Keim’s Experience Paying Off in 3-Meter Event

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — It’s good to have experience.

That’s what Randy Ableman says.

Ableman is the coach of Jenny Keim, a 1996 Olympian. And Keim, 22, of Miami, is in first place after the preliminary and semifinal rounds of the 3-meter Olympic diving trials.

“I think it’s easier for anyone the second time around,” Ableman said.

Keim, who finished ninth in Atlanta, has 536.55 points after the first 10 dives--five required and five optional. In second place is Michelle Davison, 20, from Boca Raton, Fla. Davison, the 1998 U.S. Summer National 3-meter champion, has 528.67 points.

The top two finishers after today’s five optional dives will represent the U.S. at the Sydney Olympics.

Standing in the No. 3 spot is Michelle Rojohn, 25, of Olathe, Kan. Rojohn, who has 520.35 points, has never finished higher than sixth in any U.S. national competition and is competing in her first Olympic trials.

Mission Viejo’s Erica Sorgi, 17, is seventh with 486.27 points. Her coach, Russ Bertram, is pleased with Sorgi’s performance. Sorgi, who just graduated from Capistrano Valley High, has struggled with her motivation and actually retired for two months this winter.

“I’m so proud of her,” Bertram said. “She competed well. She was steady and has put herself in position to still make the team in the 3-meter.”

Bertram, who was a five-time national champion, said his coaches always told him that “if you can’t be 30 points ahead after the semifinals then it’s better to be 30 points behind.” This means, Bertram said, that it’s easier to rest and compete with less pressure when you haven’t slept on a lead.

Ableman, who has coached Keim for three years, said this was Keim’s best competitive performance since the 1996 Olympic trials.

“This is a mile race, though,” Ableman said, “and we’re only at the halfway point.”

Bertram said he was surprised to see Davison and Rojohn in second and third.

“I don’t think those girls have been in this position before,” Bertram said. “It might be a little tough for them.”

Melissa Moses Hyams, who finished fourth in the 3-meter at the 1996 Olympics, was 13th after the semifinals and did not make tonight’s final round. Also not making it was 2000 U.S. National Indoor runner-up Ashley Culpepper.

Jenny Lingamfelter, who finished first at the 1998 National Diving Championships and second at the 1999 U.S. Spring Nationals, is ninth.