| June 17, 2000 13 is lucky for women's water
polo team
Montreal, - The puzzle has been solved. The International
Olympic Committee finally rendered its decision to allow 13 players per team in the
women's water polo tournament at the Sydney Games. Thirteen is also the number of players
permitted under the international federation's rules. Thirteen is also the number players
allowed per team in the men's Olympic tournament. The women, who had to fight hard to be
admitted into the Olympic family, also had to battle for Olympic fairness in their own
sport.
Daniel Berthelette, the head coach of the women's national team, says the Australians must
be credited for today's decision. "The Australians put a lot of pressure. Playing 11
players aside didn't favour them because they have heavy players who need to be frequently
substituted." Berthelette said he won' t need to modify his preparation for the
Olympics. "We always worked as if we would be 13 players in Sydney."
Two players in particular now have all the motivation they need to continue training for
the Olympics. Melissa Collins and Sue Gardiner have been informed by Berthelette they are
assured a ticket for Sydney. "I'm very excited," said Gardiner. "Since the
coach named the nine forwards (the goaltenders have not yet been selected) I found it hard
to pursue the training. I even thought about quitting and going home to B.C. But now it's
great to see me compensated for the all the efforts. And the girls reacted well to my
selection. I feel I'm a full member of the team."
"I had lost all hope to go to Sydney," said Collins, a Montreal-based
physiotherapist. "When the rumours started that the number of players would increase,
I tried not to pay attention. I only believed it when the coach told me. I can't wait to
get there." Only the two goaltenders are left to be selected. The full team will be
announced on July 17 after an important tournament in California.
L'Agence DIAPO (514) 990-4500
Caroline Larose
L'Agence DIAPO...Serving athletes 24 hours a day
téléphone et télécopieur (514) 990-4500
clarose@diapo.qc.ca
www.diapo.qc.ca
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