World-Record Holder, Mike Powell, Announces Intention To Compete In Olympic Long Jump Again

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 2, 2004 -- �There are three spots available on the Olympic team and I plan to take one of them,� states Mike Powell, long jump world-record holder, announcing his intention to compete again at the Summer Olympics in Athens.



�After almost making the World Championship team in 2001, I realized that, given more time, I would have made it. But I also realized my body probably would not tolerate three or four years of training and competition. �

�At that point, I made my ultimate goal the Olympic team in 2004. The Olympics is the biggest spectacle in international sports and I�d like to be a part of it one more time.�



�My technique is better because of the coaching that I have been doing for the past 5 years. My muscle memory is great, so I don�t have to learn how to do the movements all over again. I just have to make my body strong, fast and most importantly, healthy.�

�At my age in track and field, like most sports, people say that you are too old. My belief is that people age differently. If you stay physically active and remain young minded, then you can still achieve a lot of the same things that you could at an earlier age. I don�t look, act, and definitely don�t feel like I�m 40.�



�My comeback will be different because I am honest with myself. I�m not doing this because I am desperate for something. I truly believe that I can accomplish my goal, and if it gets to the point where I don�t think I can, I will not try. I have too much respect for my career, to taint it by embarrassing myself.�

�The Mike Powell that jumped 29�4� to beat Carl Lewis in 1991 has left the building! Today, older but wiser, I make up the age difference with experience. My goal is not to break the world record again, but to be competitive on the world stage.�



�Many other athletes have tried to get back to where they once were. I just have to be good enough in two competitions over a two month period. If I am smart, blessed, and lucky, then I will have a good chance.�



�The Long Jump training and drills will be similar, but I will focus more on health, rest, therapy, and diet. When I was younger my diet wasn�t great, I partied too much (especially for a world class athlete), didn�t rest enough and wasn�t consistent with vitamins and supplements.�

�I�m married now, so no more chasing girls and hanging out at the right spots, trying to be seen. I�m very settled now, and a happy homebody. I love my wife, my daughters, my job and my house. I am very happy with my life, which wasn�t the case when I used to compete. Although my life was glamorous, I was not happy with my self as a person.�



�I still know what is required to make the team at the Olympic Trials in July, and, at age 40, it would be an incredible accomplishment. I love the challenge and believe that, with proper training, I will do it.�





For more information please call

Keith Hunt, Camelot Marketing, 909 987 1233.

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