New interview with Olympic track & field athlete Norris Frederick
It is not very often you get an opportunity to interview an Olympic champion. Recently The Hype Magazine had the chance to sit down with Team USA Track & Field long jumper, Norris Frederick, a three-time indoor bronze medalist. In the winter, elite track athletes are off training at the Olympic facility in San Diego, California, but we were able to sit down for this interview with Frederick after he finished practice at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments. Why did you decided to train for the 2016 Olympic Games in Seattle, instead of San Diego with the rest of your teammates?
I wanted to be around my home town resources. I like the support I receive from loved ones and my collegiate coach is here to help me prepare.
Like most elite competitors, you have in intense work ethic. What kind of training do you do to get in shape?
There is a lot of sprinting and lifting that happens during my preparation, to help get in shape as an elite athlete. As a jumper you train like a sprinter and you have to get enough speed and velocity to land correctly in my sport.
What inspires you as an athlete?
As a professional athlete I’m constantly trying to improve my craft in some shape or form to make myself better. So with that being said, I set goals for myself and try to do everything humanly possible to achieve them.
Is there any achievement you hold close to heart?
I’m currently the most decorated athlete in Washington State history (5 state titles, 1 Junior Olympic gold medal, 11 NCAA All-American awards, 5 Conference titles) and to be able to say I’m the only one to achieve this type of recognition. It’s very humbling and I hope to inspire not only the individuals in my hometown, but everyone to follow your dreams.
What is your educational background?
I have an A.A. in International Marketing from Bellevue College, B.A. in Informatics from the University of Washington, and a Masters in Marketing from the University of Washington.
How long have you been a part of Team USA?
I have been a proud competing member of Team USA Track and Field since 2004.
What got you interested in the long jump event in college and now professionally?
Well, I was fortunate to won my first state championship in high school and my high school coach pulled me aside and informed me that my jumping ability could land me a college scholarship. A lot of individuals don’t know my first scholarship offer from the University of Washington was from my first love, which was basketball. I actually made the switch from basketball to track & field, because I wanted to be associated with something different than being a basketball player or a football player.
Is there anything you do the night before to help you prepare for a meet?
I usually I try to keep my routine pretty regular by playing video games or watching a movie.
How do you warm up before you jump?
I stay with my normal routine as if I was in practice. In other words when I compete I perform just like I do in practices. There really is not any drop off.
What goes through your mind when you are at the starting line?
My mind actually goes blank and I let the process happen. All I see is the finish line, and all I can here is the sound of my feet hitting the pavement, until I jump and land in the pit.
What is something you do to recover after a meet?
It really depends on the competition. You know the first competition of the season you really do not have your legs under you. So, it might take me two to three days to recover. Some of the things I use are, foam rollers, ice, stretching, and Epsom Salt bath, to help the healing process.
What are some of the sponsors you are currently working with?
I’m currently sponsored by Strideline Socks, which was started as a local company by two University of Washington alumni out of Issaquah, WA. Another one of my sponsors is Asics America, they have been vital in my success as a professional athlete and I appreciate their unwavering support. Sole Pack is another one of my favorite sponsorships, because it allows me to easily carry my spikes around. Finally, Jlab Audio Headphones help me to tune everything out and stay focused before a competition or during practice.
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Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.
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