Olympic Trials 200m champion and 100-meter third-place finisher
Shawn Crawford (26, Raleigh, N.C.) is on the i sl and of Crete for Team
USA training camp as he prepares to compete at the Olympic Games.
The owner of the world's fastest times this year at both distances,
Crawford will compete with his training partner, Justin Gatlin, in both
sprint races in Athens . Crawford spoke to the media on Friday.Q: How are you feeling coming into the Olympics?
A: Coming into the Games, I'm definitely excited. This is my first time
making the Olympic Team and being able to compete for the USA in an
event such as this. I'm feeling very confident. I've had some great
practices coming in. I'm looking forward to representing myself, my
family, my friends and my country with dignity.
Q: What is the approach you and Justin Gatlin take to sprinting?
A: Justin and I, we're trying to conquer the sprint world. We practice
hard. We remain poised through it all. We have to remain focused and
make sure we come out and compete when we step on the track.
Q: What did you think of Trevor Graham before you started working with
him in November 2003?
A: I thought he was the greatest sprint coach ever.
Q: What is his approach to training?
A: He's pretty tough - kind of a drill sergeant, but real calm. There have
been a couple of times on the track when I've chucked up my breakfast
working out.
Q: What are you working on in practice now?
A: We're working on technical stuff. We're going to be working on
coming out of my blocks and my initial first step.
Q: What is the best thing Trevor has brought to your track career?
A: It's a consistent program, and it's been a long time since I've been part
of a consistent program or worked out consistently. He's directed
everything from the start line to the finish line, straight down the line,
instead of me being all over the place. The other problem was my focus
[prior to working with Graham].
Q: What got you to that next level of sprinting?
A: The potential and the ability have always been there. It was just a
matter of being able to get out there consistently. Trevor gets you out
there and asks for your feedback to make sure you get to where you
need to be.
Q: Which event do you like better, the 100 or 200?
A: I like the 100 better. There's something about sprinting - everybody
wants to be the fastest man in the world. Plus the training isn't as hard.
You don't have to throw up as much in training.
Q: Does you hard training prepare you for competition?
A: That's what I tell people - [if] I train hard, I'm gonna kick your butt.
Q: What does mean for you to be in both events in Athens?
A: That's an honor for me to be able to compete in the Olympics for the
United States of America in two stellar sprint events, because not many
people are able to do that.
Q: Is your 100-meter loss at the Olympic Trials extra motivation for you
now?
Q: I really don't think about that. When I finished third, that was the end of
my undefeated season in the 100 meters. Now I'm must focusing on
running a technically sound race when I step on the track, and to
improve from round to round. I'm just looking forward, making sure I'm
focused here.
Q: What do you think of Asafa Powell?
A: I think he's running strong. He's looking real good - no breakdown in
his form. It's almost like a flawless race from start to finish. He's going to
be a good competitor.
Q: How about Maurice Greene?
A: He's a tough cat. He's a vet at this event. He's run under 10 seconds
more than anybody else in the world - you can count on him showing
up.
Q: Have you gotten any advice from people who have been to the
Olympics before?
A: I talked to [1996 Olympic 110m hurdles gold medalist and 2004 team
captain] Allen Johnson two nights ago. I was asking him, what did it feel
like when he won an Olympic gold? He said once he crossed the line,
he crossed in to a different world. He's got me excited to go out there
and win so I can move into that next world, too.