BRUIN TO RUN FOR FATHER'S LAND : TERRY HEADS TO CARIBBEAN FOR LIFETIME DREAM IN ATLANTA.

Byline: P.K. Daniel Daily News Staff Writer

He is not considered a world-class athlete. He is barely knocking on the national-class door. He didn't qualify for the NCAA championships. And according to one of his coaches, he would have had a very difficult time qualifying at the U.S. Olympic Trials held in Atlanta last month.

Nonetheless, American Mike Terry will compete at the Summer Olympics in the 400, the 4 x 400 and possibly the 800 meters. Through dual-citizenship, he will represent his father's homeland - Antigua and Barbuda, the small island gems of the Caribbean adorned with 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.

The 6-3, 180-pounder will go up against formidable challengers - world-record holder Butch Reynolds and gold-medal favorite Michael Johnson. But the recent UCLA graduate, who helped the Bruins win their fifth consecutive Pacific-10 track and field championship in May with a come-from-behind upset win in the 800 meters, isn't too worried.

``Strange things have happened to me before,'' Terry said, ``I'm just hoping this is one of those situations.

``The USA national team is pretty tough. I'm not really intimidated by them, but I know they're great athletes and it will take a lot of effort to beat them.''

Terry, 23, finished first (46.31) in the 400-meter time trials held in Antigua and his mother insists he's even faster than that.

``Quite frankly, I don't think he's that far off,'' said Kathy Terry, an attorney with law offices in Santa Ana. ``He's already run with these guys in training at the track at UCLA. He's been with their coaches. He has been clocked at their speeds. He's at least 44, 45 seconds under ordinary circumstances.

``Put him into the Olympics with the motivation and adrenaline going and he's got a really good shot at doing 43, 44 in the 400. In his own mind and in our minds, we really believe he can do it.''

But UCLA track coach Bob Larsen is less optimistic, predicting Terry's medal chances are ``slim and none. But you don't go to the Olympic Games just to get a medal. You go because it's a wonderful experience.

``He understands to be in the Olympic Games, to get through a qualifying round, would be a great accomplishment for him. He's realistic about his ability.''

Terry grew up in Orange, where he received numerous academic and athletic awards. At UCLA, his academic career continued to excel. He was recently awarded a Pac-10 conference medal, given annually to each member institution's outstanding male and female student-athlete.

He knew, however, his biggest challenge would be qualifying for the Olympics. And Antigua provided that chance.

``I thought it was a great opportunity,'' Terry said. ``Getting to the Olympics was more of an issue for me.''

But Terry doesn't rule out the possibility of taking home some hardware.

``It's the realization of a lifelong dream. When I get into the stadium and the stands are packed, you never know what can happen. If I didn't think I had a (chance), I probably wouldn't be doing this.

``I'm going in as an underdog so I won't be nervous. I'm sure Michael Johnson has a lot of pressure to win, whereas I'm going in as an underdog and will be able to hopefully sneak up from behind and get a medal.''

PROFILE Age:23

Schools:El Modena High School, UCLA

Events:400, 800 and 4 x 400-meter relay

Fast fact:A two-time Academic All-American who graduated with a 3.73 GPA.

When to Watch 400: July 26, first round, 4 p.m.; July 27, second round, 3:55 p.m.; July 28, semifinals, 6 p.m.; July 29, finals 4:35 p.m.

4 x 400 relay: Aug. 2, first round 7:30 a.m., semifinals 5 p.m.; Aug 3, finals 6:40 p.m.

CAPTION(S):

5 Photos, 2 Boxes

Photo: (1) Although not considered a gold-medal threat, UCLA's Mike Terry, representing the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is looking for an upset when he competes against the world's best in the 400 meters at the Olypmic Games.

Daily News File Photo

(2) Mike Terry

(3-5) THROUGH THE YEARS

1980: At 6 years old, Michael begins his well-rounded sports career in baseball, getting the pose down for the Athletics of the South Sunrise Little League team.

1985: At 12 years old, Michael participates in his true love, basketball, for the Tustin Boys & Girls Club.

1991: Wins the 800 meters at the California State high school championships as his running career blossoms.

1992: He places fourth at Junior Nationals in the 800 meters with a season-best 1:50.99.

1993: Runs the second leg of UCLA's winning 1,600-meter relay (3:09.18) at the Pac-10 Championships.

1994: He places second in the 800 meters at the Cal-Nevada Championships and second at the Pac-10 championships.

1995: With GQ looks, runs in the Penn Relays while earning first-team Academic All-Pac-10 with a 3.76 GPA in business/economics

Box: (1) PROFILE (see text)

(2) When to Watch (see text)