By Ryan Rogers
LSUsports.net
As one of the most decorated athletes in LSU history, Peta-Gaye Dowdie is preparing to not only face the pressure of qualifying for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, but also is facing the pressure of taking the weight of an entire nation on her shoulders.
The Jamaican-born Dowdie has some very big shoes to fill. Legendary Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey is in the twilight of her career. Dowdie defeated Ottey last summer to claim the Jamaican 100-meter dash titles at the World Championship Trials. With the victory she did more than win a race, she sent a message that she is ready to take over as Jamaica’s premier sprinter. Jamaica is a country rich in sprinting tradition.
Thus, a lot of pressure is attached to the honor.
“People having pointed at me to take Merlene’s spot on the international stage for a couple of year’s now and that’s a lot of pressure to put on someone,” said Dowdie. “I once saw her as being invincible. But now that I beat her I feel very confident. I don’t want to back down from anyone.”
Dowdie, the 19-time All-American at LSU is expected to qualify and compete in the 100 and 200-meter dashes for Jamaica this summer, as well as play a major part on their 4×100-meter relay team. Always tagged as a star in the making, the future is now for Dowdie. She is in prime condition to contend in Sydney. Dowdie is training very hard in Baton Rouge at the moment.
“I haven’t quite peaked out yet with my training, but I’m on track to do so in time for the Olympics.”
Dowdie credits LSU’s coaching staff for her success.
“The coaching has been so good for me. I’ve improved so much since high school. They’ve prepared me to go out on my own and compete against the world.”
Dowdie recently guided the Lady Tigers to their 12th NCAA title in 14 years. The soft-spoken sprint phenom claimed the NCAA outdoor 200-meter title, finished second in the 100, anchored the Lady Tigers to a second place finish in the short relay, and ran on the mile relay team that scored as well. With better than 20 points, Dowdie was the high point scorer in the women’s competition.
On June 6 she ran a 10.98 in the 100 in a track meet in Houston. Although wind-aided, it was Dowdie’s first ever sub-eleven second time in the event. This is considered to be monumental barrier to break for any woman competing in the event.
“It meant so much to me to run a sub-eleven. I was getting so frustrated, I’ve been waiting to do that for so long. That’s a huge motivation for me to have accomplished that.”
Her breakthrough came as little surprise to those who have watched her progress this year. After her dazzling display at the NCAA Championships, she finished third in the 100-meter dash to Marion Jones of the United States at the Prefontaine Classic on June 24, the premier American track and field event, serving notice to the world that she was ready to run.
Dowdie went on a world tour last summer competing in numerous track meets while gaining experience at the highest level. She made many trips to Europe and was impressed with the popularity of track and field on the continent. Her most notable accomplishment was winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the 1999 World Championships.
“I competed at the highest level in the world. Now I have a taste of it and I know what to expect,” says Dowdie.
An interesting persona of Dowdie is her incredible modesty in a sport where arrogance is prevalent. Dowdie has never been known to use verbal bickering or cocky attitudes toward her competitors. She has often been criticized for being “too” nice. Many people have told her that if she wants to be the best she has to become more intimidating and more aggressive. However, Dowdie doesn’t believe in that philosophy.
“It all started with the way I was brought up. I was taught and I believe that you should prove yourself through actions not words. I need to do it on the track and not verbally. I don’t like to brag to people. I like to surprise people and let them watch me and be amazed. You will earn people’s respect that way too.”
Dowdie is looking forward to representing her country in the Olympics.
“I feel really good and if things go well I’ll be all right. I’ve been really consistent lately which makes me more confident.”
Peta-Gaye Dowdie leaves LSU on a mission. She is very ambitious and wants to be nothing less than the best someday. With her reputable work ethic and good heart Dowdie has the tools and just may find herself where she wants to be someday.
On top of the world.