An Insiders View Of The Olympics

Sept. 27, 2000

By Karen Ableman

UM diver Jenny Keim competed in her second Olympic Games on Wednesday evening, advancing to the finals of the women’s 3-meter springboard to be held Thursday evening in Sydney. Keim qualified in the 8th spot of 12 women, withUSA’s Michelle Davidson securing 9th.

“I am prettysatisfied withmy performance so far,” saidJenny Keim. “The biggest difference between this Olympics and 1996 is the fact that I’m having fun and enjoying the experience this time. I think it’s showing in my diving and I’m looking forward to giving it my best in the finals.”

UM and USA coach Randy Ableman is optomistic about Keim’s chances for moving up in the finals. “Jenny’s in a great frame of mind, she’s strong andshe’s got the degree of difficulty it takes to finish in the top five of these Olympic Games. She’s only 20 points out of third place right now, so anything can happen.”

Going into tonight’s finals, China, the dominant force in this event, holds the top two positions. Russia, Germany, Canada, Australia and the Ukraine also have divers competing.

In addition to Keim’s 3-meter final on Thursday night, she also is competing earlier in the day in the 10-meter synchronized diving event.

“It’s a big day for me,” Keim said. “But this is what I’ve trained for, so I’m glad it’s finally here and I feel great.”

It’s a real family affair for the Keim’s in Australia, because several years ago, Jenny’s family relocated to Sydney due to her father’s work.

“I really feel lucky to have my whole family here to support me,” Jenny explained. “In the middle of a very pro-Australian crowd, there’s a big patch of red, white and blue cheering us on. And they’re pretty loud too.”