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As good as it can get
University of Georgia swim coach Jack Bauerle will serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. women's Olympic swim team in Sydney. In his twenty-one years at Georgia, Bauerle's swimmers have won 17 NCAA individual titles and three NCAA relay titles, and the women's swim team won the NCAA championships in 1999 and 2000. Check in with Bauerle on CNNSI.com throughout the Olympics.
September 23, 2000
Talk about the atmosphere during Friday night's finals?
We've already surpassed the output of medals from the Atlanta Games, and last night was a terrific night for the U.S.A. Last night was about as good as it can get. We had a near world-record performance from Brooke Bennett as she won another gold (in the 800 meters.) We ended up getting two golds in the men's 50 because Anthony Ervin and Gary Hall tied. Amanda Adkins swam real well (in the 200 backstroke) even though she didn't medal. Ian Crocker had a spectacular swim to get fourth in the men's 100 butterfly. That gives us a different kind of hope for the medley relay tonight, and certainly casts a shadow of doubt into Australia. Coming into the meet it looked like that was a lock for them, and now it looks like it's going to be quite close.
Everything was going our way last night. We were just sitting there and didn't want it to end. We wish there had been more events to swim. Everybody was doing everything they needed to do. It was a great feeling on the pool deck. When the team is working together and everybody is on the same page, it's the best feeling in the world. That's what you work toward.
What do you want to accomplish on the last day of competition?
We want to finish on a high note. The team has done a spectacular job for eight days and two sessions per day. That's not an easy chore. The job for the team --even for those who have finished swimming -- is to stay focused. We want those who are finished swimming to be involved with their teammates and be aware that those who are not finished still have some work to do.
We've always taken great pride in our relays. We have a terrific shot to win the 400-meter medley relay on the women's side. Quite frankly, we think we can put two teams in there that can compete for the top three spots. That's how deep we are. On the men's side, Australia is the favorites coming in, but with the way we've been swimming, it's going to be one of the great races of the meet.
How do you plan to spend the rest of your time in Sydney?
I'd like to see some baseball. I met one of the players, Mike Neill, who hit the game-winning home run in the Japan game. I happened to be standing next to him when we were going in for the Opening Ceremonies, so I think I might go try to watch him play.
I also love watching boxing. I love three-round matches because they are a flurry, and there's not as much dancing around. I just plan on enjoying all the things I haven't been able to do. When we came into the Village we had a mission in mind, so I haven't had the chance to see a lot of other things. Now is the time to be able to take in some of those things after we finish tonight.
We are all close to exhaustion, but after tonight, we'll regroup and get back with our families and try to be normal again.
What will you remember most about the Games? Personally, I feel so fortunate to have been involved in these Olympics because they are in Australia. They way they embrace swimming is inexplicable. I heard a ticket for the final session is selling on the streets for $1,500. They are very appreciative fans. We have a healthy rivalry. We're aware of what they do in every event, and they are aware of what we do in every event. There is an awful lot of respect between the two. The rivalry has been great for both of us. Without question, it has made us better.
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