Office of Internal Communications
| August
10, 2004 WITH COOGS SPRINGING INTO ACTION (see related UH Olympian story)
season, returns for a fourth visit.
The duo will represent Russia once again after blowing the competition out of the water at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
“The last time I was at the Olympics, we felt like we dominated the entire event. I didn’t feel any pressure, and I wasn’t worried at all,” the Penza, Russia native said. “This time around, it will be a bit more serious. I don’t see our appearance at the Olympics as defending our title. We’re trying to win the title.” Ilyina agreed, saying that more than anything, she’s just excited to be back. “I’m looking forward to doing well,” she said. “I’m excited. You can’t spend your time being nervous. That’s not a good feeling to have.” After making a splash in 2000 after just 10 months of diving together, the ladies are “that much better this time around,” according to Jane Figueiredo, UH head diving coach and an assistant coach in Athens. Figueiredo, who herself competed in the Olympics in 1984, said the two have worked very hard during the last four years in hopes of capturing another medal. “Each appearance at the Olympics is different,” she said. “The competition is different; the atmosphere is different, but Yulia and Vera have prepared well. They’re very focused.” That focus also will be key when the pair embarks on some friendly competition between themselves in the individual 3-meter springboard event. “Winning a medal in the individual competition is my ultimate goal,” said Ilyina, who knew she wanted to swim since she was a young girl, although her short stature prompted her switch to diving. “After 23 years of training, I would be very happy to achieve that.” That is the dream of every Olympian, but both women know there is only one winner. For Pakhalina, that’s one of the games’ most difficult aspects. “Everyone at the Olympics is there to win, and some don’t achieve that,” she said. “It’s sad and frustrating to see the faces of those athletes who don’t win after a competition. And, it’s harder when it’s some of your teammates. It’s not fun to lose.” When you do win, Figueiredo said, the fun begins. “The competitors are there
to do a job, not have a good time,” she said. “We’re
there to kick some butt. After we do that, then we can celebrate!”
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With
the eyes of the world watching them, the young women would seem
to be under tremendous pressure to repeat their performance four
years ago. But for Pakhalina, there’s no time to feel pressured.