I met him where he usually practices, South Campus where all athletes of the university have their practice facilities. He was just done with a really tough workout, aiming to improve his mark from last year and make the Olympic team.
His accomplishments:
Event: 400h
PR: 50.15
All-American
Second Team USA Championships
3-time Regional qualifier
2-time NCAA qualifier
C-USA conference Champion
7-time All-C-USA Performer
Abdi: Richard, how has your season been so far?
Richard: it's been a very depressing season so far. Time is not where it need to be, technique, form, preparation before the meet, everything or none of that is on line, or where it should be compared to previous seasons.
Abdi: What changed since last season?
Richard: I don't know if it's the repetition of the meets I've been going to, I've been to about 3-4 meets this year, where as last year I went to 7-8 meets by this time.
Abdi: What was your time last year?
Richard: This time last season I ran 50.3, where now I'm at 51.4.
Abdi: Thats a gap. What can you do differently now to get back to where you need to be?
Richard: I know for starters, I can run couple of more meets. I can do little bit more strength work, and it never hurts to have more endurance.
Abdi: When is your next meet?
Richard: Next meet, if there is nothing else going on, the USA trials in June 23 if I remember correctly.
Abdi: How do you feel about going into that meet?
Richard: Not prepared enough yet, but I definitely will be, I tell you that much.
Abdi: What's the overall goal for the summer?
Richard: Make the Olympic team. I may not be where I want to be right now, but I'm practicing very hard now and I will have everything straight soon. I have a month left, so that's the timeframe. Keep faith, believe in God and something good will happen.
Abdi: Alright, thank you for time, wish you the best of luck, and keep practicing hard.
Richard: Thank you!
Keep following, interviews of different athletes in different sports will be posted here.
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