Paralympic Athlete Diary - 100 Back Prelims -- October 26, 2000

Well, the big event is approaching (100 Back final). I swam a 1:16.53 in prelims this morning. My time at trials was a 1:15.82. Anne Polinario from Canada and Elisabeth Prinsloo from South Africa are the big threats. Anne tried for the world record this morning. Anne swam in heat 1. She went a 1:15.54 (WR is 1:15.02). She showed disappointment, which is why I figured she was gunning for the WR. I'll be glad to be next to her in finals. I like having someone to race right next to me.

Those Aussies sure have done a great job with the
Games. They thought everything out to the last detail.
On the flower bouquet given to medal winners is a
cloisonne pin. The pin depicts Lizzie, the Sydney
Paralympic mascot, presenting a bouquet. The bouquet
on the pin precisely matches the actual bouquet! The
medal winner pins are a hot commodity. However, no one
will give one up.

Well, I'm going to go back to my trailer and relax for
a bit. I tweaked my shoulder this morning in prelims.
The trainers worked on it for a bit, but it still
hurts.

I will definitely do my best tonight. As Coach Mike
would say, I'm going to "dig deep".

Wish me luck!