Olympics next for Siebert-Johnson

The Summer Pennsylvanian

401: The number of days until 2003 graduate Julie Siebert-Johnson may be competing in the javelin throw at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. But first she needs to get through the Olympic Trials in Sacramento next July.

"Too many people have told me that I have too much potential to give it up now, so I am going to keep working," she said. "I will train with some people at Penn and seek outside assistance as well."

After participating in a successful weigh-lifting program this spring with women's assistant track coach Toni Tenisci, she plans to continue to work with him throughout the next year. As a self-proclaimed "pretty small" javelin thrower, she wants to "keep power on [her] side."

Will hard work for the next year guarantee a spot for the 2004 US Olympic team? Fellow graduate Meghan Moran claims that Siebert-Johnson's talent can nearly be topped by her desire to succeed. Moran knows she will do everything she can to ensure a spot in Athens.

"Julie is not only an amazing athlete, but she is unselfish and a great person to have on any sports team," Moran said. "She always knows what's going on with her teammates and offers a lot of support."

A few days after placing tenth at the US Nationals in California, Siebert-Johnson began a road trip and will be spending most of the summer driving across the country with a friend. This fall she will start a job at a class action law firm outside of Philadelphia. She will continue to live in her off-campus apartment.

"I am very excited for my job. I haven't worked with this type of law before and I think it will be a great experience."

With the potential to compete in Athens next August, Siebert-Johnson's plans for law school are not yet concrete. She will apply to law schools this fall and matriculate in 2004 if the Olympics do not become part of her plans.

Otherwise she will delay law school for a year.

But she won't forget the ups and downs of her track career at Penn.

"My last season at Penn is still a blur of emotions in my mind," she said. "From the start, knowing it was my last season was a difficult thing. Now, a month after wearing the red and blue for the last time, I am happy."

"I wanted to help the team and I feel I did. I wanted to finish my collegiate career on a high note and I think I did that too."

Siebert-Johnson fondly remembers the beginning of that career, especially winning at Heptagonals her freshman year. She remembers what it felt like to stand on the podium at Franklin Field with alumni and friends cheering her on. She remembers how unreal it felt.

"It still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it," she said.

In May, Siebert-Johnson won the javelin throw again at her fourth and final Heps. This time, instead of just cheering her teammates and fans broke out into a "JSJ" chant.

"That was my favorite Penn track moment," she said. "It just made me smile and realize how lucky I am to be part of the program."

With that said, Siebert-Johnson admits that she could have done better at NCAA championships and the US Nationals this year.

"It was good to be in the company of those caliber athletes and hold my own -- a little disappointing, but it will just leave me hungry for more," she said. "Looking back I feel complete -- and that is all anyone can ask."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.