Master of the word Games

A WHITE plastic chair in the centre of the press interview area - 100 or so yards from her pool of dreams is in danger of becoming the property of Michelle Smith.

The smiling, starry eyed Dubliner was obliged to put her green Irish tracksuit bottom on the chair again last night; another gold medal glistening around her neck, another moment of Irish sporting history to record. Magical times.

Her deeds have proven extraordinary, so much so that the American press seem obliged to find another reason to explain her great success. Nothing to do with years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice. Smith, however, is more than a match for them. She possesses the answers, whether it be in the pool or the interview room.

The three time Olympic gold medallist's reaction to the renewed query of performance enhancing drugs is to laugh. Laugh in their face. If she has answered the question once, she has done so a thousand times.

A new slant is required.

"I'm tested five times more often than any of the American team. Think back. Janet Evans, in 1988, won the 400 IM, the 400 free and the 800 free. In the 400 free, her time was 4.03. I swam 4.07 when I won the race. If I was on drugs, wouldn't I go faster than that?"

Next question.

Smith can afford to savour her moments of glory. "It means an awful lot to me. I hope everyone in Ireland enjoys the success. I would be really happy if that were the case.

"I have the 200 metres butterfly left, and to focus on that I will just do the same as I did the day after each of my two previous wins. Rest. Have a massage. Watch television. And encourage the other members of the Irish team who will be in action," she said.