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Paralympic
Preview
Amputee
Track and Field
With the Sydney Paralympics just around
the corner, AOLM brings you a preview of
some of the athletes you will see bringing
back some form of heavy metal in the shape
of medals.
Track and Field events make up approx
30 per cent of the sports, with swimming
taking up another 25. (thats why we focus
on the track and field athletes) and
needless to say information on track and
field athletes seems to be more readily
available then other sports.
Brian Frasure USA
Heavily favoured in the mens below knee
sprints is North Carolina's "Speed King",
Brian Frasure. Frasure missed out on the
medals in 1996 when he suffered a gut
wrenching muscle injury 30 meters in to
the final. Frasure's luck and injury has
improved since then. He now trains with
top sprinter Marion Jones in North
Carolina. The benefits of both athletes
training together are obviously paying
off.
Earle Connor CAN
Four Paralympic events ago in 1984
running events for AK's were almost
extinct. Technological advancements have
allowed athletes to perfect the foot over
foot method that greatly reduces stress
and increases speed. Leading the race to a
perfect running gait is Canada's Earle
Connor. Connor has been sidelined with an
injury for most of 2000, however in May he
ran under 13 seconds, the first AK to do
so.
Franie Lombaard RSA
Whilst South Africa has never had a
great representation in disability sport,
Franie Lombaard discus and javelin results
have more than compensated. Look out for
world record attempts by this amazing
athlete.
Lyndsay Neilsen USA
A recent newcomer to track, Lyndsay
prefers the longer distance of the
marathon. However, at 41 she is
representing her country for the first tme
at a Paralympic event. The combining of
classes works to Lyndsay's advantage and
we should see at least one medal from her.
Lyndsay is a member of the SJU Amputee
Mailing list.
Lynette Griffin CAN
Out of retirement and back in to the
Paralympic limelight is veteran Canadian
sprinter Lynette Griffin. Griffen's posted
time of 12.86 for the 100m back in May,
the second fastest in the world this year
makes her a medal favourite for the women
arm amputee sprint event.
Andrea Scherny AUT
Veteran Scherny has been a long time
player in the women's BK field events and
is ranked number one this year in all
events except for the discus. Expect
Scherny to walk away with numerous medals
IF her events are not cancelled due to
lack of participation.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Varies from one nation to another.
German TV is providing live daily coverage
whilst no major US network has picked up
on the event. WeMedia plan to have
internet coverage of most events.
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