University of Michigan graduate Andy Potts was first out of the water in the Olympic men's triathlon Aug. 26. "What a rush," said Potts, in only his second year as a triathlete. "It just adds to the experience (of the Games)."

Potts, a six-time swimming All-American as a Wolverine, eventually finished 22nd. "It was the best I could do," he said. Don't be surprised if his best gets better. Potts has undergone something of an athletic resurrection since his college years, during which he fell just shy of earning a berth on the 1996 Olympic swim team, placing fourth in the 400-meter individual medley at the U.S. Trials.

After graduating from U-M in 2000, Potts took a job in corporate sales in Chicago. In 2002, he looked at himself - 25 pounds heavier- in the mirror, and decided to try triathlons. He proved a quick study, reclaiming much of his swimming prowess and blooming as both a bicyclist and runner. He placed 11th at the 2004 World Triathlon Championships, earning a berth on the U.S. team.

Potts has undergone other transformations of late as well. On Jan. 30, he married fellow U-M grad Lisa Simes, a Canadian national team gymnast and acrobat for Cirque du Soleil's "O" Show in Las Vegas.

Potts, who expects to compete on the World Cup circuit at least six to eight more years, stands to just get better. Beijing in 2008? Stay tuned. MR