Leach competed in the 400 hurdles at the World Champioships last year (Kirby Lee)

1. During the dual against USC, you competed in four events (400m, 400 hurdles, 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay) which saw you clock 51.69 in the open and 55.37 in the hurdles. What's amazing about the hurdle performance is that it came after the open. How did you prepare for each event with such a short time schedule?

Preparation for this meet starts back in the fall. My base workouts prepare me for a meet like this, NCAA and any other meet that I have to double, triple or quadruple. While at the meet this past weekend, the thought of whether I would be able to run as well as I did, doesn't cross my mind. It's more of a 'just get it done.' I don't really question whether I'm in shape to do it, I just do it.

2. Going back to the hurdles, your time is the second-fastest in the U.S. this season. Did the time meet your expectation? How technically sound was the race?

The time definitely met my expectations. Even though I did the same thing last year, to be able to do it again and run faster in both events shows that I have improved, which is my goal when entering any season. My race was far from technically sound; however, that was not because I haven't been working on my technique, it was more because I was focused on running and winning to get points. I hit a few hurdles and chopped a few times. So given all this I'm ready to run the hurdles fresh where I can focus on better execution.

3. After anchoring the 4x400m relay to a season-best time of 3:34.40, you must have been spent considering it was your third 400 race of the day. How strong are you now for the upcoming Pac-10 and NCAA West Regional Championships?

I'm pretty strong. This meet is a test for the season to come. I'm confident with my performances and I'm also confident going into PAC-10, Regional's, NCAA's and the U.S. Trials.

4. With the regular season for many coming to a close and this past weekend was your opener, what will you work on the most in your training as you prepare for the post-season meets?

Before my training began this year my coach and I went tin with the mentally that this entire season will be focused around the Olympic trials and the Olympics, because preparation for those two meet will only bring about victories in the collegiate season.

5. Describe the atmosphere of the dual meet with USC this past weekend. Many say it's the best dual meet in the country right now.

I would have to agree even though it's the only dual meet I've ever attended. Track and field is already an intense sport given the one on one competition, so coming to a meet where the two teams clearly despise each other adds to the intensity. It's hard to describe. My freshman year it wasn't that big of a deal to me, but when you're there in the moment, whether you're hurt, ill, or whatever, you just find this urge to compete beyond your natural ability and that's what makes this meet so exciting. The atmosphere is extremely competitive, and everyone in the stadium is either for one team or the other.

6. This past summer, you competed at the World Championships finishing 19th overall in the 400m hurdles. After competing with the best in the world, how much did that experience evolve you as a sprinter and hurdler?

I remember my World Championship trip last year my wake up call. Even though I've performed well all through out my collegiate career, I never put in the amount of work that I should have been putting in. When I got to Osaka, and ran my first round I knew right away that I wasn't ready. It sounds bad but I was really a typical sophomore enjoying her summer and I wasn't aware of all that it takes to be a world class athlete. So last year's trip was cruicial for me coming into an Olympic year with the ability to make the team. All of my improvements this year are as a result of what I learned from '07 Worlds.

7. With your Olympic "A" standard out of the way in the 400 hurdles, did that provide you with the cushion you were looking for heading into the U.S. Trials later this summer? What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Yes, this meet was a definite confidence booster, not that my confidence was low, but it's exactly where it needs to be. I know now that I am physically and mentally ready to do what it takes to be in Beijing. So, I won't be going into the trials with the rookie thoughts of whether I deserve to be there. My goals for this summer are no surprise; defend my NCAA title, get on the Olympic team and be somewhere on the podium preferrably at the top, in August.

8. Originally from West Philadelphia, PA, it must have been a thrill for you to compete at the Penn Relays. What was the experience like for you and did you get to spend time with your friend and family?

I definitely got time to spend with my family and friends. Penn was very exciting as usual, although I think it was more exciting as a high school student. I got to watch more races in high school. But, I enjoyed my self at Penn Relays and I still believe it's one of the best crowds to run in front of in the world.

9. Considering all of your accolades earned during your athletic career so far, what drives you to be the best in your event each and every weekend?

To be honest I have no idea. The 400 hurdles is not the easiest race and I often ask myself why do I do this event and why am I running track and field. I would have to say that there is some unknown thing inside of me that keeps me going. Probably because I've been doing this for so long so it's all I know. Plus being here at UCLA, where there are numerous of the world's best athletes, it's pretty hard to settle for mediocracy. So I guess it's because I surround myself with the right people.

10. Who are some of the athletes you look up to? How much of an influence have they been in your career?

Back in the day when I was a strictly 400 meter runner, I looked up to Michael Johnson and Macel Malon. I wanted to one day set some crazy world record in the 400. However, once I got into college and focused more on the 400 hurdles I would have to say I look up to mostly former Bruins like Jackie Joyner- Kersee, Val Briscoe-Brooks, Joanna Hayes, and Michelle Perry.

11. UCLA has produced some of the most outstanding athletes in the history of college track & field. How do you want to stamp your name as a Bruin when your collegiate career is over?

At this point is doesn't matter. To be a Bruin is a huge compliment in itself. I wouldn't be mad at all if I wasn't on UCLA's all-time top-10 because I know how great the athletes are who have come out of this program. It's hard to compete with Jackie Joyner Kersee, Flo Jo and Gail Devers, so to be able to be ranked amongst the rest of UCLA's fine athletes is good enough for me.