Aug. 20, 2004

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Although senior Nedzad Mulabegovic won't be returning to Purdue with an Olympic medal, he will be bringing back a number of experiences which should inspire his track and field teammates to reach the top of the Big Ten standings. Mulabegovic completed his Olympic stay Wednesday morning after finishing 29th in the shot put qualifying round. "It's hard to explain what the overall experience was like," said Mulabegovic. "The atmosphere was fantastic, and there was probably 10,000 people watching. I think that everybody who competed should be proud of themselves." Competing for his native country of Croatia, Mulabegovic finished with a distance of 19.07 meters (62 feet, 6 3/4 inches). He automatically qualified for the Olympic Games last summer, winning the Croatian National Championship with a then-career best launch of 20.15 (66-1 1/2). "Personally, I am not satisfied with my performance," said Mulabegovic. "I felt some cramps in my legs and healthy legs are vital in throwing the shot put. I made a mistake in lifting weights right before driving to Olympia; the bus ride took about five hours and the driving killed my energy. I should have arrived there three days before the competition instead of one." In early August at the International athletic meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, Mulabegovic achieved an `A' entry standard in the shot put for Olympic Games. Mulabegovic placed second with a lifetime-best and school record mark of 20.31 (66-7 3/4). "I am satisfied with my season overall," said Mulabegovic. "I recorded a new personal best at the Sremska Mitrovica meet and that is new school record. The Olympics was one great big experience, and I look forward to helping other throwers at Purdue during next season."