20-kilometer race walk

Curt Clausen Bee/José M. Osorio

Men:

The last time the Olympics saw Curt Clausen, he was in the Games but not the least bit in the game -- a staggered 50th in the Atlanta 20K racewalk in 1996. Young Curt decided it was time to take a racewalk on the wild side, quitting his full-time job and moving to Chula Vista, Calif., to train with renowned walk coach Enrique Pena and a slew of other American walkers.

Now, the next time the Olympics see Curt Clausen -- already qualified for Sydney in the 50K -- it may be hard to recognize him with that No. 5 world ranking next to his name.

"Most people don't train intensely enough. If you'd asked me (in 1998) whether we could sustain such intensity on a daily basis, I'd have said it was impossible. Crazy. But my training partners and I are doing it." --Curt Clausen

Women:

Being a mother of three would make anybody feel like a racewalker, but Michelle Rohl is the only mother of three who can claim to be national champion at it.

The American record holder is looking for her third Olympic berth in Sacramento, and only unforeseen mommy responsibilities would seem to stand between her and Sydney. After all, just last summer she earned a berth in the World Championships but decided to pass; it was, she said, time to go home to Black River Falls, Wis., and potty-train her 2-year-old.

"I have a great drive to train at a high level when I'm actually out there, because my time is so valuable." --Michelle Rohl

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