The Lenny
Krayzelburg Chat session - 9/26/00
Events_Moderator: We'll be starting in less than five minutes folks! Lenny just walked up!
Events_Moderator: Okay everyone here's Lenny!
Events_Moderator: Welcome Lenny! It's great to have you here chatting with us and certainly is an honor and a pleasure to meet you. Congrats on your trio of Gold Medals! How are you?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I'm doing very well. I'm very excited with my performances and now am trying to enjoy the whole Olympic atmosphere!
Events_Moderator: Hey Folks! If you get an error message when you try to send a question, just ignore it! There really IS a moderator for the room! Thanks!
krazy4krayzelburg9: What is next now that you have your 3 gold medals? We love you and best of luck in the future!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Well, right now, I just want to take a break for a few months, really enjoy the experience and my success.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Then I think I want to go for another four years, so start training for another four!
pennylane18: If you weren't swimming today, what would you have like to do career-wise?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I definitely would want to be involved in sports one way or another, maybe public relations or when I was younger, I had a dream where I had a goal that I one day want to work as a therapist.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Like a physical therapist with a pro sports team.
JaimeMU: Lenny, what is the first thing you want to do when you get back to the States?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I wanna sleep in my own bed! I haven't been home in two months. {laughs}
Events_Moderator: FYI, this is a moderated event. All questions and comments are submitted to the moderator before being passed on to the guest. To ask a question, simply type in the text field and click Submit :-)
schnepke: Where are you going to keep your medals??
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I'm planning on keeping the medals at home, maybe framing them, putting them on the wall somewhere in my house.
foreverheavenly: Is it true that no matter how much soap you use you still smell like chlorine?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Most of the time, that's definitely the case. Although, when I'm on vacation like right now and away from the water, that smell goes away!
ausgold: Lenny, how does it feel to win gold down under in Sydney 2000?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: It's an amazing feeling.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I had a dream for so many years to have an opportunity just to go to the Olympic games, and here I am with three gold medals, it's a dream come true for me.
cms2000: Do you have a lot of time for social life?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Usually during my training, I try to get out at least twice a week.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: It helps me keep my mind off of swimming, and it's a really good combination, it helps me to stay mentally strong in my preparation.
Events_Moderator: Welcome! If you're just joining us, we're chatting with Olympic Gold Medallist Lenny Krayzelburg! Join in!
sduve: Lenny, as you probably know, Mark is going to be inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame here in Ohio, October 3. Any chance he'll bring you along to talk with the Cuyahoga Falls High School swimmers (he used to coach there)? Either way please tell him to stop by the nat!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Well, actually, I was not aware that he was getting inducted into the Ohio Sports Hall of Fame.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: No I'm not going to be coming there with him, and I'm not sure I'll see him before that either.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Because I don't come back to American until a later time.
krazy4krayzelburg9: What goes through your mind while they play the national anthem for you?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I was just thinking about all the hard years of training that I had and all the sacrifices that I made to get to that point.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And standing on that pedestal with the American anthem playing for me as an Olympic gold medalist.
Canada_Rulez: what is the weather like down there
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Last two days, it's been raining.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: But other than that it has been very nice!
PoleVltrN2XC: Do you have any regrets to moving to the US?? Have you ever wished you stayed in Russia?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Absolutely not.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: The reason I moved to the United States was for better opportunities and to be successful, and I don't regret anything.
icecook: How long have you know English?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Well, I came here 11 years ago and I didn't know any English, so it's been 11 years since I've been learning the language.
RosannaTina: Will you be making personal appearances in LA area?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Yes, I mean I live in LA, so yeah!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I don't know my exact schedule yet, but I definitely plan on it!
Events_Moderator: Lenny I think half of the folks here have asked this question: Are you single?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Yes. :)
pennylane18: There's a lot of pressure before every swim, how do you calm yourself before every event/competition?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Basically, I try to spend time with my teammates or coaches or trainers.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: As long as I'm not by myself. That helps me keep my mind off of the swim I'm about to do.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Right before the race, I just go into the blank mode, and I think that helps me get ready, not to think of anything at all.
Events_Moderator: Did you know that at the IBM Surf Shack in the Olympic Village athletes are building homepages and answering your e-mail? Go check it out at http://www.fanmail.olympic.ibm.com and be sure to send them a good luck note!
rach8: How much longer are you in Australia, Lenny?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Two more weeks.
Mico_gal_2000: Are you going to be coming to Canada at all?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Not that I'm aware of right now.
sha_nikita: Are you going to be at the Speedo Cup as a coach's assistant for USC this December?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I haven't decided when I'm going to get back into training yet.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: So I'm not sure what my schedule is going to be like in the next couple of months.
JaimeMU: Can we expect to see you win gold in Athens?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: If I'm gonna swim for another four years, my goal going into Athens will be to defend my Olympic titles that I have won here.
montecarlogirl: How long have you been swimming?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: 19 years!
sknoepflein: Have the Olympic Games taught you anything in life?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: It gave me an opportunity to meet the greatest athletes from all over the world.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And that's what the Olympics are about, meeting athletes from all over the world, and to interact with people from different cultures.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And that's what the Olympics are all about.
