August 16th, 1997

Duke, Agata and I

We finally arrived in Catania at about 7pm Sicilian time. When we arrived, we met our attache. It was Agata. She helped us with everything from organizing to sight seeing. She was great.
We left the airport and went to get our credentials. Unfortunately, the bank was closed so we couldn't get them. We got temporary credentials and went to the hotel where we crashed hard for the night. Our hotel was "Hotel Aloha", the same hotel as where the US delegation was staying.

August 17th, 1997

My credentials.

We got our credentials today. The whole processing only took and hour which wasn't too bad. Unfortunately we missed practice today, but that's ok: I would have been useless in the gym because I was exhausted from our day of traveling and running around getting all the official stuff done.

I basically just relaxed in the afternoon. Our Hotel overlooks the Mediterranean. It had a beautiful view. The weather was great today, not too hot, and not too cold. Just perfect.

August 18th, 1997
We had our first practice session today. I trained with the US girls. The team is all very nice. Shannon hadn't arrived in Sicily yet, so it was just Meredith Willard, Kathleen Shrieves, Leah Brown and Kristi Lichey. In practice, I got acclimated. Did some basic stuff, but nothing too difficult. I liked the equiptment, it was all Gerstung equiptment.

August 19th, 1997

Duke and I at opening ceremonies

Another practice day, and the opening ceremonies.
Practice went ok. Did more routine work today. Went pretty well.
Opening ceremonies was great. I carried the flag. It was amazing walking into a packed stadium with everyone cheering. It kind of brought me to reality that I was really at the World University Games and I was actually going to compete.

August 20th, 1997

Me mid freehip hecht in podium training.

Podium Training was today. It was the first time we went to the arena where the competition was to be held. It was a pretty nice arena. It was also the first time that I got to see the Japaneese team. They're the team I'll be competing with. They looked pretty good in podium training. I warmed up with the other 2 individuals in the training gym and did the 15 minute training in the arena on the podium with the Japaneese. All in all it went guite well and gave me a good indication as to what to expect at the competition.

August 21st, 1997

Yuri Chechi on Rings.

1 day before my big international debut. Had a light workout in which I did last minute things for the meet. I felt pretty good about the meet and felt that I'd done everything I could in order to prepare. We saw some of the men's team competition this afternoon. Got some pictures of Chechi, the Italian hero. The crowd loved him. They applauded everytime he moved (except during his routine when they were silent). It was a pretty interesting competion. Saw some cool gymnastics. One guy did a double tsuk. Another did whip-double back-punch double front.

August 22nd, 1997
The big day finally arrived. I woke up really early because of nerves. I spent the whole morning freaking out and trying to control my excitment and nervousness. We finally went to the training gym and I had a great warm-up. Unfortunately the meet didn't go so well. I had 2 falls on bars and 1 on floor. But, it was a great experience. I competed my first double back and I competed all-around for the first time in 5 years. I felt good about being able to go into a meet like this and do ok.
Stayed and watched the final 4 teams after my meet. The Russians won, US was second, and Japan was 3rd. It was a pretty good meet.

August 23rd, 1997

An overhead shot of the arena. That's Shannon Miller getting ready to vault.

In the morning we went to an open market and to an Italian restaurant with Agata and her boyfriend. It was an interesting experience. It was a typical Sicilian meal that consisted of pasta, followed by meat or fish, I opted for meat while Duke braved the fish including octupus and squid. (The meat was a good choice.) We skipped the salad and desert and Duke had his coffee.
Went to see the all-around finals today. Miller won the all-around, despite a fall off beam. Kathleen Shrieves was 2nd. Unfortunately Kristi Lichey hurt her ankle on floor and couldn't finish the meet. I can't remember who won the guys meet, but it was a good competition.
Afterwards we went to a Sicilian Castle, had pizza, hung out with some of Agata's friends and sung songs. We were convinced Salvo, one of Agata's friends had the hots for me!!!

August 24th, 1997
Slept in late because of our late night, and went to event finals. Once again, a great meet. Leah was third on vault and kathleen was 2nd on bars. Got some good taping done also.

August 25th, 1997

Duke and I with the mascotte.

Went on an all day bus tour. First went to a medieval town, followed by a golf club for appetizers and wine, and then up to Mt. Etna. Went all the way to the top of Etna. It was amazing, and very cold.
Went to a Gala in the evening. Dinner and presentation of gifts to the heads of delegations. Duke was presented with Orlando. A Sicilian knight (puppet).

August 26th, 1997
Went shopping and picked up some last minute sovenir type stuff. Went to see some track and field, and went to a volleyballl game. Went to bed really late because I had to pack becuase we had to leave at 4 am the next morning.

August 27th, 1997

A view of the Swiss Alps from the plane.

Unfortunately we left today. We had to get up at 3:30am to leave by 4am. I was not a happy camper. I had a great time in Sicily. So much so, that I want to compete in Spain in 1999. It's my long term goal. Universiade '97 was a great experience for me, and one I will always remeber. I owe a lot of thanks to my coach "Duke" who made this all possible for me. Thanks Duke.

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