well-needed two day break
July 31 2000

We had a well-needed two day break last week after our intense training camp in Korea. I personally needed the time off to rest my aching ribs. Looking back, it was money well spent. I'd have to say it was the most intense week of training I've had all year. We probably need a few more weeks of similar training before the Olympics. While I had a good camp in Korea, I don't miss it one bit.

Last week, I wrote about doing my best and leaving the rest for God. Well, I was watching the US Olympic Track and Field Championships on television last and saw what happened to Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene. The US have lost two potential medals in the 200 meter sprint race. After seeing those two great athletes pull out of the trials, I had even more appreciation for the fact that I have already qualified to represent Canada at the Games. In addition, I am more aware that even though I have qualified, it still doesn't mean that I will be competing. In 1992, one of my good friends on the Nigerian Wrestling Team, Victor Kodei (90 Kg) tore his medial collateral ligament two hours before the weigh ins in Barcelona. Tough luck, but it can happen to anyone.

I recently looked at the list of athletes qualified for my weight class at the Games and realized that there are a number of talented wrestlers who did not qualify. I thank God that I have qualified. I also thank God for having kept me safe and sound to see another week.

Before you start wondering if I have caught the gloomy bug, my training from Wednesday to Saturday was great. Even though I have been hampered by a slight injury that has taken more than its allotted share of time to heal, I still had a few good sessions on the mat. Next weekend (August 5-6, 2000) I'll be in Calgary for the Canada Cup of Wrestling. It'll be my last tune up tournament before the Olympics. I am not wrestling as well I would like at this time, but I will be ready to compete in Calgary. I have a feeling that when the time comes we are all going to get it it on cos' we're all fighting for the same Gold medal.

Keep Sweating... Daniel (Dynamite) Igali.