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Article: Judo star Boonzaayer travels uncommon road to Athens.(Sports)
- Article from:
- Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
- Article date:
- August 19, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Paddock Publications. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Patricia Babcock McGraw Daily Herald Sports Writer
To say judo is somewhat of an afterthought for Martin Boonzaayer isn't completely accurate.
Then again, it's not totally off the mark either.
While Boonzaayer will compete Friday for the USA judo team, he isn't your typical Olympian.
"I do kind of feel like I'm the odd man out," said Boonzaayer, who lives and trains in Hoffman Estates. "I'm so thankful for the blessing of being able to compete at the level that I do, but I really can't let that define me like it does some other people."
Indeed, most Olympians become consumed by their sport for the four years leading ...