NOTES

It may not have seemed that way four years ago, but swimming star Jenny Thompson actually has found a positive way to look at the 1996 Olympic Games. Thompson did not qualify for an individual race but won gold medals in three relays. She said she would have retired after Atlanta if she had won an individual gold.

“It was a bit of a blessing in disguise because I’ve had the best four years that I’ve had in my career these last four years,” Thompson said. “At these Olympics, I’m much more mature than I was at the last two Olympics. I am in a much more comfortable place.”