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Free massages and free McDonalds
Chris Humbert is competing in his third Olympic Games. The 30-year-old native of Modesto, Calif. is a member of the U.S. water polo team.
September 17, 2000
Has it taken long to adjust to the time difference? It hasn't taken long at all to adjust to the time difference. It was actually pretty easy. We left L.A. at 10:40 at night then 14 hours later we arrived here in Sydney at 7:30 in the morning. So it was kind of like one really long night. We just lost a day in the process. What's the Athletes Village like? The Athletes Village is an incredible place. There are so many people from so many cultures. It is fun to watch how everyone is reacting to one another. There is the European influence in the food lines in the cafeteria. They don't really pay attention to the lines. They just kind of shove their way to the front and don't see a problem with it. So if you want to eat, you just keep your elbows out and knock some people around who are trying to cut in front of you. The Chinese people really keep to themselves and don't talk too much except amongst themselves. The U.S. Team is really great to hang out with. Everyone is so friendly. Even the "Stars" from the "Big" sports. Last night I was talking with Todd Martin (tennis) at the Opening Ceremonies for about half an hour. It is true what they say about him on TV. He is one of the nicest guys you would want to meet. Actually all of the tennis players are really cool and down to earth. Dream Team 3, 4 or 5 or whatever.... the NBA guys were here last night. They were having a great time with all of the other athletes. Gary Payton was saying the only reason he was here was to meet Maurice Greene. He was like a little kid trying to find him and get a picture with him. Who are your roommates? Who is living closest to you? My roommate is Gavin Arroyo. He is one of my best friends. We went to Berkeley together and have been friends for about 10 years. It makes staying here so much nicer living with someone that you know. We joke about living on Main Street USA here. We are staying in the middle of all of the U.S. Teams. We have some Track and Field athletes across the street. Women's water polo is our next to us. Synchronized Swimming, the swimmers and both men's and women's volleyball are on our street. What's your favorite part of the Village? Free massages and free McDonalds! Have you realized you've forgotten to bring something with you to Sydney? Just my swim suit. I thought that our sponsor Speedo would have some for us when we got here, but they were late getting suits to us, our women's team and our swimming team. So I have had to borrow one from a teammate. But the word on the street is that they are coming today. What do you think of the water polo venue? The venue is great! One of the nicest pools that I have played in. Well, the best thing about it for me is that it is barely shallow enough for me to touch the bottom in some situations. I am 6'7" so I am going to be one of the few players that can use it to my advantage. This will definitely help me. What are you doing to mentally prepare for the competition? Mentally I am trying not to think too much into the tournament. Right now I am thinking of our game with Croatia who is our first game. After that I will take it one game at a time. -- Chris
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