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Begging for my autograph
A Stanford University graduate, Nicole Freedman began cycling in 1994 with the Stanford team. Earlier this year the 28-year-old won the U.S. Olympic road race trials in Jackson, Mississippi, earning an automatic spot on the 2000 Olympic team. A native of Wellesley, Mass., the 5-foot-2 cyclist is headed to Sydney on September 20th. September 13, 2000Palo Alto, California Well, in just one week, lesser known Olympic athletes such as Marion Jones, Carl Lewis, the men's Dream Team, etc, should be overtaking me in the Athletes Village begging for my autograph. "Nicole, we have been following your illustrious athletic career ever since you finished runner-up in your 5th grade jump rope contest. Would you please autograph my butt with this permanent marker?" This final week before the Games I am filled with a nervous excitement. Like most athletes, I excel at organizing and planning and I have already carefully planned my schedule to reduce stress leading up to my departure. Every morning I have planned a 1-3 hour ride with a handful of final tune-up hill intervals. And every afternoon, I rush around the house looking for my helmet and bike so I can finally get on my bike for a training ride and hope to get back before well after dark. My clothes for the trip are neatly stuffed into balls all over random parts of the house and Bay Area, and will easily be packed into my suitcase as soon as I remember where I left it. Two hours before my flight I expect to be frantically and unsuccessfully trying to disassemble my bicycle and carefully shove it into my bike case, knowing my entire race is dependent on my bike's safe transport. In the off chance I get it packed, an emotion of pure nausea will overcome me as I envision the delicate baggage handlers contending with my bike. "Hey George, I'm feeling lucky today. Fifty cents I can balance 27 bags on top of this big one here that has 'ELIGARF' written all over it. That would be a new record, huh." I plan to arrive last minute at the airport to be told that the only remaining seat is in the middle aisle between the heavyweight boxing team. "They may need a little extra space, so if you don't mind sitting under your seat, that would be great. You're pretty small, anyway. Thanks!" The USA Cycling staff should be waiting patiently to bring our team of three women, including Karen Kurreck and Mari Holden to the Olympic Village whereupon the bombarding by Olympic autograph seekers shall commence. -- Nicole
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