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December
8, 1999 San Antonio, Texas Martino Makes Her Comeback Official
At
one of the most closely watched races since the 1996 Olympics in
Atlanta Georgia, the 1999 US Open hosted an elite group of
world-class swimmers. 6-Time Olympic Medalist and
Magnetizer endorser Angel Martino showed up after two grueling
days at the Aqua International and NSPI trade shows to assist
the company create new opportunities for its exceptional pool
& spa lines of magnetic products.
With
the likes of 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Van Dyken, 5-Time
Olympic Medalist Jenny Thompson and 3-Time Olympic Medalist Dara
Torres, Angel knew the field was going to be fast! In
preliminaries, the crowd was not disappointed. The past
met the present as Angel, Jenny, Amy and Dara finished in the
top 4 spots accompanied by a host of young, hungry sprinter
trying to make a name for themselves.
Prior
to finals, you could feel the tension building in the air.
This had the makings of one of the great shoot outs on American
soil, ever! As the swimmers approached the starting blocks, the
crowd began to whisper. Who would get out early and fast,
then hang on. Or would someone catch the field and win at
the end? No one knew, but everyone had their favorites.
Angel's rooting section was in full force.
After
retiring for over two years to gave a son, Michael with her
husband Doctor Michael Martino, she had a lot to prove and not a
lot of time to test how her training and conditioning was going.
She felt strong yet a little fatigued.
The
starter calls the swimmers to the blocks and the gun goes off.
Angel and Jenny split first. Even though Angel is the
shortest of the group, her awesome power and superior technique
will keep her in any race. At the 25 meter mark, the field
is Thompson, Martino, Torres, Spatz and Van Dyken. Can
Angel hold on or pull ahead?
With
less than 10 meters left, Torres passes Martino and ends just
behind Thompson for one of the fastest fields ever.
Thompson and Torres break the old American record, while Martino
is just a shade off the pace. Many people at the event say
they have never been to a more exciting sporting event.
With more than 9 months until Olympic Trials, Angel is well on
her way. Don't be shy, send Angel your best wishes and
support for her quest in becoming only the second female swimmer
to medal after having a child at angelm@usaswimmer.com
or visit her Fan Club at http://www.usaswimmer.com/ |
