March 27, 2000
March 26 2002

Tuesday morning I work up early for a weight session at my hotel in Toronto. Even with the limited number of weights I was still able to get in a pretty good work out. The day was packed with media interviews and meetings with marketing agents to discuss marketing strategies. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to work out. So instead, I spent some time in the sauna to get ready for the big day.

After a short cardio work out and swim session on Wednesday morning I spent the day giving media interviews and getting ready for the Canadian Athlete of the Year awards. To my surprise I became Canada's first wrestler to ever win the award. I apologize that I made so many people cry during my acceptance speech. It wasn't my intention. I know it's not a wrestling thing, but I am a softie at heart. After the awards banquet I hung out with Donovan Bailey, the 1996 Olympic 100 Metre Champion.

I had a quick weight session on Thursday before heading over to the CBC studio for a final interview. The interview went a little late and I almost missed my flight to Vancouver. I arrived back in Vancouver around 3:30 p.m. and was able to make practice on time ( coach Mike Jones was kind enough to reminded me of that).

Friday was a pretty good day. I biked and ran for about three miles in the morning, replied to a ton of congratulatory e-mails, and scrimmaged with Justin Abdou in the evening.

On Saturday I wrestled with a number of high school students, including a few matches with some 200+ pound guys. I almost got pinned by both of them. That's the great thing about practice sessions. Nothing counts against you. You can try new moves and make all the mistakes you want.

Even with my hectic training schedule due to the Athlete of the Year Awards, I made the most of my time. I promise to make up for any lost time next week. I have an Olympic gold medal to win.

Keep Sweating, "Dynamite" Daniel



Igali wrestles his dream into reality: school readies for opening day
SFU criminology student and Olympic wrestler Daniel Igali of Surrey has Canada to thank for helping make his boyhood dream come true.
He talked to Langley Rotarians October 6 about his Nigerian school.
Daniel Igali adds muscle to B.C. Liberal lineup
CTV.ca News Staff

Olympic gold medal winner Daniel Igali has entered the political arena. The former wrestler will run for the Liberals in the spring provincial election.