Smith's opponents running scared

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There is a great deal of jingoism, surrounding Evans' bid to claim a fifth gold. The Californian's face peers from advertising billboards and magazine ads and, as the athlete selected to hand over the Olympic torch to Muhammad Ali at Friday night's opening ceremony, is viewed with considerable affection by the US sporting public.

Another gold medal also, would do no harm at all to her wide range of lucrative endorsements.

Still, the suspicion is that the 800m freestyle probably represents her best bet for a gold medal - and it is Hase and Poll who have most reason to worry about Smith's late appearance in the 400m freestyle field. Hase, the defending champion, held the fastest time in the world this year (4:09.51) until deprived of that statistic by Smith, while Poll had previously been second fastest.

Indeed, Poll attempted to display an air of calm yesterday. "I want to have fun here. It will be just another swimming competition - the most important one of the year. I try to stay cool and take it naturally," she said.

And, yet, Costa Rica were among the objectors to Smith, perhaps demonstrating some fear about what could await her in tonight's anticipated showdown.

Either way, the 400 metres freestyle appears to be wide open. Really. And, given Smith's powerful display in the individual medley, who is to say that the Dubliner will not be capable of producing a repeat performance. Another medal beckons. And it could very well be another gold.