31.   The experienced women on the team, like Caroline Lalive, who was expected to be a medal contender in at least two events, had their worst performances.

32.   The implausible presence of Todd Hays as a medal contender at Salt Lake is approached only by the implausible fashion in which he entered the sport.

33.   The U.S. ski team had high hopes for Salt Lake, believing it had five or six solid medal contenders in alpine events.

34.   Their only medal contender at Goteborg is marathoner Zhong Huandi.

35.   The U.S. will get an indication this weekend at the Tournament of Nations in Germany of how it rates as a medal contender.

36.   Velizar Iliev and Mary Beth Larsen-Iagorashvili, both of San Antonio are medal contenders.

37.   With a roster full of NHL stars playing on a wider international playing surface similar to those used in Europe, Sweden is a strong medal contender.

38.   With or without Armstrong in the race, Hamilton, from Marblehead, Mass., should be a medal contender.

39.   Other medal contenders include German Johann Muehleg, who competes for Spain, and a strong Estonian squad.

40.   Other medal contenders include Italy and Norway.