6/22/08

Triple-jumper Shani Marks has put her life on hold for four years, hoping to make it to the Beijing Olympics -- though she knows there's little chance for a medal.

From the edge of the jumping pit at the University of Minnesota, Shani Marks eyes the line raked in the sand. Leap past it and become Champion of the World. Or, if she's really feeling it, Champion of the Universe.

The make-believe competition is Marks' lighthearted way of injecting fun into her tedious workout routine. Her training partner, Amanda Thieschafer, has just soared a good 4 inches beyond the line. "Here she goes, stepping onto the runway, Shani Marks," Thieschafer calls out in her best sports-announcer voice. "Currently in second place."