Christine Magnuson

I must admit I'm missing the Olympics. For 17 days I was glued - like millions of Americans - to the tube, watching everything from swimming to synchronized diving to the 100 meter dash.

Along the way, I became a big fan of a number of the athletes..especially ones with UT ties.

So I was pleasantly surprised to find that Silver Medal swimmer Christine Magnuson - a former Lady Vol - was appearing on Jim Wogan's SEC football special last night.

Magnuson - last season's SEC swimmer of the year - roared to two medals..finishing second in the 100 meter butterfly and the 4 x 100 Medley.

She was on Jim's show to talk about her experiences in Beijing, but also to talk about the upcoming football season.

It turns out she's a big fan - and knowledgeable.

So how does Tennessee beat UCLA Monday night? Magnuson says keys to victory include: 1) solid play from quarterback Jonathan Crompton; 2) a stingy defense; and 3) good special teams play.

Kirk Herbstreit would do well to follow her keys. In fact, he probably will come Monday night.

I must admit I felt a bit star struck introducing myself to Magnuson. After all, she just competed in the Beijing Olympics and it was just a few days ago that I was cheering in front of the TV, along with everyone else, during her performance in the 4 X 100 Medley.

Magnuson appeared on Jim's show wearing her Olympic medals. She let me hold one. The front of the medal shows the winged goddess of victory, Nike. The back has an inlaid jade ring in it.

She told Jim she plans to train in Knoxville for the 2012 Olympics in London. I hope she makes it. I know I'll be cheering.