Stevie, I look forward to your futher updates.  Take care! Bruce

Dear Steve,
Winning one game at the Olympics is awesome and much
to be proud of.  Losing today is OK.  You made a new
friend, and were exposed to a great player, from whom
you can learn much.  Good luck on your doubles matches and the poetry contest.  I'm so proud of you.   Love, Mom

boo hoo, you missed election day in san diego!congratulations and consolations, and good luck in your mixed match.  really enjoying reading your exploits... more pictures, more pictures!  when you get back let's have that little travel-swap party... eric and i have our belize adventures to share, and my friend kimbrell has his costa rican exploits.  have fun, see you soon.     jenn

Great website! You have to go snorkeling while you are
                           in
                           Australia -- they are supposed to have fantastic tropical fish 
                           and great reefs!
                           - Lynn

Sorry mate! But good luck on poetry!!! -jr-

First off...I can't emphasize enough how much I love and miss you babe...seriously! I'm sad that you are down for now...but am very very proud of you. I can't blame you for feeling down right now...cuzz like I said...I hate losing too. But everyone...sets up goals that are often met in different ways. Perhaps you set yourself up to win gold...but hey ...like you said...they still can't take away the victory you did haveright?! And as for the poetry thing...that's a bunch of bullshit...we (people who've read and heard your writings)...know that it's awesome. You came to Sydney as an Olympian babe...and for the REST OF YOUR LIFE...you will always have that. As for the majority of other people everywhere....we can't all say that we've ever been an Olympian...or competed against such a diverse crowd. For myself...I've been up against the very best of high school teams in basketball and track...and also some of the best in martial arts...however...I've only competed nationally. When I feel down about defeat...and believe me ...I really do... I like to be by myself at times...and it takes me a while to assure myself that I'm still great. I remember times I've won tournaments...and was the star player on the field...I remember awards ceremonies...and finally..I look to all my trophies and awards...and know that they will always be with me. One thing is for sure...defeat always comes...but it never stops us from competing and coming back even harder. No matter what I say ...or whatever anyone else may say... you know Steve better than anyone else...and know the variety of talents he holds. I know this doesn't help at all...but I'd like to repeat it anyway..."It may not be as shiny and rewarding as a gold medal babe...and you can't put it around your neck ...but one thing is for sure...you will always have my heart and all my love no matter where you are. I'm very proud of you and I'm glad you're in my life." Think about all that you have accomplished thus far...and look at everything that life still holds for you. Back home...you have an awesome, well paying job, a nice home, family, friends, and a cat who loves you, a great tennis association who has seen you take the best out of players, a table full of trophies, and a faithful boyfriend who thinks the world of you. Basically....you've got it goin' on babe!!! Take these next few days to enjoy Australia and all its many great sites. Much love always ...Nando (your #1 fan)

Hi Steve,
Great to hear from you!!!
We all tried to send you a mail last weekend, we were celebrating my dads birthday in Kongsberg. Good luck in the games, and enjoy the nice spring/summer!!! Think of us, we have snow!!   Love,
Ea, Jan, Tea, Gry + family (Simon, Magnus & Mia) in Norway

Good morning Yank. I hope you are not dwelling on last night, because when you look at the 'total package', you have every reason to be fairly pleased with yourself. BUT I have given it a bit more thought. If you look at the 5 place getters, what do you see? They are either lesbians, or males who fit right into the 'brace' that some lesbian feminists might want to have them in; they were either unsure of themselves, hesitant; made mistakes (forgot their lines); freaky and almost not male at all (the crazy guy), etc. The self-confident and fully 'at terms with himself' gay guys (of which you were the best example) ... not to mention those with a little 'spunk' (or overt sex appeal) got no recognition at all. NOW I do not say this was a conscious bias on the part of the two lesbian judges, but as we all know, we all have our own little subconscious prejudices and biases. So Steve mate, celebrate what you have, which is more than most of us. Don't forget to phone the zoo and ask if you can pet the koalas and kangaroos. Ian

Dear Steve,  It's no fun to lose, but it's those losses that make winning so special.  What wonderful experiences you're having!  You'll always remember this olympics as the place where you did your best.  And you're going to get better and better. I'm so proud of you.    Love, Mom

steve,
i'm proud of you for giving that poetry slam everything you had!  we as poets can make beautiful art but it's of no consequence if it languishes in silence.  sounds like you really reached people that night. awesome. don't forget to look for dingos. miss you, jenn

Steve,  Thanks for the udpates.  I'm very sorry you didn't make it all the way.  But at least now you will have a better idea of what to expect next time.  -Jerry

Hello Steve,
                           
                           Looks like I am a little behind the rest of your readers, as
                           usual late. I want to tell you how great it is that you had
                           the courage to compete with the best of the best.
                           Most of us never even get close to challenging ourselves.
                           You are filled with an adventurous spirit, the drive to
                           acheive greatness, and the courage to follow through. 
                           Guess what?  YOU WIN!  Even if you experience losses on the
                           field, you still win the adventure and the experience.
                           Lately, many people have been telling me, "It isn't the
                           destination that matters, it is the journey."  Your life is
                           a light to those of us a bit frightened by that journey.
                           Don't make excuses, none are needed.  You will weather the
                           disappointment with the love and support of your family and
                           friends.  Go out,explore the country, and then truly enjoy
                           the magic of the closing ceremonies.  Bring your
                           experiences, insights, and epiphanies back to those of us
                           who miss you!  Love Ya!    Cherie