The goal of the two surgeries was to eliminate the inflammation and discomfort she was feeling each day by tightening the shoulder socket capsule and removing loose or intrusive matter that caused the irritation. The surgeries were successful and four months of rest and rehabilitation later, Bennett got back into the water on March 13, 2002, for her first swim practice, albeit only 600 meters in length.

The 22-year-old, Plant City, Fla. native is presently training at much longer distances in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. with the Broward Aquatic Suns swim team, having moved there earlier in the summer to be with her longtime coach Peter Banks, who took the head position at Broward last year. Banks' coaching helped Bennett earn distance freestyle gold at both the 1996 (800-meter free) and 2000 Olympics (400-meter and 800-meter free), as well as four World Championship medals along the way.

As expected, Bennett is slowly getting back into competitive shape, only logging about half the daily mileage she used to swim prior to the surgeries. Bennett remains focused on her recovery and her new surrounding and admits she is still a season away from top form. Either way, she plans to compete at the 2002 U.S. Summer Nationals in Fort Lauderdale in August and again at the U.S. Open in December.

Q1: What procedures were performed on your shoulders during surgery?

BROOKE BENNETT: I actually had quite a few things done. The major part of surgery was tightening my capsule. Also, my bursa was removed in both shoulders, the under part of my bone was shaved down, and a ligament was removed.

Q2: Were the shoulder problems occurring before the 2000 Sydney Olympics? If so, did they hamper your swimming in any way?

BROOKE BENNETT: I had been dealing with shoulder pain off and on for a little over three years. I started seeing a physical therapist for my left shoulder first; then before long I was having pain in both shoulders. I was very lucky for the fact we were able to maintain the problem for some time, and also the year of the Olympics I was not experiencing much pain. After taking a break after the Olympics I was not able to overcome the pain. So, no I don't think my shoulders affected me at the Sydney Games.

Q3: Describe the discomfort or pain you were experiencing?

BROOKE BENNETT: I had a lot of inflammation in both shoulders, so everyday at workout I was experiencing a lot of pain. It had got to the point I was unable to get through a normal two hour workout. There were also times where it was even difficult to sleep at night.

Q4: How difficult of a decision was it to proceed with the surgery?

BROOKE BENNETT: Making a career decision is hard! I could have never done it without the help of family, my coach (Peter Banks) and my physical therapist of over four years (Joe Noel). We all had a part in the decision making, but the final decision, of course, was mine. I realized that I was not ready to retire and wanted to try for more in the sport. After having the MRI's and talking with surgeon Scott Rodeo, if that was what I really wanted then I need to have the surgeries.

Q5: Did the doctor promise that you could come back and excel at the same level as before after the procedures?

BROOKE BENNETT: Yes, we talked about that many times. It was very important to me. With him knowing my career and talking with both me and my physical therapist he said he would pretty much guarantee 100 percent recovery and even back better then ever. Of course, recovery has to do with the person that is healing!

Q6: What has been the most difficult part of the whole operation/rehabilitation process?

BROOKE BENNETT: There have been lots of those. At first it was going back four weeks later to have the same thing done again. I had hardly any movement in my right when I went back to do my left. Needless to say, I depend on everyone for just about everything the first two months after surgeries. My Mom traveled to New York with me for both surgeries and stayed with me an extra few days after each one. My Dad took me everyday to therapy as I was not allowed to drive for about two months. Being out of the water for about four months was tough. I had never been out that long before. Finally, when I was able to get back in, I had to start all over again. My first workout was 600 meters, and I have been building from there. I still today have difficult days, and probably will for some time to come.

Q7: Do you have the flexibility and strength in your shoulders that you had before? What percentage are you at presently?

BROOKE BENNETT: Flexibility is what I have. That was actually something I had too much of before surgery. I'm where I need to be. Strength, I was told it would be a year plus to fully get back to the strength I need. However, before surgery I was not 100 percent. I am hoping that by spring of 2003, I am close to what I was around the Olympics. That is my goal!

Q8: Who has been the biggest supporter for you during this process?

BROOKE BENNETT: I have had amazing support from everyone -- of course, my parents, friends, teammates, coach, physical therapist, and my agent as well. I believe the strong support group has really helped me throughout the good and bad times the last nine months.

Q9: Are you exclusively focused on the 2004 Olympics?

BROOKE BENNETT: YES, or I would have never had surgery. Now more than ever I love swimming and can't wait to start remaking national team trips.

Q10: What achievement will make this comeback worthwhile?

BROOKE BENNETT: I think the ultimate would be breaking a world record. However, right now every time I race I am looking for a new personal best, this is what I am calling the start of my new and improved career.