Marquette U. student skates for the gold in Nagano Olympics

The Marquette Tribune MILWAUKEE, Wis.(U-WIRE) -- Competing in the Olympic Games is the goal of many athletes and the dream of non-athletes. Most will not get any closer to a coveted gold medal than on their television sets. But Marquette sophomore Becky Sundstrom, a world-class speedskater, is experiencing that dream first-hand at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan this month. Thus far, the 21-year-old Sundstrom has placed 17th in the 500 meters Saturday, with a time of 1:19.86. Canadian Catriona Lemay-Doan took the gold with a time of 1:16.60, and her teammate Susan Auch earned silver with 1:16.93. Japan's Tomomi Okazaki took the bronze with a1:17.10 run. Sundstrom, a native of Glen Ellyn, Ill., will have two more chances at a medal in the 1,000 meters and the 5,000 meters later this week. Her most promising race will be today's 1,000 meters. "I definitely expect her to finish in the top six," said Pat Quinn, Sundstrom's agent. "I wouldn't be surprised if she got gold." Sundstrom earned a place on the U.S. Olympic team through years of hard work and perseverance. Speedskating since she was four, Becky was not alone in her drive for success. Sundstrom's sisters, Shana, 25, and Tama, 29, are also competitive speedskaters. Shana, a Marquette senior, was a member of the 1994 U.S. Olympic team as an alternate. "Becky is my best friend," Shana Sundstrom said. "Tama, Becky and I are so fortunate. We have each other to train with, to be friends and to be sisters. That is a powerful combination. We are really lucky." The sisters are the only group of three siblings to be internationally competitive in the same sport at this time. With Olympic experience behind her, Shana Sundstrom is a valuable resource for her sister. "Becky is a very mentally tough athlete," Shana Sundstrom said. "She doesn't need advice on how to handle the pressures of competition, so my advice has been about the other side of things, like on what the Olympics means. "Becky needs to enjoy the other athletes and events. She needs to appreciate the grandeur of the Olympics," Shana Sundstrom added. Becky Sundstrom is becoming a part of the United States' most successful winter Olympic sports. U.S. speedskaters have earned more medals than all other winter sport athletes combined. And the 1998 team is a strong one, according to Quinn. "In the past, skaters like Dan Jansen and Bonnie Blair dominated, but this year I think that there is more depth" Quinn said. "There are a number of skaters who will be threatening for a medal, and many more who will finish in the top six." Becky Sundstrom's goal is to compete to the best of her ability, according to Quinn. "Becky being in the Olympics is wonderful," Shana Sundstrom said. "Tama and I just wish we could be there too. I can't think of anyone else who I would want to get this opportunity." Indeed, whether or not she wins any medals, Sundstrom will have been a part of the athlete's ultimate dream. She will have represented her country, and even Marquette, in Nagano. "The Olympics are something of a reward, especially for a sport as small as ours," Shana Sundstrom said. "For most of the time it goes unnoticed, and then for two or three weeks we get to be recognized. "The Olympics is the icing on the cake. It is not why you compete, but it is a huge treat," she added.