Time to get back in shape

Posted: Friday November 05, 1999 12:27 PM

Michelle Griffiths was part of the 1996 Olympic team that won Australia's first medal in basketball -- a bronze. An All-Star in Australia's professional leagues, the 6-foot-1 forward played for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury in 1998. Griffiths missed the 1999 WNBA season because of pregnancy, but is now training with the Australian National Team, which looks to win gold when the Summer Games come to their home country in 2000. Check out Griffiths' diary each month on CNNSI.com.

November 5, 1999
Melbourne, Australia

Well it didn't take me long to get back on the court after having a baby -- three weeks to be exact. I have to tell you though it feels great. I'm thrilled for the 2000 Olympics and I am already getting ready to play. Right now I'm training with my local team here in Melbourne. I will be ready not only for the 2000 WNBA season, but even more so for the Olympics.

Here's what I do during the week. I am swimming about two to three days a week. It feels good to be in the water and the impact on my body isn't as hard. I'm working on the court every day, from making sure I'm doing basketball drills to one-on-one training with my coach. This really helps because my coach is able to work on my needs and help me develop my game so much. In addition, I'm doing about 200 situps and pushups everyday. Some times I feel like I'm in the army (smile). Oh, did I also say that I'm running five days a week and riding the bike too?

It's crazy because after training I still have to go home and take care of my new born son, Bailey. Thank God for my husband Steve or else I wouldn't be able to do it.

Michele Timms is the captain of our National team (also my teammate with the Phoenix Mercury) and we will also be playing on the same club team here.

That's really all for now. But I'll make sure I'll write more next time. The whole country is so excited about the Olympics. It may seem like a long time away for others, but not for us Aussies!

-- Michelle