Interview with Marshevet Hooker

Hooker finished 3rd in the 200 and 4th in the 100 at the U.S. Olympic Trials (Errol Anderson)

Congratulations on representing the U.S. Olympic Team after your third-place finish in the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials. It must have been a thrill, especially after taking fourth in the 100 meters. How have things been for you since earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team?

Thank you very much, it is truly a great feeling to be able to represent my country on this Olympic Team. It was rough taking fourth at the trials in the 100 meters, but I was able to focus on the next task which was to make the team in the 200 meters. Things have been great since I made the team and to be honest I think it is still sinking in on my end, but it is truly a dream come true.

Going back to the 200 meter final, you dove to the line to take the final spot. Just like in the men's 800 meter final, the last spot was determined by a lean at the tape. Have you ever experienced something like that before, where you had to literally dive to earn a spot either to the next round or simply qualifying to a roster spot?

Going in to the 200 meter final, I went out on the track with an "all or nothing" mentality. I knew that I was going up against a superb field, and that it was not going to be easy to make the team. I have been in a few tight races in my career and many of them with some of the exact same women in the field, but I must admit that is the first time I have ever had to "dive" across the line, even if it wasn't intentional. It was certainly a priceless and unforgettable experience.

What's amazing about the race is that the 200 meters doesn't appear to be your premier event, especially after winning NCAA titles in the 60,100 and long jump during your tenure at Texas. During the 100 meter quarterfinals at the U.S. Trials, you clocked a wind-aided 10.76 (+3.4) as well. How do you feel about entering the Olympics competing in the 200 rather than the 100?

I am very excited that I will be competing in the 200 meters at the Olympics. Very seldom do I a get the opportunity to compete in a major meet where my sole focus is the 200 meter. So I am anxious to see what else my body can do at that distance. As with most of us, we all have our specialty but given the opportunity we can do some pretty amazing things in other events as well. Although I did not make the team in the 100 meters, I am still an alternate, so I have to be ready to run, because anything can happen.

Your coach, Jon Drummond, is known for his great start out of the blocks. This seems to be an area that you've improved on the most over the past few seasons. How much has Drummond helped you this season not only in the blocks, but all phases of your event?

The blocks have been an area of focus this year for me and Jon, unfortunately I didn't execute some of the things that he has taught me in the final of the 100 meters, and I paid for it. There are some things I still need to learn, but my start has come really far. Having a coach like him and being able to train in the environment he has developed is perfect for me. I have also been able to learn the art of running, as far as the importance of foot strike and body position -- all of which will play a major roll in my further development and next year when I start long jumping again.

In June 2006, you elected to forgo your final season of collegiate eligibility at Texas to pursue a professional track and field career. Looking back, how much in that decision was valid considering your status on the professional stage right now? Did you feel you've accomplished all you could as a Longhorn?

It was a very tough decision to leave early. There were a lot of things to consider. In the end I felt I had accomplished everything that I could at that level, and knew I was capable to move on. Bev and the University of Texas have helped shape me into the athlete I am today, so I think it was a very valid decision.

Your sister, Destinee, also competed at the U.S. Trials in the high jump. How often do you two converse and help each other out on and off the track? Are there any friendly rivalries that you two like to compete in?

Destinee and I talk a few times a week. Whether we are joking around or being silly with one another, we always give each other advice or encouraging words. We had more friendly rivalries when we were younger and competing in the same things like basketball and volleyball. Our rivalry was pretty strong then. Although now I don't stand a chance in those sports, I still wouldn't back down and I know she definitely wouldn't.

How has your training been since the U.S. Trials? Knowing that you'll be competing in the 200 meters and 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games, how does that effect your focus over the next month?

Training has been going really well since the trials. Knowing that I am competing in the 200 meters and the 4x100 doesn't impact my focus at all. I have run several different relays throughout this season, so I am very comfortable running with a baton.

Stepping off the track, how great was your experience in Eugene, Oregon with all of your friends and family there to watch you? Were you able to spend enough time with them considering your workload at the U.S. Trials?

Eugene was a great experience, it was my first time ever being there. The town and fans were very supportive and very informed about the sport. The hospitality we were shown in Eugene was second to none and the title of 'Track Town USA' is definitely a fitting one. I can't wait to compete there again. To have my family and friends there to watch me compete was truly priceless. It was great to get the opportunity to spend the time with them between races and to know that extra support and love was there. The icing on the cake was when my then boyfriend and now fiance proposed to me during the trials. What else could a girl ask for?

Do you think you've lived up to the expectations that everyone has tried to lay on you after leaving Texas? How much pressure is there to compete at such a high level on the professional circuit?

I haven't felt any pressure. I love what I do and I am happy with my progression. I feel quite a bit of the expectations were based off of what I have achieved in high school and college. So I embraced it and made it my goal to constantly approve, which I am always striving to do.

There is no higher standard than the Olympic Games in the sport of track & field. However, that standard only seems to attract the majority of fans every four years. How can we help better market the sport so athletes such as yourself can be seen more often on U.S. soil to attract more fans?

I think it's important to keep the sport relevant outside of the Olympic years to the casual fan and not just the die hard ones. The casual observer who watches the Olympics this year, may not be aware that there are other broadcasts throughout the year. We see a lot of commercials advertising the Olympic games. Perhaps commercials advertising annual meets such as the adidas Track classic, Reebok Grand Prix and the Nike Prefontaine Classic during other closely followed sporting events or primetime TV slots. It might help to give otherwise untapped 'fans' a heads up on upcoming events aside from the Olympics every four years. The opportunity for people to see more track and field will only create a better environment for the sport. The U.S. is fortunate to have athletes such as Sanya, Allyson, Lauryn, Dee Dee, Tyson, Jeremy, LaShawn and numerous others at the forefront of the 'youth movement' and this provides a positive example of character and athleticism for the next wave of American superstars.

Now that we're in the final stages of the season, would you change anything in your training and preparation as you look back at this past year?

I don't feel that there is anything that I would change in my preparation as I look back on the year. It's not done yet so maybe I will reflect more in October. I came into training this year knowing that I wanted to do everything that I need to do to be prepared to make this team. I have learned so much and wouldn't change a thing. I'm blessed God has brought me this far and I'm thankful for the opportunity to go even further in the future.