies.

"The atmosphere can take stuff out of you," the pole vaulter said. "I tried to get the most out of it I could. I tried not to worry about how I finished."

Although he missed qualifying for the finals and was disappointed with his vaulting, Johnson said it was the experience that was important.

"I wasn't jumping well," he said. "I wasn't nervous and felt relaxed."

Coach Murray agreed that Johnson's vaulting in the Olympics was off a little bit from his normal performance.

"It's one of those things where you're on or you're off," said Murray. "He just wasn't on. He probably had the jitters and felt overwhelmed. Who wouldn't?"

Now that the Olympics are over, Johnson can focus on his short- and long-term goals.

"I learned as much as I could from my experience in the Olympics," Johnson said. "Now I'm looking at the big picture."

So, what is the big picture?

For Johnson, it is Sydney, and the Summer Olympics in 2000.

"The long term goals are most important," he said. "Short term, I'm looking at the NCAA Championships in June."

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