Miriam03: What do you love most about this experience?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Meeting people from all around the world and learning about their cultures.
jwoman: Lenny - do you feel a responsibility to use your celebrity for social causes? What are your causes?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I just want to show young kids that anything is possible in life if you're willing to dedicate yourself to something and work hard for it, and commit yourself to a goal that you want to accomplish.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And I'm no different than anyone else, I'm a regular person.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I wanted to accomplish my dreams and my goals, and I was willing to sacrifice anything to accomplish them.
Soccerme17: You said you wanted to give your first two GOLD medals to your parents, where will you be putting your third GOLD medal?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: My sister!
malka5472: What other Olympic events have you been able to see?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Last night I went to the finals of table tennis, and tomorrow I'm going to go to the finals of tennis.
Events_Moderator: Welcome! If you're just joining us, we're chatting with Olympic Gold Medallist Lenny Krayzelburg! Join in!
Elle2200: I heard you're studying at UCLA doing business/investment...do you plan to take your career down that road after you retire from swimming? I hope to see you swim in another 4 years...even 8!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I went to USC not UCLA, but I did get a degree in finance, and I would like to do something after I retire in swimming.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: But my plan for the next four years is to still swim competitively and go to Athens.
Events_Moderator: Welcome! If you're just joining us, we're chatting with Olympic Gold Medallist Lenny Krayzelburg! Join in!
Danelle2: What did you think about the two USA swimmers tying for the Gold?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: That was the most amazing thing I've seen in swimming.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I like and respect both guys, Gary and Anthony, and to see them tie for gold, I went absolutely crazy.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: In fact, our whole team went crazy in the stand when they saw that.
jacks0318: Who are your favorite classical music composers?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I like Beethoven, and listen to a little bit of Mozart sometimes.
Events_Moderator: I'm sorry to say we have to wrap this up in a few minutes. Our time with Lenny is almost up! We have time for just a few more questions and comments.
W2650: Were you actually singing in the PowerBar commercial?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I was actually singing that Power Bar commercial.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: It took us about 6 hours to get that commercial right, and we had to sing the whole time.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: But there was only about five lines to that whole song.
paradize: What keeps you motivated to swim for so long?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: A dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
We_LoVe_LeNnY: LENNY!!!!! which country do you feel was your toughest competition in swimming at the Olympics games
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Australia.
halle79: Who is your role model?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: My parents have always been my role model.
ILoVeGCnLiT: How does it feel to be a sudden superstar and know you're the best in the world at what you do?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Well, it's great to know that I'm the best swimmer in the world, and that's what I always wanted to be.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And I guess with this territory superstar status comes, and I guess I'll have to be a role model for other people looking up to me and lead by example.
thesaintjim: Lenny, before you go, what are you going to do after swimming?
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I haven't thought too much of what I want to do after swimming.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: Because for the next four years I want swimming to be a big part of my life.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: And once I retire, I will decide then.
Events_Moderator: Lenny, thanks for taking the time to chat with your fans. Congrats again on the Golds! Good luck in all you do!!
sknoepflein: Bye Lenny. It was nice chatting with you
JulieUSA: Happy Birthday Lenny!!!!!!
popimpologist: Lenny, you are the greatest and a true inspiration, thank you for chatting with us!!!
cms2000: You have a beautiful smile Lenny! Keep on smilin'!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I appreciate everyone coming to the chat room, and I also want to thank everyone for the support in the last week.
Danelle2: You are an Awesome Swimmer and I enjoy looking for you in Athens?
letiche: Congratulations on your success and we wish you luck for the future!
Lenny_Krayzelburg: I definitely needed the support because the competition was tough and knowing there are a lot of fans behind you goes a long way.
Lenny_Krayzelburg: So thanks a lot again!
RyanArmpriester: Lenny, you did a really cool job wining the gold medals for America. your country is very proud of you
harpo9: Lenny, good luck, even though your American, i wish you the best
Melznay: Lenny you are now one of the worlds greatest swimmers, well done on all your accomplishments! and all the best for the future!!
Miah21: Congratulations Lenny - I was fortunate enough to see you win the 100 & 200 - You are very inspirational !!
malka5472: You're the greatest Lenny! You've been such an inspiration. I wish you the best of luck in all you do in the future. Hope to see you when you come on Letterman:)
two_aussie_gals16: Lenny!!!!!!!!!!!! we luv you
msaries22: I love you Lenny!
surfie_chick: bye Lenny good luck for the future.
popimpologist: the US and Guam are very proud of you Lenny, you're a true inspiration
WeLoveLennyK41040: Congratulations and We Love You Lenny!
Luven31: thanks again
qtgurl8: bye bye
wlddesire: good luck Lenny!!!!
pennylane18: Lenny Rules!!!!!!
Events_Moderator: Interested in learning more about the US and its participation in the 2000 Sydney games? Check out the United States Olympics Club
Events_Moderator: If you'd like to learn more about the Swimming events, check out the Swimming Olympics Club
Home Guestbook E-mail Shop Links NMDP Banshee Sitemap
Visitors to www.shrinkingbanshee.com