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FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1996

We are to fly to Atlanta at 1.20 am today. The last 24 hours have been maddening, the excitement is still tingling my nerves. I meet the remaining members of the five-man squad that would represent India in the torch's route. Sunita Godara, the champion marathon runner, also joins us. She will be our escort runner.

There was, apparently, a press conference the previous day. But, thanks to the last minute rush, I've missed it. Actually, I couldn't care less. At the moment, I'm just grateful that I've made it.

We're on the flight to Atlanta. I've travelled abroad before, but this is special. In my own way, I will be representing India at the Olympics.

The seating arrangement's not too great, I am squashed in the middle and I have a long flight ahead of me. But even that cannot dampen my enthusiasm. As the 'Please fasten your seat belt' sign flashes on, I snuggle into my seat and grinned happily at my co-travellers. Viva Atlanta! Viva the Olympics! And viva Coke!

We land at Frankfurt after a long flight of about seven hours. I'm not tired, but I would appreciate the chance to stretch my legs. The mikes come alive and we are told we have a four hour break at Frankfurt before we take on the flight to Atlanta.

DAY THREE, ATLANTA