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Determan brings home bronze from World GamesBy Barbara Brown He recently returned from Dublin, Ireland, where he competed in the World Games for Special Olympics. He earned his slots in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter relay events after being selected by other coaches for his determination and character. Regardless of the excitement of the events and the importance of being asked to participate, Determan said he didnít feel intimidated or anxious about the competition. In fact, Determan was so cool and collected that he napped between the preliminary qualifying rounds of his events. After arriving in Belfast on June 17, Determan and more than 1,200 other American athletes, along with thousands others from all over the world, were given an orientation on the week to come. ìWe mostly stuck around in our own group,î Determan said during an interview at his North Branch home last week. ìBut we could meet people from all over the world who were there. That was pretty neat.î When competition time finally rolled around, Determan said he was ready for whatever came his way. In the 100 meter race, the first preliminary event, several pitfalls occurred, impeding Determanís performance. First, it rained most of the day and officials continued to postpone the races until breaks in the rainfall. That pushed back his scheduled race from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., said Mary Determan, Walterís mother. When his heat finally was set to run, another athlete crossed out of his lane and into Determanís. The other athlete then pushed Determan from behind, causing him to lose his concentration. Determan took sixth in the 100 meter event. However, Determan came back strong and caught up to the others, ultimately taking fourth in the event, just a half-step behind his own roommate. During the last day of his competition cycle, Determan had earned two ribbons ñ 4th and 6th ñ for his efforts. ìHe was very, very determined he was going home with a medal,î said Determanís twin brother Ed, who went to Ireland along with Mary and Roger Determan to watch his brother compete. Before the race, Ed said he could tell his brother was going to earn a medal of one order or another. ìNormally before a race Iíll yell down to him or cheer for him and heíll look up and smile,î Ed said. ìThat race, he didnít move. He just kept looking ahead. I could tell he was concentrating on winning.î Determan was the lead-off runner in that relay and after the baton was passed three times, his team finished in third place overall, enough to earn Determan a place on the dais and a bronze medal. Ultimately, Determan said the entire trip was successful and that he was glad he could take part. ©ECM Post Review |