AnneLise Meerschwein is, of course one of the top contenders in the Women’s Marathon at the Olympics in Athens in 2004. Her rise in women’s athletic competition in Europe has been spectacular. Little is known, however, of her humble beginnings. AnneLise was born in the port of Amsterdam, to Adolphus and Delphin Meerschwein. Adolphus was a laborer on the docks at the port. Quite frankly, he had a weakness for beer. One day, when AnneLise was young, he took a misstep, and fell into the harbor, never to be seen again. Rumor has it that he was pulled aboard by a freighter bound for Mumbai. This has never been proven. Delphin Meerschwein was not known for her marketable skills. In fact, her best skills were those that had brought AnneLise into the world. Delphin became a lady of the evening. AnneLise was basically left to her own. She became ‘a common street urchin’. As a young street urchin, she discovered that she could get enough food to eat, and even some merchandise that she could trade for cash, by looking pathetic. This worked for her for a number of years. As she matured, she discovered that the people that she had previously begged from now expected more of her. They expected the same wares of her that her mother dispensed. The old Cole Porter song calls it “Love For Sale”. AnneLise looked at her mother, and decided that that was not the life for her. AnneLise became a pickpocket, a thief. Anything that was left unattended became fair play. Pocketbooks, parcels and packets. Running became quite important for her. The faster she ran from pursuers, the sooner she was able to score again. The 100 yard dash was her specialty. As she grew, longer distances became necessary. She excelled at the 1000 meter, and the 5000 meter. In the incident depicted, at the age of fourteen, she rubbed a snowball into the face of the young child. As the child bawled, AnneLise snatched the gold and diamond necklace from about the neck of the mother. She dashed for safety, and the fence. As fate would have it, on this occasion she was apprehended by a fleet-footed police officer. She was sentenced to four years, for a first offense. She was determined that never again would she be apprehended. While in incarceration, she honed her running skills to a fine edge. While in incarceration, she also received an education. Unlike either of her parents, AnneLise was a smart young lady. She learned quickly. Her intelligence and athletic abilities while in the Jutland Center for Incorrigible Youths attracted the attention of the Women’s Athletic Director of the University of Wisconsin at Dolphin Bay. AnneLise was awarded a full athletic scholarship in Track and Field. AnneLise pursued a degree in Sports Medicine, and excelled at long distance running. Now in her junior year at the University if Wisconsin at Dolphin Bay, AnneLise Meerschwein has not only received a scholarship for her graduate studies, but is also one of the top contenders in the Women’s Marathon at the 2004 Olympics at Athens.   ~ Paul (AHikingDude@aol.com)~ You are welcome to use the graphics on this page providing you use them as a set and don't mix them with other graphics. You may use a different title and different text, but be sure to include my button and a link back. (http://www.geocities/writerswinter2004/) All poems and short stories on this website have a copyright. If you wish to use one or more on your website, contact the author for permission. If you enjoyed this page, check these out: Captive Audience Pondering Powder Blue Day And.......for many others, click the link for HOME. Home: Writers' Winter 2004 Index