Camarena has represented the USA several times during her throwing career (Kirby Lee)

1. As the top performer in the shot put heading into the U.S. Team Trials with your mark of 61-08.50 (18.81m) set last season, how do you feel after not competing this season and has your training been solid with the meet quickly approaching?

Unfortunately this year, not competing was not really my decision. Just after the indoor season I suffered a herniated disc in my L4-L5, which required surgery at the beginning of April followed by lots of recovery time. During the two months of rest and rehab I was able to continue limited training and tried to maintain the gains I had during my fall training and the indoor season. So my season has not gone as planed, but I am ready for trials and plan to compete the best I can.

2. With collegiate athletes such as Jessica Pressley, Sarah Stevens and Susan King making a name for themselves this season, it's certainly an exciting time in the event. How have they helped you keep sharp along with knowing that there will be plenty of young blood in the ring?

This is a great time for women’s shot put. To have six women with the Olympic "A" standard is very exciting, and the young talent that is coming up in the ranks will hopefully bring the US women’s shot putters to the next level on the world scene. It has always been my desire to see US shot putters gaining medals in the World Championships, and the Olympic Games. It has been interesting this year to watch from the sidelines as these young collegians have big throws. I was lucky enough to see Jessica Pressley’s throw at Pac-10s and wish her the best of luck. We were in the same league in high school, and I am so glad to see a fellow Delta League athlete doing so well.

3. It's difficult to make a living in the sport of track & field, yet alone as a female field event performer. How have you managed to juggle all the responsibilities in your life and how can we better market these events for the viewing public at large?

One of the biggest problems for our event is that there is not as much financial support right out of college. With women peaking around 28-30, the hardest part is to keep young talent in the sport long enough to reach their highest potential. I have been fortunate enough to have a wonderful support system throughout my career with NYAC, Nike, The Home Depot and in previous seasons, Ironwood Throwers Camp. There are certainly ways to continue competing if an athlete has the desire. My first year out was certainly the hardest. I worked an 8-5 job and would train after that. I would spend many nights throwing in the dark at Stanford stadium as well as lifting in the gym until midnight. Those were long hard days but they certainly got me to where I am today, and they made me a stronger person with a stronger desire to compete and do well. One of the best ways to market our event is to support young athletes so they have time to mature and reach their potential. By doing this we will have the talent to win medals and will help the event market itself.

4. Let's go back to the World Championships from last season. I'm sure it's a performance that you'd rather forget after throwing 55-07.50 (16.95m) during the qualifying round. How much did that experience help you strive for what you'd like to accomplish this season?

My competition at Osaka last year is certainly one experience that I would like to forget, but at the same time I am glad I had the experience. I was actually lucky to even compete in that meet because three days before I threw my back out and could hardly walk, but I proved to myself that I could overcome pain and compete anyway. Going into this season I knew that I not only wanted to make the finals at the Olympics, I wanted to medal. With back pain gone for now, I can focus on making the team and hopefully making that dream of a medal a reality.

5. One of your career highlights was winning the 2006 USA Indoor Championships with your heave of 63-02.25 (19.26m) which also established yourself as the number three American of all-time in the event. With the shot put being such a technically sound event, was that the perfect throw for you or was it an effort that could have been much more?

Certainly my 19.26m was one of the highlights of my career, and it’s still a throw I watch on film to compare how I am throwing technically now, but by no means was it a limit for me. As a thrower you can always find small details and ways to improve your throwing whether it is strength, technique, or speed in the ring. I had only been throwing with the spin for 5 months at that point in my career and so I know there is still a lot of potential for me with the rotation. I just have to be healthy like I was that year.

6. How much did your collegiate career at Stanford help shape you who you are today? What are some of your fondest memories as a Cardinal?

I could have not asked for a better college experience. I was blessed to go to a great school and be a part of one of the top track and field programs in the country. Having a coach like Robert Weir was a great blessing because he was not only a great coach but he also had the elite athlete experience that was valuable when I became a post collegian. Although I never won a NCAA championship, I have very fond memories of traveling all over the country competing at different venues, meeting new people from all over and gaining friendships I will have for a lifetime. Track is such a unique sport, especially field events, where you actually get to know your competitors and often become good friends.

7. What is the training atmosphere like in Tucson, Arizona? How long have you been there and has the transition been smooth since your tenure at Stanford?

I have been training in Tucson for about a year and a half. I moved here to continue training with Craig Carter and have had a great time here in Tucson. The weather is amazing year around, except for the intense heat we are currently experiencing, but rarely are we unable to throw because of inclement weather. There are also several other post collegiate throwers training here which helps because we are there for each other and understand the aches and pains of the post collegiate lifestyle.

8. Looking at some of the other women's throwing events, I'd like to crack your brain at who you think will perform well. Who do you see as some of the athletes to watch at the U.S. Team Trials in the discus, hammer and javelin throws?

The other women’s throwing events are going to be quite competitive. I have so many good friends in the events that it would be unfair for me to call out any one in particular. I know they have been working so hard for the last four years and wish them all the best of luck at trials.

9. Now that you're at the peak of your athletic career, would anything short of winning an Olympic medal be a disappointment for you? What are some of your ultimate goals for the rest of your career?

I have dreamed since I was a little girl in grade school that I would one day win an Olympic medal. This year has been very difficult, but I know I have done all I possibly can to be ready in time for the trials. If I am blessed with the opportunity of going to the Olympics this year, I will certainly do all I can to not only make the Olympic finals, but also be in that top three. There are many girls right now who are throwing well, I just hope by the trials and on to the Olympics that I will be able to compete at my best and be proud of all I am able to accomplish. I know that I have more to offer the sport, and ultimately would like to compete in another Olympics. I know I still have potential to throw far with the spin and hope to break the 20-meter mark before I am through competing.

10. What are some of the biggest obstacles you'd had to overcome and what did you learn the most from them?

This year has certainly been the most trying year of my career. From back surgery early on, to other injuries that have taken me out for days at a time, I have certainly had many reasons to just throw in the towel and be done for the season. After every experience I have had, what I learned most about myself is that I can come back from any obstacle. My family and friends have been there for me all along the way and I am so grateful for all that they do for me. I love track and field. I love the environment, I love the people, and I love the competition.