August 4, 1996

Jackson ninth despite fears

By CHRIS STEVENSON -- Team Sun BUCKHEAD, Ga. -- Linda Jackson had more ups and downs at the Olympics than the American flag.
The Nepean cyclist finished ninth yesterday in the women's individual time trial, two weeks less a day after being put out of the road race in a spectacular crash.
Just getting her right arm in shape to compete yesterday was a huge accomplishment, but that didn't lessen the disappointment she felt.
"I'm not that happy with it, but I'm glad it's done," she said. "I'm really excited about finishing the race and becoming an Olympian because that chance was taken away in the road race.
"I think I put a little too much pressure on myself to make everything up in the time trial. It doesn't work that way."
Jackson, who damaged muscles and tendons just below her elbow in the first-lap crash in the road race, said she cringed each time she passed the spot where a pileup of bikes caused her to go flying over her handlebars.
"Every time I got near there, I slowed down," she said. "I got up and took my arms off the handle bars."
Jackson said her next goal is the world championships in Switzerland in October.
"It's more my kind of course," she said. "I'll channel all my energy into that. I think it's a realistic goal to do well there."