It was only three months into Peter Forder’s life. However, it was the most important day of his life the day he met his mother.

Forder, an SIUC track and field sprinter, was adopted on that day. The move changed his life forever and gave him a role model for life.

My only role model in life was my mother, Forder said. She is very strong and is the kind of person who does what she wants when she wants.

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Forder, a freshman in business from St. Louis, was raised by a single mother, but life with her has been a blessing for him.

Life has been pretty much smooth sailing, Forder said. It never really dawned on me that I was different. I credit most of that to my mother. She’s always been there for me.

Forder never met his real parents, but he said he understands the adoption process.

I’ve never really sought after them, Forder said. I guess I’d just want to say, Hi.’ I assume my [biological] mother was in her teens. They were smart for giving their child up for adoption.

At a young age, Forder found the second love of his life sports. Besides track, Forder participated in soccer, hockey and football throughout his childhood. He did not develop into a serious track runner until he reached high school at Christian Brothers Academy.

Forder’s love for sports was greatly supported by his mother.

I played almost every sport imaginable, and she was at every game, Forder said. And if she couldn’t make it my aunt was there. She was like a second mother to me.

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Forder’s love for sports has propelled him to a solid start to his freshman indoor season.

In the first three meets, Forder placed as high as third at the SIU Booster Club Invite Jan. 17 in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.04 seconds and in second at the Purdue Invitational Saturday in the 200 (22.58).

Forder said the adjustment from high school competition to the college ranks has been a challenge.

I’m striving to be the best I can be, Forder said. Coming from being the top runner in your area to the college level is a big wake-up call. I’ve tried to step it up and fit in very well here.

Men’s track and field coach Bill Cornell said Forder has become a vital part of the Saluki team.

He’s shown he’s a real competitor, Cornell said. I’m pretty well convinced he’s going to be an All-American before he leaves here. He is just one of those kids that will run whatever you tell him to.

Forder’s ultimate goal is to have his mother watch him run in the mother of all sporting events the 2004 Olympic Games.

I’d like to become an Olympic runner in the 100-, 200-, or 400-meter, Forder said. Those would be the races I could excel in. I think if I work really hard in the 400, it would be my race.

If I keep knocking time off my records, I think I have a good shot. I have my sights set on 2004.