Top sprinters just doing it for fun

JAKARTA (JP): Just do it, the motto of footwear giant Nike, seems to reflect the way sprinters Juliet Cuthbert of Jamaica and Dennis Mitchell of the United States deal with their lives.

"I have sprinted since I was nine just because I like it and am pretty good at it. I just do it and never thought of switching to another sport," said Cuthbert who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mitchell, on the other hand, said: "Sprinting is for me like what everyone does: getting up in the morning and going to the office everyday. I do it just like you do it at the office."

Cuthbert and Mitchell are here for the second Bob Hasan track and field invitational meet, scheduled at the Senayan Madya Stadium from 5 to 7 p.m tomorrow.

Cuthbert set her best time of 10.83 seconds in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Mitchell clocked his personal best of 9.91 in the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

Despite their ages -- Cuthbert is 32, Mitchell 30 -- they both are poised to make the Olympic teams of their respective countries and want to improve their times.

Mitchell said he aims to clock 9.83 in the Olympics, which are slated from July 19 to Aug. 4 in Atlanta. Cuthbert said she just wants to improve.

Both said they earn a good living by just running. Mitchell, who once tried the 400m and then returned to the 100m, said his income comes from appearance fees and sponsorship. He also owns a recording company and used to coach. "So, I will concentrate on my recording company if I end my running career."

Cuthbert, however, has no sponsors. "People may not believe it. But that's true. I don't know why."

She added: "But that doesn't bother me as long as I am happy doing what I am doing now. I love running. I just do my best."

Cuthbert said that at the end of her running career she wants to have her own company and be her own boss.

Cuthbert is looking for two more years in athletics before retirement. She particularly wants to compete in the world track and field championships in Greece next year.

Just do it also seems to apply to them when it comes to marriage.

Seemingly carefree Cuthbert is an unmarried mother. She has a six-year-old son. "I don't have a husband and never plan to get married. Why should I?" she laughed.

Mitchell is an unmarried father of a four-month-old daughter named Imani. "Which means faith," he said proudly. (arf)