2007 World Championships Pre 400 Final

Hello everyone,

I just got done talking with someone from the Enquirer regarding the World Championships. I decided to post this because it gives some insight on what is going on. Hope to give good news in a couple of days, until then see you!!!!




1.What has the pressure been like so far in Osaka in terms of intensity of the races and the margin between moving on and missing the cut?

It's the World Championships.... the pressure is definitly there. You are not only competing with the best , but the best in the World. I have been going into the rounds with a sense of just sticking with my same game plan. I have been constantly reminded "what got you here, will keep you here...don't go changing anything" It was very important to advance, they took the top 4 in each heat. I placed second in my heat wih a 51.25 The second day consisted of me running close to my personal best to make the final, in which they took the top 2 of each heat and the next two fastest times. There were girls who ran personal best for the season and missed out on making the final. That shows you just how intense this second round was. I am just happy to surive the pressure of the rounds. I look forward to the final and hope to bring home a medal. I am currently in six place going into the meet. I see it as ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!!

2.Now that you've made the finals, how does it affect the way you view yourself in relation everyone else on the world class level?

It helps tremendously....I am one of the best 400 meter runners in the world! I have come a long way to be able to title myself as such. As a former Conference USA runner up in the 400 meters, never qualifying for NCAA's and this being my first World Outdoor TEAM and final....I'm not doing too bad. I am greatful for this opportunity, it allows me to be more confident with myself! There is always room for improvement, but I must say that my improvements have been steadily rising. I am top 8 in the world.....that means a lot.

3.How do you gauge your prospects for Wednesday's race (Do you analyze the times from the other semifinal? Does that even matter? Does it matter to you that you're the fastest American so far in the 400 in Osaka?)

As I go into Wednesday's race...I am truly thinking about myself. How does Mary want to attack the race, come through the race and finish the race. I try not to get caught up in what other people are doing or their game plan. When you start doing that.....problems begin. I just remind myself that there are eight ladies in the race. There are only three medals, so I mentally am prepared to give my all and see what it gets me.

4.How's the heat/humidity been?

Japan has had great weather, besides being very hot and humid. I had the opportunity to race both in the morning and evening hours. Neither is better....the morning sun just beats down on your face and causes your clothes to be drenched. The evening was about the same no sun but even more humid. We were constantly reminded by our medical staff to stay hydrated. I have been doing a good job of this.

5.When you go to the starting blocks Wednesday night, what will you be thinking about?

Tough question...so many thoughts would have ran through my head prior, but I think once I am in the blocks....the thought will be (Let's do this....go after it and do your best) There are three medals......let's go get one of them and try to get another personal best time. I also ask the Lord to be with me.

6.Goals in terms of time and place? Have you set any either generally or specifically?

I always go into the race not giving myself a time to achieve....I let God do his will. If it is his plan to let me PR, then let it be. I do have a goal of getting top three. I would love to win the race!!!!

7.And finally, how does this race -- the open 400 -- measure up in terms of personal importance to you compared to the 4x400?

This race was definitely a precursor to how the 4x4 relay would be decided. I have proven myself by making the final in the 400. I see myself running the prelim round and defintely the finals. The relay is a fun event in which I know we can get the gold. I am excited to be able to run with my fellow Americans....Richards, Hasting, Trotter and Felix. We will make a great team! I know we will do well.