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Allyson Felix checks in with the media!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jill Geer, Director of Communications. USA Track & Field
(317) 261-0478 x360  or [email protected]

           In 2003, sprinter Allyson Felix has turned high school success into international acclaim. The recently graduated senior from Los Angeles Baptist High School in June placed third in the 200 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships presented by Verizon to qualify for the Pan American Games August 5-9 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and the World Outdoor Championships August 23-31 in Paris. In her last race this year, the Gaz de France Paris-St. Denis, Felix placed third in the 200 meters. She spoke to the media on Friday via a USOC teleconference. Excerpts from that teleconference are below. For a full bio of Allyson Felix, visit the Athlete Bios section of www.usatf.org

Q: How are you feeling as you prepare for the Pan Am Games?

A: I feel pretty good. Since my last race, I just came home and got some good training in. I’m looking forward to competing again.

Q: Have you made any decision on turning pro yet?

A: I haven’t made my decision yet. I’m just taking everything into consideration, what’s going to fit me best in terms of the goals that I have.

Q: What is the difference between running in an international championship and in high school?

A: It’s just a whole lot more competitive. There’s so much more that goes on. You’ve got to adjust to running overseas.

Q: The decision to go to both of these international meets, you’re setting a pretty aggressive agenda for the summer. What will you do to relax in between?

A: We chose Pan Am Games as a tune-up race for the World Championships. Paris is what I’m focused on.

Q: What are your thoughts on going to Paris at the World Championships?

A: I’m really excited just for the experience. My first trip (for the Gaz de France) helped me a lot. I’ll be more comfortable with the stadium.

Q: What’s been the most exciting part of this year for you? The most frustrating?

A: I don’t know if I can say what is the most exciting. Graduation was a really special time. Some of the frustration would be my performance at U.S. nationals, the problem I had with my hamstring cramping, but it worked out.

Q: Who will you travel to Paris with, and how much does it help to have your brother supporting you?

A: I am going to Paris with the U.S. team, and also with my coach, mom and brother. Having my brother in college, and he’s gone through the NCAA system, it helps a lot. I get an idea of what things like that are like. We watch a lot of video together, and it’s great to have support from him.

Q: Any fun plans for Paris?

A: Not really. I went sightseeing on the last trip, so I’m kind of focused now. We tried to cram everything into one day of sightseeing. It was a little crazy. I was with my dad and my mom.

Q: How the Parisians treat you?

A: I had no problems. I was treated very well.

Q: When you hear yourself being compared with Marion Jones already, how do you react?

A: It goes both ways. I take it as a compliment, and it encourages me because it shows me my potential. But I also want to be my own self and be distinguished from her.

Q: Are you a little disappointed that there was no drug testing in Mexico City?

A: It’s disappointing, because I did run the time (22.11, faster than the current world junior record). But that’s how the rules are, so I can’t really focus on that.

Q: People mention Marion, but Kelli White is having a great season. Are you learning anything from her?

A: Definitely I’ve been watching her the whole season, and she’s been giving advice to me. She’s given advice on college, to get my degree, and to enjoy it.

Q: Why did you choose USC?

A: I chose USC because of their academics, as well as athletics. They are willing to work with my goals.

Q: What do you think about Shalonda Solomon’s prospects?

A: Shalonda is one of my really good, close friends. I think she’s going to be really good. She’s already doing amazing things.

Q: What are your chances at Worlds?

A: I’m hoping to make the final and do as well as I can there.

Q: Have you been working on your start? It seems like once you get going, you’re a tremendous runner, but your start is a bit of a handicap.

A: We’ve been working on it, so hopefully there will be improvement in Paris.

Q: What are you ultimate goals?

A: This being such an important year, the Olympics are my goal. I don’t want to be burned out through my season. They (USC) were willing to work with that. Internationally, other years I want to be doing that.

Q: Is there more or less pressure on you now that you’re out of high school?

A: I think not having schoolwork has lifted a little bit a pressure. But now I’m dealing with different kinds of pressure. But my family is helping me.

Q: Do you ever think about moving up to the 400?

A: I’ve thought about it, and in the future it will happen. How soon, I’m not sure. But I think that race definitely suits me well.

Q: Would you stay with your high school coach and stay in the L.A. area if you did turn pro?

A: I’m not sure yet.

Q: What is your family’s athletic background?

A: My dad ran a little track in high school, but that’s about it.

Q: Given that, what inspired you to start running track?

A: My dad encouraged me to come out, and my brother was running. Watching him, I got a passion for the sport. We had backyard races, and things like that. It was fun for me.

Q: Have you tried to model your racing after any particular athlete? Are there athletes you look up to as role models?

A: I don’t model my race after anybody. I look at people and their strong points in races. I look up to Angela Williams, I admire the way she carries herself. Gail Devers is another one. Their talent and more importantly, I’m so impressed by the way they carry themselves and by their character.

Q: Would you like a career as long as Gail’s has gone?

A: I might have a successful career, but I’m not sure if I want to run that long.

Q: You mentioned that you’re looking ahead to going to USC. What are your plans for a career beyond racing?

A: I’d like to be an elementary school teacher, and that will be my major.

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