Petrina Price's answers to the questions.....
1. How did you feel participating in your first major international meet?
At first I was nervous, and at the same time very excited as I was the youngest athlete in athletics on the Australian side, for me it was all about experience and taking in the atmosphere and learning what it was like to be out there.
2. What was it liked participating in front of 40,000 people?
It was awesome, the crowd was very supportive of every country that competed, and when an English athlete was in an event the whole stadium just erupted in cheers.
3. How did you go? Were you happy with your results?
In my event I finished with 6th, with a height of 1.79m. I was happy in a sense that I finished 6th, and that I have learnt a lot about jumping in the cold, raining conditions that we had. Though you can't use the conditions as an excuse as every one in the event had exactly the same conditions, the other athletes have had more experience in those situations. I have now learnt how to deal in situations like that. On the other hand I wasn't happy with the final height that I had cleared, but its the best I could do on the day.
4. What will be a lasting memory for you from The Games?
It would have been on the day of my competition walking out in the stadium in front of 40,000 people, and knowing that your representing Australia. It was just amazing.
5. What was the Closing Ceremony like?
The closing ceremony started off fun with every one in the crowd issued with a white balloon, that we all had to release when the Queen came into the stadium. It was awesome to see the crowd releasing the balloons as it looked liked a see of white. It than started to rain fairly heavily, and it was freezing cold and wet, so I actually left and didn't see the end of the ceremony.
6. Did you miss home very much?
The things that I missed most about home was the food and my bed! Once you have been away for such a long time you get use to it and learn that your family aren't with you, so you adjust to it. I spoke with my family every night when I was away so I knew how they were, and what my sisters were up to.
7. Have you arrived home as yet? What are your future plans/goals?
I arrived home last night from a 20.5hrs flight, and its great to be back home in Australia again. I would like to make the Olympic Games Team in 2004 that is my first major goal and I have set little ones leading up to it. For example, achieveing a personal best this year and next year, and to continue to jump well.
8. If you weren't participating in the high jump - what other sport would you be playing? Why?
That's a good question! I really don't know. I started off as a swimmer, than went to athletics. So maybe a swimmer.
9. Do you have any tips for us for making it easier to jump over the high jump bar?
Just keep vertical, hold your knee and drive. Try not to lean into the bar as most younger athletes do in an attempt to get over it.
10. Who are your role models? Why?
It would have to be the Australian record holder Alison Inverarity (1.98mtrs), as she has been in the sport a long time and has gained a lot of experience and been through the up and downs of the sport. We keep in contact now and its great that she can share it all with me.
Paul Doorn
Paul Doorn
Curriculum Adviser PDHPE
Professional Support and Curriculum
Ph: (02) 9886 7529
Fax: (02) 9886 7655
Email: paul.doorn@det.nsw.edu.au
Web site: www.curriculumsupport.nsw.edu.au
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