Isabelle Turcotte-Baird vows she'll provide a much better performance in Sydney at the Olympics than earlier this year in Perth, Australia at the world championships. Turcotte-Baird failed to finish the race, however, in her defence it was a fifth competition in six weeks. During the period she also suffered food poisoning. A few weeks before the worlds she qualified for the Olympics by posting a career best seventh place finish at a World Cup meet in Brazil.

 "One of my big goals at the Olympics is be closer to the lead after the opening swimming leg," said Turcotte-Baird who was a provincial level swimmer but specialized in the butterfly and breaststroke. "I feel I'm pretty even in all three disciplines in the triathlon (swimming, biking and running). I just want to be at my peak for the Olympic race. A lot of things can happen in a triathlon race and there can be surprises." Turcotte-Baird started to train for the triathlon seriously at the age of 20 after she tore her knee up two years earlier while skiing. She has been married to Ian Baird for five years. The pair met in an eight kilometre race in Newfoundland in 1992.

2000 Games
Sept. 16: Isabelle Turcotte Baird, Quebec City, was 31st in final


Photos
Turcotte-Baird places 31st


2000 Games Triathlon Coverage