Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 20, 1990 TAG: 9007200022
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SEATTLE LENGTH: Medium
While many of the world's top track and field stars are passing up these games, the U.S. swim team has been pointing toward the Goodwill Games as its big meet of the year.
That means American swimmers such as Matt Biondi, Tom Jager and Janet Evans, headliners at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, should be in top form when their sport gets the games rolling.
"This is our peak meet," said Evans, who won three gold medals in distance events in Seoul, South Korea. "We've been training for it since March."
American track stars such as Mary Slaney and Butch Reynolds will not be competing. Soviet pole-vaulter Sergei Bubka, British miler Steve Cram and Moroccan middle-distance runner Said Aouita also passed on the games.
Swimming, volleyball and gymnastics are scheduled for today, the first of 17 days of competition in 21 events. Track and field begins Saturday, when opening ceremonies will be held at Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus.
Biondi, winner of seven medals - including five gold - in Seoul, and Jager, a silver and gold medalist in '88, have been the top two freestyle sprinters in the world for more than four years. Evans is the premier distance racer in the world.
"We've still got two years before the next Olympics," Evans said. "At the Goodwill Games, we can get international experience and still get ready to swim fast two years from now.
"There's a lot of attention and all the Europeans will be here."
With many athletes in other sports staying away, ticket sales have lagged. Kathy Scanlon, executive vice president of the Seattle Organizing Committee, said about $13 million in tickets were sold. The organizing committee has said it would take $17 million in ticket sales to break even.
by CNB