Three On The Line In The 600

Talking smoothly and graciously, McGrady took pains to thank everyone who ever helped him; you got the feeling that he had been compiling a list of credits for this first time when people would gather to listen to him. "I'm not a great athlete," he kept insisting. "Just look at me." His green Santa Clara Valley Youth Village sweat suit hung loosely on his tall, thin frame; he glanced at himself with a whimsical grin. "How," he asked, "could anyone compare me to athletes like Tommie or Lee?"

Bill Gaines, who also recovered from post- Moscow stomach trouble to win the 60-yard dash title for the third straight year, answered, "You are the best. You have to be to get knocked around and come back to beat guys like that."

"You should never be satisfied," added Winter, "until you have the 880-yard world record."

McGrady paused, as if the idea was sinking in for the first time. "O.K., Coach," he said quietly. "I'm yours for the outdoor season. Let's go after the record."