Justin Correia is the brother of Maritza Correia, a member of the U.S. Olympic swim team. He and his family have joined Maritza in Athens for the Summer Games and will be providing an ongoing diary of the experience.
By JUSTIN CORREIA
Published August 14, 2004
Hello to All from Athens. I am at the Bank Of America hospitality area, using their Internet services, which is free to all athletes and their families. I will try to write as much as I can before I get bumped off.
After my first e-mail, I had thought about what I wrote about wearing USA gear around town. So for the opening ceremonies I decided to wear as much USA stuff as I could for the celebration. I am really glad I did. When I got on the train towards the Olympic Stadium, I felt like I was the only American on the train. But I realized that there were more Americans, but in plain clothes. As I got off the train, I walked into the venue, and it seemed that I was an "American Magnet" -- all sorts of Americans came up to me and talked to me. It was like being at a huge team function: We all were there for one purpose -- to support our athletes.
I didn't have a flag at the moment, but I saw that the gift areas were selling them for 12 euros, so I bought one. I don't know what it was, but the flag gave me even more exposure to Americans around there. I ran into a lady that was decked out in USA gear also, and we struck up a conversation about why we were not scared to wear our colors. We both concluded that if we are going to be scrutinized for being Americans, so be it. We are still American, and proud of it.
As the opening ceremonies began, I felt very emotional. It is one thing to watch it on TV, but to see it live is absolutely amazing. I was getting teary eyed thinking about my sister being apart of this. My team back home that raised money to send me here. If my team could only see this live! WOW!
So the ceremonies went on, it came time for the athletes to come out, and what a spectacle it was. The Americans were announced and the crowd let out a very welcoming cheer. As they walked past me, I only counted about maybe 5 to 6 flags waving for them. I felt very dishearted, because I knew there were more Americans in the stands where I was. The team picked me out and waved back at me, which I knew was comforting for them. Unfortunately my sister did not walk because she had to swim early the next day. But it was OK, because I knew she was a part of it anyway.
On my way back to our hotel, I kept my colors flying, even on the dark streets of Athens, without any problems or heckles. Greek people are very friendly and helpful. I cannot say enough about them.
Today, Saturday, I watched my sister swim her first race. She had the second fastest time on the relay. She should have been picked to be on the final relay tonight, but for swimming political reasons she is not, for the time being. They have decided to put Jenny Thompson in her place instead, who didn't swim on the relay this morning, and a swimmer that my sister beat at Olympic Trials. We as a family are extremly mad about this. Maritza's coaches are as well. For all the hard work she had put into making these games, she has become a pawn in the politics of swimming. All isn't set yet, but for now, this is the decision. Jenny has to swim the 100 meter butterfly tonight, and how she feels will determine whether Maritza will get to swim. It is very unfair, but right now, there isn't anything anybody can do about it, except the Olympic coaches.
Well, once again my time is up, so I will check back in tommorow, or even maybe later on tonight.
By the way, we are hoping everyone in Tampa/St. Pete is OK. We heard about the hurricane on the news. We're very worried about our house. Be safe, Tampa Bay!
