Ebrima, I will find time to watch the games especially the sprints and hopefully the soccer if the Yanks show the game on their big networks. I am a bit worried by the level of soccer the African Olympic representatives have shown. Nigeri a got thrashed twice by the South Korean soccer side last week. Though my Nigerian friends say that the losses were part of a deceptive strategy. Morocco and South Africa are light weights. Our only truly strong representative is Cameroon, and I expect some great things from them. On the Maurice Greene Vs rest of the World match-up, mark my words, it will be no contest in favor of Greeene. Marion Jones should also win the 100 dash. But she will surely get a run for her money from Perec of France and the Freeman of Australia in the 200 meter dash. it is quite unfortunate that neither Greene nor Johnson could make the 200 dash after they both pulled up with muscle strains in the qualifier. A strange but oddly comical sight to behold. The press talked so much about the matchup that they ended jinxing the two of them. However, no fear, the American team should still win gold in the 200 plus swwep the rest of the sprints. America has the best sprinters the world has to offer not because of any superior traits, but due to the fact that they get picked very young and then go through some of the best training in the best environments anyone can offer. You see, its all about picking them young. In fact, was in Las Vegas last week discussing the success of the French soccer team with a good friend of mine who went to school in France for a while. He pointed out that the secret behind their soccer success lies in the youth system. Players like Zidane were recognized as talents at a very young age. So once taken out of their environments and placed in the best environment for the development of their skills, they excelled at the game. This same philosophy can be applied to all other good endeavors in life. Many have benefited, including your's truly. I predict that the Americans will again win the biggest share of the medals. They will excel in basket ball, swimming, track and field and some of the more obscure sports. On my point about picking them young, no where will it be more obvious than swimming where 14 and 15 year old girls will break World records and win gold medals. Africa will hopefully get a decent share of the medal count. The prospects for medals among the men sprinters seem quite slim. Maybe the Nigerians will steal one or two. The long distance events on the other hand are there for the taking. The battle in the 1500 meters between Noah Ngeny and the great El Gerrouj should be fun to watch. While Kipketer of Denmark (BTW, I still consider him Kenyan) should win the 800 meters. The great Ethiopian (help me with his name) is a sure lock for the 5000 and 10000. The women should do well also. Mary Mutola might win the 800 meters and a few additional medals should be gained in other events. On an added note, I hope that Gambian team can beat the impossible odds and win one. The country needs a morale booster. Check yourr schedules and set the good old VCRs, the olympic flame should be aflame at Sydney stadium next week. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface ----------------------------------------------------------------------------