Track: Paul Sehzue's Olympic Journal
9/6/2000 12:00:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
Sept. 6, 2000
First in a series of reports from the Olympics in Sydney, Australia
Friday, Sept. 1
I would just like you to know that everything is well in the land down under. The scenery is beautiful. There are so many things provided for the athletes. I was talking smack to the U.S. boxing team. They think I have an upcoming bout against them or something.
I have been awake for about 22 hours straight. The coaches are telling me that I cannot rest for another couple of hours, to help with jet lag. I have access to the computer much of the day, so I will keep in touch. It has not even begun to sink in yet that I am down here.
Sunday, Sept. 3
You best believe that I heard the news about the football team's win over Penn State. I was talking trash for days about the whole thing. The only problem was that the people I was talking trash to did not know English very well. There was a fellow from Yugoslavia in particular that simply gave me a blank stare. He said, "The lion (nitanny) did what to your mamma?" The experience is very new and exciting. The food is outstanding. If one is tired of eating various types of foods, McDonald's is a very good plan B. I had a very good breakfast this morning of french toast, poached eggs, steak, granola bars, and a Sausage & Egg McMuffin.
The team started practicing the day after we arrived in Sydney. I am still adjusting to the time change. I keep getting up around 4:00 a.m. in the morning here, even though it is about 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. in Toledo.
I have not had the opportunity to spend time in town, yet. I still have to get some pictures of some live kangaroos and koalas. I have reports here that they live about three hours to the west of Sydney, farther inland. I have to go for now. Take care, and I will keep in touch. In the meantime, I was looking at a sign while I was here, it said, "COACH, SEND MONEY, PLEASE!" (Just kidding).
Sincerely,
Paul
