Name: Walter Davis

Age: 28

Accomplishments: Two time world champion, indoor and out. Two time Olympian, Three time outdoor triple jump champ and two time indoor champ.

PR’s- TJ 58′2″, LJ 27′0.5″

I interviewed Walter about the upcoming season and this is what he had to say…

-What are your plans for prior to the Olympic trials?

I plan to compete in both the long and triple jump before the Olympic trials as I hope to make the team in both. I am still not sure if I will compete any overseas before the trials because my number one goal is to stay healthy and I don’t want to take any chances.

-You’ve already been on two Olympic teams do you think you’re experience will help you this time around?

I think experience has a little to do with it, but I think it is more about being prepared on that day. I was so overwhelmed that I was more of a spectator at my first Olympics, the second time I felt I was in good shape but I made some tactical errors, however they say the third times a charm so we’ll see!

-You went to LSU, a university known for their track prowess, do you think that prepared you well for the next level?

My experience at LSU definitely prepared me for the next level. When I was in college I competed against some of the best men in the country, men I’d see at the Nationals each year. I jumped against Miguel Pate and Savante Stringfellow for the majority of my college career and those were some of my best competitors on the professional level as well.

-You’ve recently had a coaching change, how is that working out for you?

I’m happy with my new coaching situation. I was coached by Irving Schexnayder for almost six years and I enjoyed working with him, but I now work with Coach Todd Lane, currently LSU’s jumps coach and with Coach Dennis Shaver, LSU sprint coach. I think it is a good combination for me. I feel much faster down the runway, my technique is improving and I’m feel I will be more consistent this year.

-Who do you think will be your biggest competition this year?

It’s always hard to say because people always pop up in an Olympic year. I don’t like to focus on one athlete and then someone else comes out of no where. I just always try to be the best that I can be.

-About being an Olympic Gold medalist…

I’ve wanted to be an Olympic Gold medalist for a very long time. After winning the world Championships in 2005, I can only imagine what it will feel like to be an Olympic champion!

Thanks for doing this interview with me Walt. You’re one of my best buds and I wish you all the best this season.

San

What’s a GOAL if you don’t go to bed and dream about it? 

What’s a GOAL if it doesn’t inspire you to be your best self?

What’s a GOAL if it’s not reaching for the stars?

What’s a GOAL if most people don’t believe it?

What’s a GOAL if you don’t have to work harder than you ever have to achieve it?

What’s a GOAL if tons of other people have already done it?

I’ve said that I want to win three gold medals at this Summer’s Olympic Games, some may say that is too lofty a goal, but it fulfills all the criteria above and to me……

That’s a GOAL worth setting!!!

Think BIG, Dream BIG, Achieve BIG!

Never be embarrassed to want the best for yourself. It’s what drives ordinary people to become extraordinary.

Until next time….

Sanya

My first meet in Arlington was a huge success. I was so happy to be competing as scheduled. Lat year I missed six of my early season races due to illness and it was one of the hardest things to deal with. I never really appreciatd the importance of those early season races until I didn’t have them. Every athlete is different but I find that I get better and better the more I compete.

 This past weekend I competed in the 100 and 200m sprints. I enjoy stepping down from the 400 every now and then, and this was a great place to do it. In the past, the weather has always been great and you could usually count on a bit of wind pushing you down the track. We weren’t as lucky this year but the weather is one thing we can’t control. I was pleased with my times in spite of the conditions, 11.28 and 22.56, and think this is a great start to my 2008 season.

 This weekend, April 5th, I will be competing in the 4×1 and 4×4 at the Texas Relays. I always love competing at the University of Texas as it is my home stadium. The meet is always exciting and well supported. I will be posting footage from the meet on my site so stay tuned……