Whats in the bag?

Sometimes it's not only the athletes' physical preparation that allows them to perform well in competition, but the comfort of knowing they have all the necessary items stowed in their gym bag that helps them compete at their optimum level.
"I think an athlete at (the national) level should carry all the things that help him or her be as mentally and physically prepared as possible before their workout session," said Susan Rechebong Lupola, a member of the women's national basketball team headed to Fiji to compete in the 2003 South Pacific Games. "Every athlete is unique and should keep certain items in their bag that help with motivation, intensity and overall preparedness for practice."

Lupola, 32, of Yigo will be making her third SPG appearance. She competed in the 1991 and 1995 SPGs.

"My bag wouldn't be complete without (at least) my water, basketball shoes and cell phone," Lupola said. "I (also) like to carry my referee's whistle. Being a ref, I guess it's just a habit."

Bodybuilder June Mair, slated to compete in the heavyweight division in her first appearance at the SPG, said she prepares a different gym bag for her workout and for competition.

"When I am backstage for a competition, I leave all the workout stuff at home," said Mair, a silver medalist at the 2002 South Pacific Bodybuilding Championships. "My bag at competition has artificial tan, posing oil and bikini bite to glue my posing suit to my body in strategic places. I have towels to blot the artificial tan and to lay on the floor so I can rest before going on stage. I have lots of makeup, a mirror and an extra posing suit in case something breaks.

"I also have an extra cassette of my routine music in case the organizers lose my music. Lastly, I have a high sugar-type snack to eat just before going on stage so I can get an insulin rush while performing," she added.

For her workouts, her bag would not be complete without a couple of packs of chewing gum, Mair said.

"I chew two sticks for every weight-training session and two sticks for every cardio session," Mair said. "Chewing gum helps me concentrate and focus."

Tennis player Charles Oliver said he carries various items in case he needs to use them during practice or competition. Rackets, a Tennis magazine, a book by international tennis instructor Peter Burwash and his wallet are some items that he always carries.

In addition to those items, he has a small pharmacy in his bag, he said. His pharmacy consists of Imodium AD, Pepto-Bismol chewables, Advil, ibuprofen tablets, mineral ice, deep heat ointment and calcium citrate. He also takes Band-Aids, athletic tape, mole skin, some Ace bandages, an ankle brace and a knee/elbow wrap with him.

"Every athlete should carry everything they feel they need to play at full throttle," Oliver, 23, said. "I carry those things in my bag because I feel that I may need them eventually. Everyone's bag is like their game -- it has their signature to it."