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August 21, 2004 10:49 am

Kayaker competing despite family concerns

By MARIBEL VILALLVA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece - Marie Mijalis is calm just days before she makes her Olympic debut in the four-woman kayak flatwater competition.

But, Mijalis, whose medal quest begins Monday, hasn't always been so relaxed. There was a time when she thought she might not make it to Athens to fulfill her Olympic dream.

It was last December when Mijalis' mother, Elaine Mijalis, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.

That same month, twin sister and canoeing partner Jeanne Mijalis, broke three of her ribs and tore some abdominal tissue - both the result of strenuous training. The twins were preparing to take a two-woman kayak team to the Olympics, but Jeanne's injuries changed that. Mijalis would have to try without her sister.

``I thought about not coming to the Olympics,'' the 23-year-old Mijalis said. ``At the time, my sister was in and out of hospitals and my mom was undergoing chemotherapy in Miami. I thought, `Maybe I should stay and take care of my family.' But, my family wouldn't hear of it. They wanted me to carry out my dream.''

Jeanne moved from San Diego to Miami to be with their mother, which allowed Mijalis the time she needed to prepare for the Olympics.

Mijalis said her mother is cancer-free now and her sister is still recovering from her injuries.

Her family has made the trip to see Mijalis compete when the event kicks off at the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center in Schinias. Jeanne is in Athens working for NBC.

``The fact that they came is very special for me,'' Mijalis said. My mom couldn't make it to the Olympic trials, but it's important for me to let my mom see me race one more time before I decide if I want to retire or not.''

Mijalis and her teammates, Lauren Spalding, Kathy Colin and Carrie Johnson, have been practicing on the course for more than a week.

Recent winds in Athens have made Mijalis worry about the weather on the day of the competition.

``I'm hoping it won't be a problem for us. The biggest challenge for us is to balance the boat and strong winds can tip you over. A head wind will slow your time a lot, but a tail wind is good because it pushes you. Either way, we'll be prepared.''

Mijalis is the last woman on the four-person boat. It's a spot usually reserved for the strongest paddler, she said.

``I'm definitely not the strongest, but I know how to use my strength.''

Mark Parrish, team leader for the men's and women's flatwater canoe/kayaking teams, said Mijalis brings good skill and attitude to the team.

``Marie is really upbeat and positive. If you're paddling day in and day out, it can be a grind. But having someone who is upbeat can make all the difference.'' Mijalis would like to compete with her sister, but if Jeanne decides she can't train for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, then Mijalis said she would change sports and focus on something different.

``It's either with her or not at all,'' Mijalis said. ``It feels natural with her. She's the only reason why I would continue kayaking.''

Affter the Olympics, Mijalis said she will spend some time in Shreveport, La., her hometown.

``I'm going to visit my family and decide what I want to do,'' Mijalis said.

She is a graduate of the University of San Diego with degrees in business administration and Spanish.

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