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(Guy Hudson): Aaron Evans is a former training partner, and teammate of mine (University of Memphis). He is also a good friend who's career I've followed closely since he's been running for the University of Georgia. Aaron finished 3rd at outdoor nationals as a sophomore at UGA. His 800m personal record of 1:46.26 is the UGA school record and Bermuda national record. He is certainly one of the most well known 800m runners in the U.S.A. and Caribbean Islands. He is also making a name for himself on the global stage. Aaron is known for his furious kick at the end of races and coming up big when it matters the most. I had a chance to interview him following his 1st place performance at the NCAA East regional meet. Enjoy.
Guy Hudson: First I just want to congratulate you on winning the east region with a time of 1:47.31. How do you feel about the race?
Aaron Evans: Thank you, I'm happy about it. It was probably the easiest 1:47 I've ever ran. I would've liked to run a little faster though.
Guy Hudson: What do you mean by "The easiest 1:47 you've ever ran"?
Aaron Evans: I felt comfortable and smooth, coming down the last 100m I didn't feel any strain. It could've been 1:47 or 1:49 and I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. I felt really good.
Guy Hudson: That's good to hear. You're coming off a victory at SEC's and now this victory in the east region, how are you going to use this momentum going into nationals?
Aaron Evans: The momentum I have now is nice but it doesn't matter. I just race to win regardless of what meet I'm in, and how I've done in recent races.
Guy Hudson: You have a pretty solid resume with 2 SEC titles, 2 All-American performances, multiple appearances at the nationals meet and a pr of 1:46.26. Does that help your confidence going into nationals?
Aaron Evans: Definitely, having success at big meets in the past makes it an expectation and routine for me. Now when I go into big meets i feel like there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to do well and win.
Guy Hudson: You mentioned earlier that your intention at nationals is to win but is there a specific time you want to run?
Aaron Evans: I want to run at least 1:46.3 which is the olympic B standard. That's what I need for Bermuda to take me to London.
Guy Hudson: Going into nationals you're going to face guys from out west like Ricky West (Missouri), Charles Jock (UC Irvine), Elijah Greer(Oregon), and Harun Abda(Minnesota). You have faced most of these guys before so do you have any specific strategy for beating them?
Aaron Evans: All i want to do is run my race. I'm not going to worry about what those guys are doing. I'm going to do my own thing and go for the win.
Guy Hudson: You mentioned before that your goal is to qualify for the olympics. Other than that are there any other meets you want to compete in after the college season ends?
Aaron Evans: Yes I plan on running at the NACAC(North American, Caribbean) meet in Mexico. I also hope to run a fast time like 1:44 so I can compete and do well in some diamond league meets.
Guy Hudson: Would those meets be before or after the Olympics?
Aaron Evans: Before, if I achieve my goals for those meets then I would be well prepared for London.
Guy Hudson: Now this is your last college season, what are your plans for after nationals and every other meet you plan on running this summer?
Aaron Evans: I want to keep training and run a time fast enough to get me a professional contract. If it doesn't work out then I would like to work for the Bermuda tourism department.
Guy Hudson: That's awesome, thank you for your time Aaron and good luck at nationals. We will be cheering for you.
Aaron Evans: No problem, always a pleasure thank you.
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