Well, the second race concluded itself today at around 10:50 a.m.� I� have to admit I had higher expectations when I looked up on the scoreboard.� I wasn't too nervous, and think I've done a good job� handling the pressure of the Games.� The race could have gone a little better though.� I can't complain too much however, because the swim was a personal best and a record as well.� I felt good the entire way through the race.� I took 15, 17, 19, and 21 strokes, respectively throughout the race each 50.� One of the most important things I learned was that my stroke rate was too slow. I mean, in order for me to do my goal time in the near future, I have to up my strokes by 2 or more each 50.�� I think I powered the first 100 too much taking too few strokes.

What can I do, but learn from this race?� I'm just glad to compete again. Hopefully in a month and a half, at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis I can do even better.� Other than that, everything is perfect here.� The competition venues, food, rest, and accommodations can't get any better.� I wish I had gone a bit faster, but I'm glad I got the opportunity to learn from this race and do a lot better next time.

This is so far from Greece.� The 200 IM awaits me tomorrow, and I'm going to give it what I have...hopefully I can swim a better race and not have to "learn" too much from it.� I mean, I'd rather just swim fast and get it over with.

Sincerely,

Mike Alexandrov