Lindquist’s road
to Summer Games
began in Honolulu
She owes Hawaii her Olympic berth.
When American Barb Lindquist lines up on the floating pontoon off Oceanida tomorrow, her thoughts may well turn to the waters off Waikiki. That's where Lindquist began her successful quest for a spot on the U.S. team on April 18 when the USA Triathlon held its qualifier here.
"The Honolulu venue is very similar to what we will see in Athens," U.S. coach Gail Bernhardt told the Star-Bulletin prior to leaving for Greece. "It was a very enjoyable venue for the athletes. The course itself was difficult and had the right challenges the athletes needed.
"It's hard to predict who will win the gold. There are 10 or 12 women capable and if any one of them has the day of her life, she could win gold."
It could be Lindquist, ranked No. 1 in the world. It could be her rival and friend, Sheila Taormina or the other American Susan Williams. Williams was third in Honolulu, Taormina fourth.
The Olympic Triathlon will be held in Vouliagmeni, a village in southern Athens. The Olympic distances are a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer cycle and 10-kilometer run.
"The swim has a chance of being rough and choppy," Bernhardt said. "The bike course is really hard, with a tough rise in the beginning. The run is flat along the beach. We're hoping the humidity won't be too bad.
"Honolulu prepared our athletes. Gosh, to have the city of Honolulu shut down and allow the athletes to race in front of crowds of cheering fans ... it was a great atmosphere.
"It's hard to predict our chances for medals in Greece. Statistically, we have a good chance of medaling."
There's a good chance that USA Triathlon will return to Honolulu for another race. Both Bernhardt and University of Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier, the U.S. Olympic team's Chef de Mission, are optimistic about that happening.
"The athletes were very complimentary about the (Honolulu) course and the behind-the-scenes happenings," Bernhardt said. "The race World Cup points and the team for Beijing (2008 Olympic host) begins next year. We'd like to come back."
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