Garrett Lowney  Age 20  College:  Univ. of Minnesota  Age started wrestling: 5    What's your goal going into the Olympics?  I expect to win every match I wrestle.  That's how I got this far and that's what will get me my medal.  Whether or not I succeed will be determined by preparation and fate.  I believe I can take home the gold, now all I have to do is wrestle.    What international experience do you have that has prepared you for this event?  Junior Worlds in Romania-Chmapion  Sweden Cup-fourth by injury default  Pan Am's in Columbia-second  Paddubny tournament in Russia-fourth  I may not have the experience that some others have, but I have enough to know what to expect.    How was your trip/tournament in Poddoubny?  What did you learn from it?    The trip was terrible for me.  My bags were lost for 4 or 5 days, my face looked like hamburger when I was done, and my bed had some type of bugs so my entire body was covered in welts.  But, I learned that everyone is beatable and I have a shot to win the Olympics.    Before a big match, what do you tell yourself to mentally reassure yourself that you're ready?  I remind myself why I love this sport.  I love the challenge and I love the fight.  I tell myself I have nothing to lose, and to just go out and have fun.  If you have not put in the hard work, you won't have the confidence to open up and give it your all.    Who has been the biggest influence on you during your wrestling career?  Why?  My dad has been the biggest influence on me.  He taught me what it takes to win, how to be a student of the sport, and most importantly, how to handle success.  I wouldn't be half the person I was today without him.    How are preparations going for the Olympics?  Are you doing anything different?  Does this meet have a different feel about it?  Preparations are going well.  Everyone seems to be on the same page for what I need to do to better my wrestling.  After a few strategy changes and a few improvements in practice, I feel I have evolved into a three dimensional wrestler, able to score from any position.    What was the reaction back in your hometown?  Have you been hearing from old friends?  My hometown is great.  They have been behind me 100% from day one.  The support for wrestling as a whole is amazing.    What has wrestling taught you?  How do you view the sport?  Wrestling has taught me to be goal oriented, to stay focused toward my goals, and how to come up big when everything is on the line.    What do you think of the coaching staff assembled for the Olympics?  I think the coaching staff is going to have a huge effect on the outcome of the Olympics.  Everyone is very motivated and eager to help with any problems.  Dan Chandler, Steve Fraser, and Rob Herman make a great team.  They understand each other and they understand each wrestler.  The other supporting coaches add a knowledge that few people have been blessed to work with.