Update from U.S. women's team in France, preparing for Gilbert Schaub Open

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Lee Allen (U.S. team coach)
02/17/2005


We have settled in to a routine of training, resting, eating, shopping and being tourists.     It is rather cold, but no snow. There is a change in the schedule. 51 & 67 kg will compete on Sunday. The five other weights will compete on Saturday.    All our team members are in fine spirits and ready to wrestle. This morning we trained at the national site. Many of the teams that will compete were there. There is lots of high energy. This is what the young wrestlers in the U.S. need to experience.     In spite of the differences in language, dress and customs, we have more in common than differences. Sisters under the skin, everyone is supportive of one another, but ready for a fierce battle.    Olympic bronze medalist Anna Gomis (France 55 KG) is an absolute legend here. Her picture is everywhere. She is on all the publicity materials and she is in all the newspapers. This morning, she was just another athlete preparing for a major competition. She did what everyone else did, but she was gracious in greeting all of her many friends from around the world. She is a true international star and a great spokesperson for the sport of women's wrestling.