Hi Rudi-

I'm home from Olympic Trials, and it was a very exciting week. Moved my flights up to Monday, as Natalie was not swimming any other events the last 3 days.

Natalie's best event was 200IM, making it to finals, but she took a 4th place on Saturday night and won't be going to Sydney (first two swimmers go to Sydney in each event). She also made it into semifinals (top 16) in 100 fly, but her times were not good enough to get her into finals. 200 free was on the same days as 200IM, and she chose to do the IM rather than freestyle, as she does well in both events. Most of the events had 100 or more swimmers, so there was fierce competition for the Olympic team.

We all had a great time in Indianapolis. I rode the car rental bus to the airport with Josh Davis's father. Josh is going to Sydney, coming in first in 200 freestyle.

Also talked with Dod Wales parents. He has a good chance at making the team in 100 fly tonight (Tuesday). When I was at World Cup swimming in Paris and Imperia this winter, they were over with me and we had a great time.

I spent 8 days at the Aquatic Centre in Sydney last year for Pan Pacs, primarily a U.S. versus Australia meet. It's one great pool. If I recall correctly, 7 new world records were set there during Pan Pacs.

Right now I'm probably not going over for the Olympics, as I was going to be part of a group going over with Natalie. I'm on award travel so I'm only out $75 to cancel. Everyone else was ticketed through U.S. Olympics, and those could be cancelled without a charge up until the last day of Trials.

Tom



[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 08-15-2000).]