[Though Coughlin publicly finalized her decision this weekend, she told teammate Jenny Thompson about it at a photo shoot in New York last month. That eases the road for Thompson, one of the medal favorites in the 100 fly at the trials.] I was like, 'Wow, thanks,' ... I was surprised, really, but she does have other choices to make. |
How can the university honor me for accomplishments in an endeavor which they clearly do not respect? |
How can the university honor me for accomplishments in an endeavor which they clearly do not respect? If the opportunity for greatness had not been provided to me I could not have achieved my dreams. Having the men's swimming team and other Olympic sports, such as crew and skiing, cut means less opportunity for people to achieve their dreams, not just for the current student-athletes but for future generations. |
I grew up in New Hampshire and was proud to be an Olympian from the state. The message from the largest university in the state is that it doesn't support Olympic sports, and I can't really accept an award from a university that does such a thing. |
It is getting harder and harder. |
It was a good way to start my final meet but I still have a few races. I just wanted to keep the ball rolling for the U.S. |
It's an interesting example of the way war shapes a culture. |
People were really divided about whether it was appropriate. |
The situation is getting tighter every year, |
When I first started [at Loyola], everything was free, |
You don't have to go to Baghdad, but you can be in Florida and be a part of what that story is all about. |