Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU's Volunteer Assistant Coach Competes in Olympics
August 19, 2004 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
Pukstas will represent Lithuania as he competes on the last day of the Olympics in the Marathon. Pukstas qualified for the Olympics at the Motorola Marathon in February, when he recorded his best time in a Marathon (2:14.58).
The 2004 Olympic Marathon will include sections of the original Olympic course.
“This will be by far the toughest marathon Mindi has raced in his career. It is hilly, hot, humid, and who ever will handle the heat and hills the best should be successful.” said women's track head coach Rene Sepulveda.
Coach Sepulveda added that Pukstas trained primarily in Stillwater, which serves as a good training ground because of the similar conditions. He also spent five weeks training at high altitude in New Mexico.
With it just being his first appearance in the Olympics, Pukstas is not favored for a medal.
After the Olympics, Mindi will return to Stillwater as a volunteer assistant coach and will finish up his education with a Masters of International Studies. He will be reunited with his wife, Zivile, who is the jumps and sprint coach for the women's track team.
