Aylwin was optimistic about his return.
As the former dominator of the 400m event, Aylwin was indeed much stronger than other athletes, outstripping them by multiple levels.
In previous Olympics, the athletes who entered the final could be classified into three categories. The third category were those who were not Americans. They could usually get within 45 seconds. Those who could get within 44.50 seconds were top athletes, who could compete for the bronze medal.
The second category were American athletes. The United States had absolute dominance in the 400m event. Therefore, all the athletes who attended the Olympic Games had to get within 44.50 seconds, even close to 44 seconds. They were among the best even in America.
And the first category was only Jimmy Aylwin, who could get within 44 seconds, even 43.50 seconds if he performed well.
