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Plenty of time to sightsee
Erin Aldrich, 22, qualified for the Sydney Olympics by placing second in the high jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The 6-foot-1 Aldrich is the current collegiate record-holder in the high jump (6 feet, 5 1/2 inches) and has been named an All-America in both track and volleyball at the University of Texas. Check back with CNNSI.com as Aldrich talks about sightseeing in Sydney.
August 31, 2000
Today I started laying out different items that will be necessary for my trip to Sydney for the Games. I will be leaving the U.S. on the 4th of September but will be traveling to Osaka, Japan for a tune-up meet before I go "down under." I really think I am overwhelmed by the packing process because of all the clothes that I received from NIKE and the United States Olympic Committee. I definitely won't be able to fit it all in my suitcase, but there are certain things that are mandatory that I take (i.e. my presentation suit, opening ceremonies uniform, competition uniform and oh yea...my jump shoes). I am trying to fit all my gear in one large roller bag, but seeing that I will be away for more than a month, doing so will be a huge challenge to say the least! The excitement is escalating for me as I approach my departure. I am down to two more days of practice with my coach at the University of Texas. He will arrive in Sydney on the 22nd, so I will be without my second pair of eyes for quite a while. I'm sure I will be counting down the days until his arrival in order to get the last few kinks out before the big day.
I will compete on the 28th and 30th, near the latter part of the Olympics, so I will have plenty of time to sightsee once I arrive in Sydney on the 10th. My coach has scheduled my workouts so that I will have time to enjoy myself. I think it is important that I enjoy the experience and take in all the excitement my first time to the Games. I absolutely can't wait to go to Sydney! It is so beautiful there and the people are so gracious. They are proud of their country, as they should be. I think it is safe to say that it is the most incredible place I have ever been abroad. When I get there, I hope to try some water buffalo, emu and kangaroo meat. I might try a little vegemite, just to say I did. Who knows, maybe -- just maybe -- I'll like it. I hear that the Aussies use vegemite like we use peanut butter. Interesting, huh? Also, I am hoping to check out a petting zoo or two, the Sydney Opera House and the aquarium. I have been warned not to think the koala bears are too cute, as they dangle from the trees. Looks can be very, very deceiving! -- Erin
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