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My first games was the ’98 Amsterdam games. I went to compete in the 800m,1500m and run a leg on a 4x400 relay. Going into those games, I had come out of a 10 year retirement from the sport. I had lost the love for the sport as I had been running for 10 years straight and at the end of my college days, I just needed to quit as I didn’t like anymore. I was amazed on how overwhelming the opening ceremonies were…all these gay athletes in one place…I was simply awestruck! I have competed in some pretty high caliber track meets, but this took the cake and this was only the beginning of the games! My best shot at a medal was at the 800m. I made the final and was hoping to run around 2:02. There were 5 of us all seperated by 1.5 seconds or less going into it. The gun went off and we broke after the first 100 meters. I positioned myself in fourth place, tucked in bheind the Czech, German and fellow American, going by the 400 meter mark. Heading into the 500 meter mark, I came out behind the American and German to make my move! Just as I did that, I stumbled on one of the cones that was used as a marker for us to break into the inner lane after the first 100 meters. I didn’t fall, but the two runners ahead of me knew what I was gonna do and fought me off on the back stretch. I had no choice but to tuck in behind them on the last turn. The final 100 meters of the race, I was in a complete daze, I kept thinking to myself “I am not supposed to be here…I am not supposed to be here!” I lost my concentration and I failed to catch the two in front of me. I came in 4th place, missing a silver or bronze by less than .8 seconds. I lost focus and let a medal slip by, something I've carried with me these past four years. I didn’t file a grievance as I didn’t want to win a medal that way, so I let the results stand. I did taste victory though in those games, as our 4x400 relay won the gold medal by a great margin. Going into Sydney, I have two goals- One: Get back into the 800 meter final and make sure that the officials remember to remove the cones off the track once we break for the inner lane (heheheh) and Two: Make this the best experience possible for myself, my partner and friends who are going to compete in their first Gay Games. I can't wait to compete and make new friends from all over the world!!! Good luck to all the athletes going to Sydney! Andrew
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