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August 20, 2004 3:46 pm

Poor start costs Schoeman gold in 50-freestyle

By STEVE RIVERA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece - Roland Schoeman knew from the start he was in trouble.

``If I had the start I normally do I would have won it,'' said the South African swimmer, who finished third in Friday night's 50-meter freestyle. ``It just wasn't the start I wanted.''

Though he didn't know where he was placed throughout the race, deep down he knew he had some work to do to catch others, including gold medal winner Gary Hall Jr., who won the race in 21.93 here at the Olympic Aquatic Center.

``I tried hard not to focus too much on what was going on in the race, but once I left the blocks, I knew I'd have (trouble),'' Schoeman said. ``Maybe I forced too much in trying to get a good start.''

Schoeman, a University of Arizona grad and who still trains in Tucson, finished in 22.02 after qualifying with the best time of 21.99.

Schoeman, 24, finishes the 2004 Games with a bronze, a silver and a gold, which he won Sunday when he and his fellow South Africans took the 4x100 freestyle relay in world record time. He won silver in the 100 freestyle.

``He did great job,'' said UA coach Frank Busch, who sat in the stands and watched. ``He hit for the cycle, getting a gold, silver and bronze. That's pretty outstanding.''

It also brings some redemption for his showing at the 2000 Sydney Games, where he finished 10th in the 50 and 15th in the 100.

He said if he gets enough money through sponsorships, he'll continue to swim competitively, but ``if not, this is a good way to end it.''

As for losing to his Phoenix rival, Schoeman applauded Hall's achievement.

``Gary is a remarkable swimmer, and coming in at 21.93 is remarkable,'' he said.

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