The heat is on for Australia

Posted: Wednesday January 12, 2000 06:16 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

January 12, 2000
Melbourne, Australia

Hello there! Well I'm not only back to working out daily but I've been playing. And let me tell you -- I've been letting people know that not only am I back, but who said you can't come back to playing ball after you've had a baby.

As for my national team (Olympic team), the heat is on. Australia is really focusing on getting the GOLD and nothing less will do! If we are ever going to beat the Americans, it is going to be in 2000 in our homeland.

A few of the girls who are on the national team and play in the WNBA have decided to stay in Australia and not play in the 2000 WNBA season due to the Olympics. We are hosting the Olympics, so PR and Community Relations is important during the so called offseason. Anyway, while some players have said they are not coming back, I will be back. I want Phoenix to win a title, and I really believe we have a chance. How great will it be to win a WNBA title and then go on and win an Olympic gold medal. I am ready.

I have always had a love and passion for basketball, but the Olympics have just taken my passion to another level. I have never felt more focused, in shape or dedicated as I am. With the new year here, it is all about winning and getting it all! I'm ready.

-- Michelle