32nd Golden South Classic Donna on the Side |
presented by |
with Olympic champion Veronica Campbell
by Donna Dye
While at the Golden South Classic, I spent a few minutes talking to Veronica Campbell, Jamaica's fastest woman, at her autograph session with the young athletes present. Veronica is soft spoken and petite but very fit, with a great, warm smile. She speaks with confidence and the strength of a champion. About Veronica Campbell She was born May 15, 1982 in Jamaica. She went to Vere Technical High School in Clarendon and then in 2007graduated from the University of Arkansas with a marketing degree. Competitive Highlights include:
We asked Veronica a few questions. Here is what she had to say.
Veronica. My chances are pretty good. In the last Olympics, I won the 200m and I came in 3rd in the 100m and Jamaica won the 4x1 relay which I ran in. I've been pretty consistent throughout the years. I won World Championship last year and I have the fastest time in the world so far this year. Training is going good. So, as long as I stay healthy, I have a pretty good chance of winning the double in Beijing. Donna. We’re at a high school meet where young people are learning to be champions. They train hard physically. But there are mental skills that also must be mastered. How do you prepare mentally for competition? We all can deal with winning. But losing is harder. How do you get over a loss? Veronica. First of all, I am a very positive person. When it's time to compete I think positive and confident that the work that I have put in will pay off. Most of the time I am very nervous. But being nervous is all part of it. You have to focus on what you have to do. It's just all about your lane, your race plan and focus on you and keep in mind that everybody in the race is as nervous as you. So you have to realize that and stay mentally strong. With a heavy sigh, Veronica then looked at me and said, "Losing is hard. But, I think positive and go ahead." Donna. Training, competing, traveling and all that goes with being a professional takes time and effort. While winning must make it worthwhile, do you ever feel like saying no more, I want a normal life? Veronica. No, this is what I like and am doing now. I love the sport. Donna. You're from Jamaica where I've heard track and field is king. Tell us what track and field means in Jamaica. Veronica. Yes, definitely, track and field is one of the most, if not THE most popular sport in Jamaica, along with football. Jamaica is a small country and being so close to the US, everybody supports track and field. Jamaica has a lot of high schools which compete against each other; boys and girls can keep in shape. It's a very popular sport. So it's been very good for all. Recently I was in New York and the majority of the stadium was Jamaican and it felt really good. Jamaicans really love the sport. Most of the autograph seekers also wanted a photo with Veronica. Here, she poses with Decatur GA runners. |